Only one more lesson before I have to dash home and start madly packing for a weekend in Seoul, far less stressful than trying to pack for a whole year away from home.
I feel like I packed well last year, although it did take me about a month and I must have packed and unpacked at least ten times before it was moving day.
If i had a delorian, here are the things I would tell my past self to pack:
♥ Underwear and lots of it
Koreans are incredibly tiny and I don't understand their sizing. H&M and F21 in Seoul do sell underwear, but in Busan it's a little hit and miss, so it's a good idea to stock up! Unless you fancy wearing holey knickers to school.
♥ Towels
Koreans seem to be able to dry their lithe and nimble bodies with towels the size of flannels. Homeplus do sell them but they can be expensive so take at least one.
♥ Shoes
Again, they usually go up to UK women's size 6, so if you need anything bigger than that then stock up.
♥ Tights
Because as I previously mentioned, Korean girls are all so tiny, I don't think I could fit my arm in a pair of their tights.
♥ Chocolate
Or any other food that you think that you might not be able to get here. This time I brought lots of chocolate (because from experience, nothing quite compares to Cadbury's), porridge, tea and spices. You can get lots of things from the Supermarkets, Homeplus and Lotte's international section but you will be paying a little more for it.
♥ Deodorant
Apparently, not only are Koreans lovely and slim but they don't sweat either.
♥ Toothpaste
I find Korean toothpaste ok, but I know lots of people who don't. It's not quite as fresh tasting and quite gritty.
♥ Photos
Instantly make any tiny studio room feel a little more homely.
♥ Blu Tac
It would appear that Blu-Tac is a specifically British thing. No-one had heard of it in Korea, apart from one of our teachers who had spent a couple of years in England. Without it, you realise how handy it is. And when you use it in class, the kids think you're magic!
♥ Foundation
You can buy MAC products here, but there aren't as many easily accessible places that sell foundation in shades that I could use, so I stocked up while I was home.
♥ Sun Cream
The lowest they do here is about Factor 40, and you're paying ridiculous amounts to rub gloop into your skin that resembles tippex, it's that white.
♥ Things you really don't need to bring: socks, stationary, jumpers, scarves, gloves, hats, nail varnish, most make up products.
Is there anything that you think you couldn't live without?
Comments
Re: What to pack for a year in Korea
From a guys point of view, I recommend bringing underwear. There is plenty here, and it fits, but unless you like tiger print or weird patterns stopping by Marks & Sparks before you leave is highly recommended!
Deodorant is available here, and if you shop online the prices are comparable to back home, but choice is very limited (Nivea, which smells very acrid in my opinion), so if you have room in your baggage throw a few in there.
I disagree with the O.Ps opinion about towels and chocolate. Decent size towels are available here at a good price and Korean chocolate is superb if you buy the 'premium' brand, which is about a buck more expensive than the nasty stuff.
Food wise, you're going to struggle, but if you enjoy cooking at home, most herbs are available here and if you travel to the 'Asian' supermarkets most ingredients required for Inidan, Thai and Chinese are readily available. For Brits though I highly recommend packing some good old Bisto gravy granuals in your bag and if you like it some Marmite or Vegemite.