Living in a new country always takes time to adjust and you will no doubt miss some of the things that you had at home. The following information is not exhaustive, but it may help you in your move to Korea. Careful preparation will help you explore in the world of “English Teaching in Korea” If you would like to implement “Show and Tell” activity, all the items you bring will be a great resource for realia, which will help you teach English in Korea.


Things to prepare for entry

• passport : passport number. is to be written on the pocketbook ( a copy is recommendable and identification of
visa expiry date and status is necessary)

• flight ticket : identification of flight No./ term of validity/ one way/ round trip is necessary

• international driver’s license

• documents : contract, certificate

• 2~3 passport-sized photos are necessary in case of losing passport

• cosmetics, sportswear, cook book, nail clipper, towel, sports shoes, low shoes, slipper, shaving razor, writing
materials, umbrella, emergency medicine, watch, camera, electronic calculator, cassette or CD, electronic
dictionary, book, electronic products(220V), travel guide book, gift, glasses, contact lens, drier.


Money

You will probably not be able to set up a bank account in Korea until after orientation, when you have moved to your place of work. Therefore it is important that you bring enough cash with you to last your first month. Only certain foreign exchange banks can exchange your cash for Korean won, so it may be best to transfer money at the airport when you arrive. There are some ATMs that will be able to access your accounts back home, but these are not

common.
You will receive your airfare reimbursement or settlement allowance for the to-Korea leg of your trip by the end of your first month.


Clothes

A professional and neat appearance is very important in Korea. Some schools require teachers to dress in suits while other schools are more relaxed. At the EPIK orientation, business casual is appropriate. Korean teachers usually wear conservative clothing, which cover the shoulders and come down to the knees. People who are bigger than the average Korean may find it more difficult to buy new clothes or shoes in Korea.

You’ll also want to bring shoes that are easy to take on and off easily. Korea has four distinct seasons with a wide variation in temperature and a varied wardrobe is needed. Summer (June – August) is very hot and humid while winter (December – February) is cold and dry. You may want to have bulky winter items shipped to you later.


Toiletries

You can find most everything in bigger cities, but you may not find the same brand- names that you are used to in your country. In other areas of the country, some toiletries are not readily available. Makeup for skin tones other than the typical Korean is hard to find. Please be advised that deodorant is not readily available in Korea. If you use certain things on a regular basis, it’s best to bring some with you until you can find suitable replacements in Korea. Because Korea has been a highly advanced country in internet technology, any products as well as toiletries may be available locally in Korea and from overseas countries by internet ordering.


Medicine

As with most cultures, good health is very important to Korean people. You will never be at a loss for medicine and unique cures to any of your ailments, but you may not find the brand names that you are used to back home. With your EPIK health insurance, which you will receive after your contract begins, healthcare and dental work is rather inexpensive.


Household Items

During the EPIK Orientation, every EPIK participant should be given an information about his/her apartment by their POE with the basic furniture of a Korean household. This includes a bed, kitchen gas range, refrigerator, washing machine, and television. Other household items may be provided, but you may need to pay some portion of the price for the items. All apartments are heated by a heated floor system.


Food

Traditional Korean food is delightfully colorful and has a wide array of dishes. Bigger cities have stores and large Korean grocery chains are carrying more and more Western food and snack brands. You can find nearby market or small grocery in other areas as well as bigger cities without taking an automobile.
Most Korean people drink filtered water, which is readily available for free from

from water dispensers in restaurants and public buildings. All the groceries sell filtered water.


Electricity

Electricity in Korea is 220 volts. A plug has two connected parts, the end of which is in round shape. If voltage or shape of plug is different, it is necessary to bring proper adapters or to buy it.


Others

For more information on Korean life, Please refer to the menu ‘Living in Korea’ on EPIK home page.