I did a lot of research before I moved to S Korea but still didn't bring exactly what I should have. I just wrote this out for a friend who is coming and thought I would share my 2 cents on what one should pack.
1. Spices. Seriously- any spices you cook with on a regular basis. basil, cilantro (seeds if you like these fresh) thyme, sage, rosemary, oregano, cumin, dill. Chicken bouillon costs an arm and a leg here. Bring me some cilantro seeds please! Baking soda is hard to find also.
Edit 12/18/2012- at the bottom of this post I have added several online shopping links that DO carry many of these things. Also- look for 'International Markets'. They tend to cater to Induan, Thai, Chinese, and Vietnamese so you can usually find many spices, sauces, and fresh herbs like cilantro and lemongrass
You can get coffee. I get Blue Mountain whole bean at Emart (chain store like walmart but more expensive) for less than it costs in the US. I don't know why every site says coffee is so hard to find. I did bring a coffee press and I am very glad I did because I like my coffee dark and thick as mud. I bought a fruit blender that I use to grind my coffee. Plus I can make smoothies with it.
2. Flat sheets and pillow cases. You can get pillows and blankets here but sheets are EXPENSIVE and scarce and only fitted are available- no top sheets. The pillow cases tend to polyester, yuck. Flat sheets 'cause you don't know what size your bed will be- you can make army corners with flat sheets. I recommend 4 sheets- then you always have 2 to make the bed when you need to launder the other set.
3. Basic med supplies- band aids, antibiotic ointment, cortizone or other anti-itch bug bite ointment, ibuprofen, etc. You can get it here but it's good to just have the first few days when your getting comfortable and don't want to play charades with a dictionary at the pharmacist.
Bring your prescriptions. It's easy to get them replaced when you just show them your old prescription. I've been to the doctor 3 times and they all speak a little English at least.
Vitamins are expensive and hard to find. If you bring me a B complex I will kiss you.
4. Girl stuff.
- Everything I read said tampons aren't available here. They are- unless maybe you wear super size. And they are only slightly more expensive than the US. Pads come in every shape, size, color, and scent you can imagine. I think you could coordinate them with your wardrobe...
- Every kind of skin, hair, and body product and tool you can possibly think of is available here. Including brands you are familiar with. The only 2 issue I have had is that I have allergies to perfumes and many products contain whiteners and I don't understand enough Korean to avoid them. But- there is an awesome chain store called Skin Food that has natural based products that are labelled in English. And- it's incredibly affordable. I love Skin Food.
Do bring deodorant
Do bring birth control (this is hearsay- for better or worse it's not something I've had to deal with yet)
I have had zero problems getting any kind of girl services- hair, mani/pedicures, spa services, like full 3 hour facial with massage, at an incredibly affordable cost. And I have crazy colors in my hair.
5. Clothing and shoes
- First- almost everything I read before I came said to dress conservatively. Bullshit. It's a very fashion forward country. Every style you can think of (except maybe a face full of piercings) you will see here. Plus, as a foreigner you are expected to be a little different. Like a celebrity. I wish I had brought my go-go boots and vintage clothing.
I do dress professionally for work- ranging from very casual business casual to more formal business attire. I would dress the same at home in a school or office. I also mostly cover my many tattoos at work. Mostly. Outside of work I do not cover my tattoos and have had very little reaction to to them. Again, foreigner celebrity status. I dress like my normal punk rock roots, derby girl self and no-one blinks an eye.
- I am 5 ft and 105 pds. Shopping here is like a wet dream for me. It is not for most of my co-workers. If you are over 5'5" and 120 pds, have broad shoulders, hips, and/or big bosoms you should bring everything you need. The largest bra's available are 32/34 B. Shoes over size 8 are also scarce. Winter is very cold, summer is very hot.
- No dryers. I didn't think about this much but it's a huge deal. Many of the clothes I brought did not fit right with out a dryer. Plus- 100% soft cotton items stretched out when hung to dry. Keep this in mind when deciding which clothes to bring
6. Other stuff.
Maybe bring a knick knack or poster to make you feel at home. I brought devil duckies and a few posters. Light weight and my place felt like MY place right away.
Books- there is a store called
'What the Book' in Seoul. They deliver anywhere in Korea, free shipping if you order over 25,000w. Books cost about the same as they do at home. You can order anything. Do bring a Korean/English dictionary. I have had a hard time finding maps of anything outside Korea.
Pictures. I have facebook and skype. I can see my peeps anytime I want.
Electronics. The only thing I could not find here was a digital analog converter to play movies from my computer on my tv. I had a friend bring it when he visited. Everything else you can find and it's better than most of the stuff available at home 'though it costs as much or more. Basic everyday stuff like hair dryers, curlers, straighteners, fans, space heaters, irons, coffee pots, etc are cheap and plentiful. Outlets need a different style plug- your computer will change the current itself so you just need an adapter. Other appliances need a converter or they will explode. In your hand (um yeah hairdryer, fine, be that way).
http://electricaloutlet.org/type-c
7. Last- this isn't packing but I think it's worth mentioning- the cost of living here is about the same as it is in the US. Be prepared.
SK peeps- can you think of anything else?
7/24/2010
Sk peeps have reported that birth control pills are available over the counter at all pharmacies but condoms come smaller. Very much resisting making a joke here. And reminded me that women showing cleavage is frowned upon.
12/18/2012
There are several online shopping places where you can get western stuffs
High Street Market, Itaewon, Seoul (you can get everything in Seoul)
http://highstreet.co.kr/
Costco online (no membership required)
http://www.ezshopkorea.com/
Nice Market (fresh herbs!)
http://nicemarket.net/
GMarket
http://english.gmarket.co.kr/
