So basically, this is a list mostly for when I come back... and for those randoms who stumble upon this when asking the age-old question: "What DOES Korea not have?? What do I need for a year in Korea?" Well, here are some answers from my point of view....
What You Definitely Need For Korea
1. AMERICAN MEDICINE!!
As amazing as the Korean health system is, American medicine is by far stronger and more effective (in my opinion). Aleve, Tylenol, DayQuil and NyQuil, and Ibuprofen are just amazing. Definitely bring your own over-the-counter pain and cold medicine. My Aleve and DayQuil were a definite god send during the winter months (which last like for about 6 months). Don't forget your Benadryl if you have allergies or hay fever!! I brought some as a precaution, but it turns out that my hay fever is WAY worse in Korea than it is in Chicago. I think the yellow dust makes it worse (even though it isn't so bad in Daegu). I haven't tried the allergy medicine here yet, but I might if my hay fever gets worse. Vicks is also pretty necesary
2. Deodorant (unless you feel like paying around $8 US dollars per stick)
Yes, they DO have deodorant here in Korea, but it's a bit expensive. And from what I've found, they offer limited brands (Nivea is the most popular one here). In my HomePlus (like the US Walmart or Target), they only have Nivea and maybe one or two other brands if I'm lucky. Thankfully, I like the Nivea brand. But if you're picky, you should bring your own (I had about 8 sticks with me, but I ran through them in about 7 months.... so for a year, I would suggest about 12).
3. Towels!
While they, of course, have towels in Korea... most of them are ridiculously small. If you are like me and prefer beach-sized towels, I would suggest bringing one or two. I brought two towels with me (one beach size) and I use them the most. The CostCo here in Korea does have the same towels as the States, so if you are ok with normal size towels (and not beach-sized), you can just buy them here. Of course, they're about $15 dollars per towel.
4. An E-Reader (if you're a reader like me)
My Kindle has been amazing to have here. English books are only sold at certain bookstores (mostly Kyobo and YoungPoon), but the selection is limited and the books cost about 2-3 times more. With my Kindle, I can just pay the normal (or slightly cheaper) price and have the instant gratification of reading it whenever I want. I can even switch between books if I'm bored. Sadly, I have the version of the Kindle with the WiFi only in the States, but I'm definitely going to upgrade if I stay here longer (which hopefully I will).
5. Undergarments (if you are not the traditional Korean size... which is small)
If you are a bigger girl... or have boobs, you need to bring your own bras. Good luck trying to find it here. I'm sure you can, but the hassle of trying to find any is a determent in itself. You'd have to buy them online, most likely, and I haven't been able to find any while I've been here (for about 10 months now). I'm fully planning on stocking up when I got back for a small vacation. Also, extra underwear is good to bring. Again, most Korean girls are itty-bitty, so if you aren't, you should pack a ton. I know my washing machine destroys them, so I'm happy that I was extra paranoid.
6. Dry packets of comfort food
Jello, Horchata packets, etc. Dry food stays good and it's good to have for those moments when you're homesick... or just sick of Korean food. I would definitely suggest seasoning packets if you like Mexican food since good Mexican food is tough to find.
I'll expand more on the list as I think of more things that I (and future Korea-goers) might need. I'll also have what you should NOT bring (aka, what Korea does have). Right now, I'm hungry, so I'm off to make some food!
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