Author Topic: How to prepare for Asia? (Read 5225 times)

melchizedek · « **on:** February 16, 2009, 07:04:43 am »

So, I've never been outside of north america, but I'm going for 3 weeks to korea next week, and I have no idea what I need to do to get ready.

Any advice?

EveofAbyss · « **Reply #1 on:** February 16, 2009, 07:07:52 am »

Ummm...bring a English-Korean dictionary? Maybe something to study on your way there so you aren't completely lost.

superjaz · « **Reply #2 on:** February 16, 2009, 10:27:40 am »

lets see pack a weeks worth of clothes, comfy sneakers
you might want to bring snacks like granola bars or beef jerky
and mini candy or souvners of oregon to give away

onyx · « **Reply #3 on:** February 16, 2009, 11:01:57 am »

Bring pocky, water, juice, soda, clothes, extra socks and undergarments, clothes, everything.

Shorts, board shorts, a bathing suit, a towl, etc.

Negima · « **Reply #4 on:** February 16, 2009, 11:12:33 am »

Quote from: onyx on February 16, 2009, 11:01:57 am

Bring pocky, water, juice, soda, clothes, extra socks and undergarments, clothes, everything.

Shorts, board shorts, a bathing suit, a towl, etc.

No, you don't want to bring food. All that does is add extra weight and takes up space in your bag. Then there's the chance the food you bring could make things interesting at the customs line. If you do want to bring food, just bring some over for gifts.

I agre with Jaz, about a weeks worth of clothes should do. Chances are you'll buy stuff while you're over there so make sure you leave some space in your bag on the way to Korea.
Also, PACK LIGHT! You'll be carrying your bag around for a while (airports, whereever you're staying, maybe more). If you don't think you'll need it or use it, leave it behind.
One more thing I thought of. Check out a weather report of where you will be staying and prepare accordingly.

onyx · « **Reply #5 on:** February 16, 2009, 11:35:45 am »

Matters.

Bring some shorts, capris, uhm.... Pants, sweats, jammies. Etc?

NightLotus · « **Reply #6 on:** February 16, 2009, 11:43:09 am »

bring lots of Oregon-y gifts to give away, then you will have space to bring gifts back!! ^^

Rathany · « **Reply #7 on:** February 16, 2009, 12:57:54 pm »

Quote from: superjaz on February 16, 2009, 10:27:40 am

lets see pack a weeks worth of clothes, comfy sneakers
you might want to bring snacks like granola bars or beef jerky
and mini candy or souvners of oregon to give away

Beef from America canot be legally brought into most other countries due to some problems a few years back. For Japan, I know you cannot bring in any fresh fruit or veg, rice, salt, beef or sudafed. Dunno about Korea. If you want to bring in any food to give you a break from kimchee, you might want to look into it. Any medications may require a doctor's note, esp. perscription.

jaybug · « **Reply #8 on:** February 16, 2009, 05:04:58 pm »

Warning! Do not get into a taxi cab until you are certain that you and the driver agree on where you want to go. Otherwise you may find yourself at a brothel, or rip-off bar. At least that was my experience in Pusan.

Drink lots of Peach Oscar! Weehaw!

Sorry, Korea was the only country in Asia that I have been to, that I do not wish to go back.

Good luck!

Have Fun

Oh, bring lots of money, as you can buy stuff really cheap, and sell it to your friends when you get back. Leather goods was prime when I was there. Now may be electronics and leather goods.

Buy a mirror with the dragon chasing the pearl of power! I still have mine. I think it's cool.

melchizedek · « **Reply #9 on:** February 16, 2009, 09:32:34 pm »

Yeah I'm planing on staying with my friend. I thought it would be a good idea to pack light so glad other people are mentioning it. Didn't think of bringing oregony gifts though, that is not a bad idea.

I hear ya about the taxi, friend said take the bus, it goes right close to where he lives and I'll save about $60

Blackstar · « **Reply #10 on:** February 16, 2009, 09:38:55 pm »

I don't really know about this. But talk to your doctor to see if there are any immunization that you should get

princessmoon · « **Reply #11 on:** February 16, 2009, 11:02:30 pm »

Quote from: Blackstar on February 16, 2009, 09:38:55 pm

I don't really know about this. But talk to your doctor to see if there are any immunization that you should get

I agree. I think my mum had to get a Hep A/B or C vaccine to travel to Hong Kong. I'd say no need to bring food, there will be plenty available for purchase. Maybe bring some medication that you think you will need--antinausea, pain killers, pepto bismal? Well, those you could buy there too. Check the weather forecast or ask your friend what type of clothes to bring.

makichan · « **Reply #12 on:** February 16, 2009, 11:10:27 pm »

I don't really have any advice to add to all of this. I just hope you have an awesome trip!
Oh, and take pictures!

jaybug · « **Reply #13 on:** February 17, 2009, 06:19:39 pm »

Practice using chop sticks before you go.

Or, learn the word for fork in Korean!

Negima · « **Reply #14 on:** February 17, 2009, 07:25:06 pm »

Quote from: jaybug on February 17, 2009, 06:19:39 pm

Practice using chop sticks before you go.

Or, learn the word for fork in Korean!

Metal chopsticks if you go to a restaurant (I'm pretty sure on this)

But yeah, great idea about learning some words ahead of time.

pepito · « **Reply #15 on:** February 18, 2009, 01:39:50 am »

Couple tips

First, photocopy your passport and drivers liscense and keep them in a safe place. A friend of mine was detained in Europe for almost three weeks after his wallet and passport were stolen.

Also, study up on common phrases and greetings.

kom-sam-me-dah - Is thank you

yong-o-rul hahl-jool asim-ni-ka - Is Do you speak English

Also, placing your hand under your elbow while you shake hands, or shaking with both hands, shows respect.

melchizedek · « **Reply #16 on:** February 18, 2009, 02:30:50 am »

Quote from: pepito on February 18, 2009, 01:39:50 am

Couple tips

First, photocopy your passport and drivers liscense and keep them in a safe place. A friend of mine was detained in Europe for almost three weeks after his wallet and passport were stolen.

Also, study up on common phrases and greetings.

kom-sam-me-dah - Is thank you

yong-o-rul hahl-jool asim-ni-ka - Is Do you speak English

Also, placing your hand under your elbow while you shake hands, or shaking with both hands, shows respect.

Oh, useful info

Prince Nori · « **Reply #17 on:** February 18, 2009, 05:56:49 pm »

Fannypack. The thin kinds you can wear underneath your shirt for storing cash,credit cards, passports, etc. Very helpful in case of pickpocketing!

jaybug · « **Reply #18 on:** February 18, 2009, 06:17:24 pm »

I think the word is money belt. I bought one for when I went to Russia, just in case. I wish I had had one when I had to go through the San Francisco airport, the only place on planet Earth I have been pickpocketed.

Prince Nori · « **Reply #19 on:** February 18, 2009, 06:26:41 pm »

money belt! I like fanny packs too >: D

jaybug · « **Reply #20 on:** February 18, 2009, 07:43:15 pm »

Do you have any that go with your lolita outfit?

Prince Nori · « **Reply #21 on:** February 18, 2009, 08:04:41 pm »

NO BUT I SHOULD MAKE ONE!!!!! *____*

uraharafreak · « **Reply #22 on:** February 18, 2009, 08:58:05 pm »

Everyone has had some good advice for you. All I can say is observe, observe, observe. Watch how people interact with each other and try to incorporate that into your social interactions. Maybe even pick up a book about social etiquette and read over it really quick, that helped me big time in Japan. Have fun! Hope to hear about it when you get back.

melchizedek · « **Reply #23 on:** February 24, 2009, 11:37:47 am »

my flight is tonight, wish me luck

Prince Nori · « **Reply #24 on:** February 24, 2009, 03:17:45 pm »

good luck! Have a safe trip =]

jaybug · « **Reply #25 on:** February 24, 2009, 07:47:50 pm »

Bon Voyage!

Now he's in the deep kimchee!

melchizedek · « **Reply #26 on:** February 26, 2009, 11:50:02 pm »

I made it! and the kimchii isn't all that bad

Man of the Public · « **Reply #27 on:** February 26, 2009, 11:53:26 pm »

Bring back souvenirs

Rathany · « **Reply #28 on:** February 27, 2009, 12:03:20 am »

Have fun! Post pretty pictures!

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Author Topic: How to prepare for Asia? (Read 5225 times)