Korean Job Discussion Forums

[the ape]

Hey Im off on the slow boat to China for Chusoeck and was wondering if anyone knows where the best places in Beijing to shop are?. Im after Jackets, Watches, Jeans and Electronics. Where would I go to get a leather jacket or suit made ?.

[Gardimus]

For suits, I bought my fabric in China, I probably payed too much for it, since I got it in the tourist area there. But I then brought the fabric back and had 'Joke Man' in Itaewon make the suit.

The fabric was still far cheaper than if I bought it in Dongdaemun, so I saved a good deal on the suits.

I wouldn't trust Chinese tailors. My father had some suits made there and they were poor quality.

My recommendation is if you want a good suit, do what I did. Buy nice fabric and bring it to Joke Man.

[Curious George]

I just came back from 2 weeks in China. There is a good/cheap market south of Tienamen square that has all those things. Nice thick Northface ski jackets can be gotten for about $25 if you know how to bargain (knockoffs Im sure, but they looked good).

I dont remember the area name but its where the hostels are (Leo Hostel and a few others)and it is a bit under destruction (yes destruction) as they are putting in a new major road. If you look up the hostels you can get a map for the area.

But just go south past Maos tomb and then past the two gate buildings. Once past them you will see a main road, look to the right and you will see it about a block or two down.

[AliNZ]

Also, has anyone got exasmples of other costs and things to spend your money on in Beijing?

[joeyjoejoe]

the area curious george is talking about is called the "qianshi hutong" area, just behind qianmen metro station (away from tiananmen sq).
loads of bargains to be had here, but bargain hard or you will be ripped off, i got a silk shirt ticket price 460 yuan for 90 yuan and i still feel i paid to much.

the "silk street market" has an incredible range of fake jeans, shirts, jackets (leather too, or maybe pleather), bags, wallets, dvds, belts, jewlery, watches, electronics etc. again bargain hard. the sellers here seem to expect higher prices then in the hutong area as they are used to stupid tourists who don't know better.

and whatch out for "students" who want to take you to a tea house or to a "free" art exhibition, no matter how convincing thier story. you may wind up with considerably less cash then you had before you met them.

[AliNZ]

I had a great trip to Beijing ...loved almost every minute of it.

The shopping was amazing - I went with 300,000 won and found it hard to spend it all. I had a ball shopping. I wasn't used to bargaining and when I found out that I'd paid a pittance for a beautiful mahjong set, I almost felt guilty!! It was too cheap.

I loved the sightseeing and of course - The Great Wall was the thing I wanted to see - and have my picture taken on!!