Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Dev]

I do. I went shopping there yesterday to buy some size 40 men's cotton pants and the three stores I went into were selling the exact same pants for
25,000 won - 28,000 won.

Now I realze that size 40 is a bit rare in Korea, but 25,000 won? That's a bit too much I think considering how close Korea is to China and that I can but similar pants at my Wal-Mart back home for 18,000 won.

The store likey buys the pants from China for 5,000 - 7,000 won (or cheaper).

Another thing I've noticed is that the street sellers in Itaewon are more expensive than over at Dongdaemun market. On top of this, they refuse to bargain. I asked a seller for the price of some workout gloves. She told me 8,000 won. I know I can get these at Dongdaemun market for 5,000 won, but she still refuses to come down on her price.

Oh yeah, and by the way, size 40 pants can be found for 10,000 won at Namdeamun market. I bought two pairs there a few months ago.

Tip for newbies to Korea: Don't shop in Itaewon. Head to Namdaemun & Dongdaemun markets. It might take a little more searching to find what you want, but at least you won't be taken advantage of like in Itaewon.

[VanIslander]

I can't recall the last time I paid less than $30 U.S. on a pair of pants.

It's not gonna break your savings.

That said, yeah, shop where Koreans shop, eat at restaurants Koreans eat at, etc., for cheaper prices.

[indytrucks]

Some of the restaurants in Itaewon are horrendous. Some friends recently went to that Greek place near 3AP and paid 25,000 for kebabs, 20,000 for moussaka and another 25,000 for some kind of dip platter. Plus drinks, I think they dropped around 90-100k between 2 for freakin' LUNCH.

Highway fucking robbery if you ask me.

[tatu]

Definitely more expensive than other areas of Seoul. Its for tourists and foriegners. Suits are much cheaper to get made in dongdaemun: same material and workmanship.

I get pants made there for 30, 000 won compared to the quote of 90,000 for the same thing in Itaewon. The selection of material is much better there too especially if you want pants that aren't suit material. They have jeans material, cotton, twill, or anything else you want. I get board shorts made there for 28,000. Just bring a pair of your favorite pants, choose the material and it's ready with in the week.

[Dev]

[captain kirk]

[tatu]

There is a huge building that stretches along the river about 5 stories high called 동대문 종합상가 . It will take a bit of asking or waundering about to find the places that do the tailoring.

There are shops that have the material and guys that contract to make you a suit, pants,or shirts. I found it was better to first choose the material I wanted for my pants from among the hundreds, might even be thousands of shops that have material and then found a place to make the stuff.

The most expensive material was 9000 for a pair of pants. Find out from the tailor how much material you need to buy first.

[princess]

I think Itaewon is full of cheap-looking junk and trash.

[spliff]

That's cause you're always there. Really, you should strive to exert a little more self esteem...

[Doogie]

Well, some of the restaurants are way overpriced. I went to a greek restaurant for lunch on Sunday and could not believe what a rip off it was. I forget the name but it's the one behind the Hamilton Hotel. I got less than a handful of fries and the tiniest Gyro for 12K!! Last time I'll go there.

[Fishead soup]

[Dev]

There's a great new Indian restaurant on the hill called Taj Palace.
I had their all you can eat buffet for 15,000 won on Saturday. Mighty fine food it was especially the tandori chicken.

You'll find Taj Palace on the 2nd floor across the street from the Foreign Food Mart and What The Book.

Where is this Grand Ole Oprey place? I was looking for it last weekend and couldn't find it. Is it that place with the red roof? I think it's called Honky Tonk or something.

[Demophobe]

Size 40? That's a lot of cloth.

[whatever]

[Fishead soup]