What to bring??

[Melissia]

I am leaving for Seoul on Monday, I was told that my apartment is furnished. Can anyone tell me things that I should bring and how much money should I bring. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Margy]

Hey Melissia! Congrats on your new job. Did you finally get what you were after? I remember you wanted the airfare included.

When they say your apartment is furnished, will probably mean cooking utensils, fridge, washing machine, bed, closet and TV. They will also probably have sheets for you too.

Hope you enjoy Seoul!

[rhonda]

I'm glad I tossed a few extra things in the bags before I left for Korea. I brought with me a couple of light weight throw blankets, laundry detergent and softner, and some snacks to tide me over until I visited the stores. Also you might want to bring some cleaning agent. My ideal of a clean apartment and theirs was very different. dont forget to bring a couple of laundry bags, the kind you zip and toss into the washing machine, i ruined a couple of shirts the first week i was here because the machines are brutal on clothes. :

[kmossman]

as to money, I suggest at least a USD1,000 to hold you over to your first paycheque. Most Koreans dislike giving an advance. And you may wish to buy some things right away. Some schools will provide kitchen/bedroom/entertainment items but unless is it in the contract.............Even then, there can be a significant delay in getting them.

If you are fussy on H&B items, I suggest bring those items you can not get along with. Local products and imports are reasonable in scope, though imported items are expensive.

If you are large in the clothing department you may find it difficult to find clothes/shoes/etc.

Laptops are expensive here. Often the same is true for electronics - because of the high tariffs, locally made items are artifically priced high.

[Caterinamh]

Some suggestions for those traveling to Korea.

Ladies...

If you are bigger than a size 8 bring lots of clothes spare no expense in bringing an extra bag or two, you'll be glad you did.

Shoes, girls if your foot is larger than an 8.5 US then bring lots of shoes. The shoes in Korea wear fast due to the walking and are normally very narrow. Bring lots of cute flats and walking shoes. I like to dress up so I'm not a big sneakers girl but 4/5 pairs of cute flats will last you thru the year and are great for chasing the kids around comfortably.

Bras, uness your an A or B cup bring loads of bras and underwear. I brought at least 20 to tide me over. I like to look cute under my clothes.

Bring a laptop you will cherish it. I'd also suggest bringing loads of DVDS until you can install cable and make sure you get the Air Force Network if you enjoy English TV. I was so homesick and lonely the first week, if I didn't have my laptop if only for the noise I'd have gone crazy.

Money.. bring as much as you can to tide you over. You will want to have a comfortable living standard so at least $1000 USD is suggested. You can survive on less but you will be crying before payday if you like to go out or eat western food. Koreans seem to put PORK in everything. I don't eat Pork so this was a big challenge. Having the extra money helped to eat in Western places like KFC or MD until I found the right grocery stores and resturants locally.

At times your fellow co workers will not know they may even be new themselves so having some since of indepency is vital.

Be prepared to get sick. I was in the hospital at the International clinic twice with a horrible case of flu and then a hacking cough that decided to move to my lungs. The school hadn't processed the insurance yet so I had to pay out of pocket at the rate of $342.00 plus the med's to get better. I wasn't the only one the other teachers who had just arrived experienced the same. I think it started from the yellow dust which arrives in early Spring.

Bring a large bottle of Ibrophen and maybe some sleeping pills, flu med's anything to make your comfortable in case you get sick.

Depending on where you are at.. Korea has most everything. I was in Seoul and found most of what I needed for my home at GrandMart or Walmart even on the street.

I hope this helps.