Seoul Packing Lists
Tips on what to pack for a trip to Seoul, posted by real travelers and Seoul locals.
Local Time 12:07 am Thursday, July 10, 2008
Seoul Map
Seoul Map
on January 4, 2006
I was in Seoul in the Fall-Spring. My advice? bring a cheap, warm jacket and as few outfits as possible, because when you get there, you will no doubt see that American concepts of style and Korean fashion don't mix, because they dress 10 times better at all times. Go to Myeongdong, Dongdaemun, &c and get some nice looking clothes! Bring one pair of shoes, because, again, you are going to end up buying shoes here, for dirt-cheap prices.
STOCK UP on medicine. It is sometimes difficult to find medicine if they don't have a repackaged US brand where you are shopping. I cannot stress enough- if you don't have access to a US base, BRING ENOUGH DEODERANT for your entire trip. I didn't believe it at first, when I saw this gigantic, multi-floor Wal Mart with NO DEODERANT.
I used a Canon EOS 10D. I would recommend the same, as it is a bargain since it has been replaced by the 20D. My problem- I brought only a 50mm lens. You HAVE to have a wide angle, you HAVE to. It has ruined my photos almost the whole time I've been here, but I have gotten really good at the 50mm (which is more like 75mm when placed on a small-sensor DSLR). I highly recommend the Tamron 19-35... it is a bargain on ebay or new in the states, but in Korea, expect to pay $300 or more even the CHEAPEST lenses. Seriously, do not use a cheap camera. I would recommend using a 10D as well as a Canon Powershot S60, also a bargain because it was replaced, to keep in your pocket when lugging around the Canon is too much trouble. Also, invest in a decent, light-weight tripod. I learned the hardway that night shots, some of the most beautiful in Seoul, can escape even a decent amateur photographer without a tripod.
It is cold in the winter. Just keep it in mind. Down south, it hovers about 10 degrees F hotter than Seoul.
My personal number-one item is an Apple laptop. I am on tour with three other people. Two have Apples, two have PCs. The PC guy and girl have constantly had trouble with configs in hotels, public wireless access points, &c. It is getting silly. I build PCs and know how to handle networking, and I've still encountered problems on their PCs trying to negotiate a connection from time-to-time here. You will need a laptop, because it is very easy to find a wireless connection in Seoul, and you will constantly want to read Virtual Tourist, or try to find translations for Korean or basic phrases. Trust me, Seoul is overwhelming. Don't depend on your hotel to have computers that even work, if at all, or working internet or wireless, if they offer it. A laptop puts you in control.
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