At some point while in Korea, you may need/want to send a letter or a package. Most likely you’ll also need to receive a package as well. In some cases, the front desk at your school may be able to help send your letters/packages (especially if they are within Korea). Also, red Korean post mailboxes are common throughout the country, and you can mail letters and small packages from these as long as they are properly addressed and have the proper postage. When your employer or the mailboxes won’t do, you’ll need to utilize a Korean post office.
Mailing a Package:
The easiest way to mail a package is by going directly to the post office with the items you wish to mail. Postage costs are determined by weight, and the post office will have boxes and other packing materials available to pack your items. The employees at the post office are usually very helpful if ever you get confused or need assistance.
If you’re worried about writing address information in Korean, don’t be. While most addresses you will see in Korea will be written in Korean (Hangul), the postal system can process addresses written in English too.
If you want to find a post office in Korea, visit the Korean Postal Service website by clicking here.
Receiving a Package:
Receiving a package at your apartment can be challenging until you confirm your address AND figure out your building’s specific delivery process. Many times, packages are held by the security office or taken to a specific location and held for pickup. A package might arrive without you knowing about it. For this reason we recommend having items shipped to your school until you are able to get the process figured out.
While shipping within Korea is generally cheap and quick, remember that it will be very expensive and take a long time for your friends and family to get items to you from home. So, before having items shipped to you be sure you try to track the item down in Korea.
Department stores such as E-mart and Home Plus have a massive selection of Korean items and their international product choice is increasing. Though a trip here may be an overwhelming experience for newly arrived expats, you’ll undoubtedly become familiar with your nearest E-mart or Home Plus shortly after you arrive.
The Foreign Food Market in Itaewon and the Gwangju Grocer are commonly referenced locations to find foreign food items in Korea. There are dozens of similar stores located throughout South Korea that you will begin to discover by word of mouth. While these stores can be very popular beware of the high prices and be sure to check the expiration dates on the food. They sure come in handy in a pinch though.
Costco, which has several different locations in Korea is another popular option. The product blend available at these Costcos will likely be different than what you are used to, but you’ll still find many familiar items. It’s hard to beat for items like sour cream, cheese, chicken breasts and some household items.
There are also some great places to find favorite foods you miss and crave! High Street Market and iHerb all are able to ship to you – another reason to love what they do. Of course you’ll discover your favorite Korean dishes as the months go on – but don’t underestimate the taste of a Nacho Cheese Dorito on those homesick days!