Korean Job Discussion Forums

tumbleweed31 · Joined: 30 Aug 2006 Location: Seattle, WA

I'm coming down to the wire and wanted to know if there is anything that people wished they would have brought with them to Korea or left behind. My bags are starting to fill and I am wondering what is really necessary.

Also, I am dragging along my laptop but am so computer ignorant that I am not sure what equipent is needed there. It has an internal wireless card, but at home I have a modem and router to get it working. Do people usually buy these upon arrival or do most apts. have necessary things needed for a laptop to function properly?

Lastly, I am a big backpacker, rock climber and outdoors person. I want to bring my backpack, harness and rock shoes, but what other gear do people find hard to find in Asia that is needed for traveling. (stove, tent, sleeping bag ect).

Any help would be appreciated.

Smee · Joined: 24 Dec 2004 Location: Jeollanam-do

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=20653

Though I have a wireless card, wifi isn't available in my place so I just use the box LG Telecom gave me. You'll need to buy an adapter---I think that's the name---so you can plug your laptop into the wall. They cost about a dollar.

Mea · Joined: 24 Mar 2006

I'm on my way soon too (well, hoping for December), and for the past few months I've been browsing old threads here... there have been dozens of topics in the past few months about what to bring, what to leave at home, what can't be easily found there, etc. The search function here is not so great, so maybe spend some time going back a few months.

i_teach_esl · Joined: 07 Sep 2006 Location: baebang, asan/cheonan

the most common item ive heard that is a must bring is deoderant. Tampons, if you are severely loyal to a particular brand. these forums may have some info you find useful.

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=20653

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=13160

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=15900

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=3903

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=13160&highlight=brought

Feloria · Joined: 02 Sep 2006

Hiya! I am going to be out there soon too, and my biggest headache has been the packing. I have packed and unpacked so many times-trying to skim down what I'm bringing to decrease the weight, but then there are things I've been told to stock up on cuz they aren't available out there; and of course that adds weight. I've checked out previous threads and they have been pretty helpful, but the way I figure it-I will just do the best I can packing, and just deal with the rest when I get there. I guess this didn't really help you, but I just wanted you to know- I FEEL YOUR PAIN!!

Smee · Joined: 24 Dec 2004 Location: Jeollanam-do

worse comes to worse, people can mail stuff to you.

You can keep summer clothes at home, b/c by the time you get here you won't need them. You can buy clothes here, or if you're attached, have somebody from home send them. I had people mail me boxes of books, since they're too heavy to bring along.

I brought a year's supply of deodorant. I also brought cold medicine, which is difficult to find (well, it's hard to find stuff that works.)

I also vacuum packed towels, pillows, bedsheets, and a comfortor. It doesn't take up a lot of space, especially since I didn't bring all the clothes I own. Bedsheets are tough to find, as are bigger towels (depending where you are.)

I know a bunch of people who bring spices, granola, etc. That seems kind of lame, but if there's food you can't live without Rolling Eyes

stay home . . . I mean, bring it.

Check out the threads in the link I posted earlier. Everything has been discussed over and over.

ella · Joined: 17 Apr 2006

If there is stuff that's that important to you, just pay the fee for the extra suitcase. It's what, $80? Is it worth $80 to keep your life a little more hassle-free for the first couple of months? How much is it going to cost to have someone ship you stuff at a later date, anyway?

Canadian Club · Joined: 12 Aug 2006

Nail polish, tampons (I've only seen Playtex and some Korean brand- tempo??? in the stores), all natural peanut butter, photos from home, bedsheets!!!, condoms...

If you have any particular kind of comfort food (like candy or chocolate), bring some... some brands aren't available here, and some of the brands tht are the same taste different.

Neil · Joined: 02 Jan 2004 Location: Tokyo

Load up on books and magazines, there's a couple of decent English bookstores but they are all in central Seoul, if you're anywhere else you might be out of luck.

I wouldn't bother with any electronics....Korea is dirt cheap for that kind of thing.

Cerriowen · Joined: 03 Jun 2006 Location: Pocheon

Personally I'd say :

Leave the electronics. Because Korea is the most wired country you'll ever go to. If anything breaks, it'll be easier if they can switch it over to Korean to fix it. You can get stuff really cheap 2nd hand.

I don't have any problem finding deodorant, but I have to take what brands are availible, not the kind I like at home. You'll need to go to bigger stores to find it.

In Seoul, you can get pretty much anything except specific brands of food.

My biggest challenge has been trying to buy SHOES. Anything over an American size 8 is considered mammoth sized, and no one carries it. Guys have the same issue, but for slightly bigger sizes.

As far as books go... I usually can't find anything I like, HOWEVER, most of the bigger book stores will order books for you if you know the name. Might take a month to get them, but they will do it for you.

billybrobby · Joined: 09 Dec 2004

Leave your clothes at home, they're cheap here. It's hard to find good stuff to eat so you're going to want to bring a lot of canned food and kitchen appliances.

candide · Joined: 03 Oct 2006

ella · Joined: 17 Apr 2006

No blenders? Are you serious?

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

maeil · Joined: 09 Jan 2006 Location: Haebangchon

I definitely wouldn't agree with leaving clothes at home. I am not large - 5'8" American female, about 130lbs, and I have difficulty finding clothes in my size. Shoes - impossible to find. Everyone's experience is different, however.

What I do advise, if you're worried about weight, is shipping your clothes (they're relatively light) and packing the things you think you want to stock up on. I second the books, and even more so, magazines. If you take multivitamins or minerals, I'd stock up on those too.. they're here, but very expensive.

Don't bring any spam. You'll find more than you could ever need here.