What to Bring with You on Your Trip to Korea

Korea is a wonderful country full of many things to do, exciting places, amazing food to see and very friendly people. Whether you're planning on taking a trip to Korea to see your friends & family, or to teach English for a year, the following list of items will help you come more prepared and ensure a stress-free visit. Remember that when you visit a foreign country, things are often done differently than what you may be used to. The best thing you can bring is an open mind and a positive attitude.

Personal Hygiene

Deodorant

This is one thing that I highly suggest you bring, and that's why I've chosen to put it at the top of the list.

It seems that Koreans don't use deodorant; the only kind I've found in South Korea was the horrible spray kind. Not only does it smell disgusting, but on average it costs 10,000 won (aprox. US $10) for a small bottle that will last a month at the most. If you are able to find stick deodorant, then you can bet it will be grossly overpriced, and not a brand you recognize. Take enough with you to last your stay.

Shaving Products

Although there are shaving products available in Korea, only a very limited variety exists. If you decide to bring your electric razor along, make sure it works on 220v, which is what Korea is on.

For Women:

Makeup

If you have a certain brand of makeup that you're used to, then bring along enough to last your stay. There are tones of places in Korea that sell makeup products and most of the time they are priced reasonably. However, if you're used to name brands such as Cover Girl, Maybelline, or Revlon then you won't be able to find it. There also isn't a lot of selection in foundation and powder shades, so if you have trouble finding your color back home, you'll have plenty more trouble in Korea.

Tampons/Sanitary Pads

Picky on the type of tampon you wear? Bring your preferred type along with you. There isn't much selection on tampons, and they are all usually of low quality.

Sanitary pads are plentiful, there are lots of choices, and most of are high quality. I would recommend the brand 'Magix', there comparable to the brand 'Always'.

Bedding & Mattresses

The bedding sold in stores in Korea is very different from the bedding sold in western countries; the sheets are completely different than what westerners are used to. I wouldn't consider Korean bedding uncomfortable, but if you're used to western bedding, its best you bring it along, you won't see much of it over here if at all.

The mattresses in Korea are extremely hard and uncomfortable. I would compare their mattresses to that of a box spring. The softer, more western-like mattresses are very expensive and hard to find. Hotels usually have softer mattresses, but still much harder than you're probably used to back home. If you're planning to stay longer than a few months, I'd definitely recommend that you have a mattress shipped in from your home country.

Clothing & Shoes

If you're a larger person, in height and/or weight, you will have an extremely difficult time finding clothes that fit you. The only places that supply clothes that will fit a larger-than-average person is in Itaewon (a foreigner district in Seoul), and possibly outside the American bases. If you are able to find clothes that fit, the selection on colors and styles will be very limited.

The same goes for shoes. If you have a larger-than-average sized foot, make sure to bring extra shoes and boots along with you. During winter, boots are ideal, seeing that Korea gets snow and can become very cold.

Bras & Underwear

Ladies, if you are larger-than-average in your bra or underwear size, bring enough along to last your stay. You'll regret not bringing enough. Korea doesn't cater to larger-than-average women, or women with curves, and you'll have a heck of a time finding any undergarments that fit properly and comfortably.

Shopping

You'll never be out of places to shop in Korea, there are just too many!

At markets you'll find great deals on anything from vegetables to clothing. Don't be surprised if the Korean man who just bought a buddle of carrots got them for a price less than what you've paid. At markets, its not unusual for the vendors to give better prices to locals, they usually have separate, higher prices for foreigners.

Big box stores such as E-Mart, GS Mart, and Lotte Mart offer almost everything you'd find at your local Wal Mart back home. Clothing, books, shoes, food, cleaning supplies, toys, electronics... you get the point.

Costco has 6 locations in Korea, 3 of them being in the Seoul area. Bring your Costco membership from home, it'll work here.

You'll probably find that compared to the US, prices in Korea are usually quite a bit more expensive, especially on fruits and vegetables.

Outside the American military bases are black markets for selling American products. Everything you buy on the black market will be 5-10 times more expensive than what you'd pay on the military base or back in the US. You can find almost anything there, if they sell it in the US, then they sell it on the black market.

Money

The currency used in Korea is the won. 1,000 won = aprox. US $1

Around the American military bases, most places accept both US dollars and Korean won.

Credit Cards

You shouldn't experience any problems shopping at stores with your credit cards (AMEX, VISA, MasterCard, etc).

If shopping online through a Korean website (ie. Korean Air, for foreigners in Korea), then you may have some difficulties. Most Korean shopping websites only accept Korean credit cards (ie. Samsung VISA).

The only credit card company that will approve foreigners for credit is Samsung. They will require you to have your Alien Registration ID card, and possibly even have you prove your income by looking at your bank book.