Suitcase Rewind

We got a new foreign teacher at SLP last week.  His name is Chad.  Chad told me that he tracked down my blog before coming here.  This made me realize that I really have no helpful information for people who might be thinking about making this journey.  This is my first attempt at sharing some knowledge.

Knowing what I do now, I would have packed completely differently.  Here's a list of the things that I think are quite beneficial to bring with you on a year-long trip to Korea:

1. A computer.

• I was told that my iPad would be sufficient in Korea, but that's not completely true.  Although there is wireless connection at many of the coffee shops around here, as well as a city-wide connection (which requires monthly payments), I only have access to an Ethernet chord in my apartment.  My advice for anyone who wants to Skype of FaceTime loved ones from the comfort of their own apartment is to bring a computer.  I'm also addicted to faaaar too many television shows, so having a computer allows me to keep up with them while I'm over here.

2. My thickest winter jacket.

•  This place gets cold - and that's coming from someone who tries to endure Minnesota winters in a fleece jacket.  I'm not sure if it's because I walk everywhere here (instead of driving), or if it's actually that much colder in this corner of the world.  I think some of it might have to do with being closer to the ocean, but it can be painful sometimes.  I must admit that I almost left my warmest winter jacket behind when I was packing because it took up too much room.  It ended up being one of my most treasured possessions.

3. Deodorant.

• Apparently Koreans don't sweat the way I do.  Make sure to bring a few of your favorites from home.

4.  A pillow/blanket from home.

• This is by no means a necessity, but it's a great little touch of home.  I was fortune to be provided with a nice comforter and fitted sheet from SLP, but the pillow isn't great.  I might actually go as far as comparing it to a piece of cardboard.  Not every foreign teacher is so lucky with the bedding, so my advice is to bring an extra pillow and blanket (if you can shove it into that overstuffed suitcase).  Just in case.

 5.  Clothing.

• I read many blogs and websites before heading over here and I continued to find two opposing tidbits of information.  First of all, I was told that Koreans are very fashionable.  I've found this to be completely true.  Both men and women in Korea look very put-together at all times.  Secondly, I was told that Korean style is very modest.  This has also proven to be true.  At the time I took modest to mean somewhat boring, but that's not the case at all.  If I could re-pack my suitcase, I would include many of the favorite things I left behind, thinking they were "too showy".  We've got a new saying around here lately, and it goes something like this: "Korea style: Anything goes."

In terms of apartment necessities, most teachers are lucky enough to inherit things such as silverware, plates, cups, rice cookers, coffee makers, televisions, etc. from the teachers they replace.  If not, places like LotteMart and EMart will end up being your favorite weekend destinations.

The Korean dollar store, Daiso, is the perfect place to find other essentials and household items.  It's also great for teaching supplies!

I apologize for the lengthy nature of this post (and I'm secretly hoping that most of you chose to skip it altogether), but hopefully it'll help somebody out... some day.