Korean Job Discussion Forums

[tumbleweed31]

I am set to leave Wednesday and have just a few questions I need answering. Please take the time to read and help if possible.

1. Should I buy a winter coat and boots here in the states or save space in my suitcase and wait? I will be living in Pyeongtaek and am a short 5'2 petite person. Not sure of costs in Korea or variety of clothing.

2. I plan on traveling when possible, and on the longer breaks backpacking around different Asian countries. What gear is necessary to bring and what can I find once I'm in Korea?

3. To enter some other countries it says I need a visa. Would you recommend getting extra passport pictures here or wait until arrival in Korea? I don't want to be fleeced.

4. How easy is it to find travel and supplimental ESL books once in Korea? Books can be quite heavy to carry, but also a real pain if I don't arrive with everything I need.

5. Does anyone know of a cheap way to contact friends and family from home? This is a question for later but just curious.

6. Anything else that would be nice to have because it is hard to find in the states or things to leave behind because they are easy and cheap in Korea. (I know about the basics)

I'm sure there are other posts like this, but I simply don't have the time to sift through everything. Please send along any useful information. I am just about out of time.

Thanks

[billybrobby]

1. Should I buy a winter coat and boots here in the states or save space in my suitcase and wait? I will be living in Pyeongtaek and am a short 5'2 petite person. Not sure of costs in Korea or variety of clothing.

there's a lot of variety, a lot of it is cheap, a lot of it is ugly. you'll pay more than in NA for brand names. it's a judgement call as to whether you want to bring it. the space it takes vs. the price of a new coat. I brought mine.


3. To enter some other countries it says I need a visa. Would you recommend getting extra passport pictures here or wait until arrival in Korea? I don't want to be fleeced.

get them here, it's cheap.

5. Does anyone know of a cheap way to contact friends and family from home? This is a question for later but just curious.

Skype internet phone

[Qinella]

[happygirl]

5. Does anyone know of a cheap way to contact friends and family from home? This is a question for later but just curious.

Skype internet phone - this is what everyone will tell you that hasn't used vonage. i'm sold on it. i can call more places for less money. if you will be an occassional user, skype is probably good. i'm on the phone at least 3 or 4 times a week, often much more than that. pm if you want more info and a free month.

[OiGirl]

[Matilda]

tumbleweed31 wrote:

[hogwonguy1979]

If you are going to be in Pyeongtaek, then dont bring a winter coat, Songtan is close and you can find a huge vareity of stuff cheap.

[tumbleweed31]

Thanks for all the great information. Does anyone have suggestions regarding the question on camping supplies?

[Novernae]

[casey's moon]

Bring shoes - not cute, girly ones because they have tons of those, but at least one or two pairs of comfortable, good quality multi-purpose shoes that you'll wear to work, etc. Shoes for women suck here, even if your feet are the right size.

Also, I'd still bring tampons and deoderant, although some can be found here -- but the quality and prices are not good.

Personally, I've been able to find western style sheets and bath towels (costco for bath towels, other superstores for sheets), but expect to pay a bit more.

About camping gear... I bought a 500 ml Nalgene water bottle today for 13,000 won (about $13 give or take) -- I'm guessing that's at least twice what you'd pay at home.... so it depends on how much room you have, etc.

I'd bring a winter coat if I had one that I liked. If you're in the market for a new one anyway, wait until you get here.