With experience living in Korea as a size 10-14 (US), I know it can be hard to find clothes that fit. Though their are some foreign stores like H&M that have bigger sizes, a lot of their clothes are still geared toward Koreans in Korean sizes.
If you want to find some good clothes that fit, and don't break the bank, try station shopping. Station shopping is shopping in train stations that often have shops of some sort. While many stops just have a convenience store, and/or make-up shop, there are several that are larger and include several underground shops. Some great stations to check out are Gangnam Stn., Samseong Stn., and Jamsil Stn. are all rather decent places. Yeongdeundpo Stn. is actually the biggest and best underground shopping that I've found in Seoul, and I often went shopping there.
For above ground shopping Dondaemun is not only the most famous, but a place full of options. From $5 shops to $500 dollar departments. If you have a little extra time and money, make it an all day shopping trip here.
If you happen to be in Bundang (just outside Seoul) visit the 2100 Outlet next to Migeum Stn. There are also several shops along the street that are cheaper and have a range of clothes.
If you live closer to Incheon, try Bupyeong Stn. Whether it's above or underground there are shops everywhere with plenty of options in price and type.
Have fun and don't buy anything you don't like. You can always find something better later.
Also, don't worry about taking make-up to Korea. South Korea is the home to the original BB Cream. It's very light and much healthier for your skin than American/French make-ups.
If you need a good moisturizer, check out The Saem. They have a line called See&Saw which uses echinacea and I've used all products in the line: they work ;)
Showing posts with label clothes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label clothes. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Friday, May 14, 2010
What to bring
After talking with friends and other teachers in Korea, I've learned that there are some essentials that you may want to take with you along with and besides the basics.
Though it is obvious you will need to take some shoes and clothing, many people may not realize that in places like Korea and Japan the shoe and clothing sizes tend to run on the smaller end of the scale, especially for women. As far as clothing goes, if you are a woman and wear sizes bigger than large, over size 12 pants (US), or wear shoes bigger than size 9 (US) then you will want to pack all the clothes you will need for a year. Also, it is good to have at least two pairs of sneakers and dress shoes, and some sandals. For women again, don't forget to pack extra bras!
Some items you may decide to buy when you arrive; however, there are some items, that I have been instructed, that you may want to buy and stock up on before going to Korea. Such things as: deodorant, tampons (apparently Korean ones are no good), perfume/cologne, chap stick, toothpaste (this is a necessity), sunscreen, and make-up items like face cleansers you like (the brands at home will be much more there), mascara, and eyeliner. The items in bold are ones you will definitely want to take with you in bulk. Deodorant seems to be the biggest one that I've heard though; I even have been requested to bring some extra over for my friends there. As far as make-up, the mascara and eyeliners in Korea aren't quite as good as what you can get at home. However, as far as other make-up, Korean make-up products are quite good and a lot of things that are popular now, like BB Cream, originated there. So, unless you need special products for your skin, you can leave that off the list.
Most things you need you will be able to find in Korea, but if you like certain brands (especially of items listed above) you will want to think ahead. You can't always find what you want abroad.
Prices in Korea are lower than the US and taxes are already built into the price, so shopping and eating in Korea is fine. However, if you want American brands be prepared to pay the same or more as you would at home.
Some other things you may need for your living are pillows, sheets, and blankets. These are not often provided and may cost up to $100 if you buy in Korea. However, since you may not want to clog your luggage with sheets, just be prepared with money to buy them.
These are all the items I was told about from 4 sources living in Korea. When I arrive I may be able to find more, or even less :P
If you get a job in Seoul, it is possible to find places like Forever 21 and such. Therefore, it is possible to find larger sizes. However, outside of Seoul, be prepared to only find small sized clothes and shoes.
Though it is obvious you will need to take some shoes and clothing, many people may not realize that in places like Korea and Japan the shoe and clothing sizes tend to run on the smaller end of the scale, especially for women. As far as clothing goes, if you are a woman and wear sizes bigger than large, over size 12 pants (US), or wear shoes bigger than size 9 (US) then you will want to pack all the clothes you will need for a year. Also, it is good to have at least two pairs of sneakers and dress shoes, and some sandals. For women again, don't forget to pack extra bras!
Some items you may decide to buy when you arrive; however, there are some items, that I have been instructed, that you may want to buy and stock up on before going to Korea. Such things as: deodorant, tampons (apparently Korean ones are no good), perfume/cologne, chap stick, toothpaste (this is a necessity), sunscreen, and make-up items like face cleansers you like (the brands at home will be much more there), mascara, and eyeliner. The items in bold are ones you will definitely want to take with you in bulk. Deodorant seems to be the biggest one that I've heard though; I even have been requested to bring some extra over for my friends there. As far as make-up, the mascara and eyeliners in Korea aren't quite as good as what you can get at home. However, as far as other make-up, Korean make-up products are quite good and a lot of things that are popular now, like BB Cream, originated there. So, unless you need special products for your skin, you can leave that off the list.
Most things you need you will be able to find in Korea, but if you like certain brands (especially of items listed above) you will want to think ahead. You can't always find what you want abroad.
Prices in Korea are lower than the US and taxes are already built into the price, so shopping and eating in Korea is fine. However, if you want American brands be prepared to pay the same or more as you would at home.
Some other things you may need for your living are pillows, sheets, and blankets. These are not often provided and may cost up to $100 if you buy in Korea. However, since you may not want to clog your luggage with sheets, just be prepared with money to buy them.
These are all the items I was told about from 4 sources living in Korea. When I arrive I may be able to find more, or even less :P
If you get a job in Seoul, it is possible to find places like Forever 21 and such. Therefore, it is possible to find larger sizes. However, outside of Seoul, be prepared to only find small sized clothes and shoes.
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