This list is an ongoing collaboration of suggestions from teachers in Korea since 1996. YES, it has been updated since then. It's actually updated at least twice a year. 
Packing for South Korea
There are loads of things you need to include in your backpack when you're about to transplant yourself in another country for a year. There is also something called OVERPACKING!
You would be amazed how many teachers pack irons only to find that there is a different power source over in Korea and they could have bought an iron over there for less than $20.00 or they could have all their dirty clothes laundered for less than $10 per week!
Shampoo is another one... it's heavy, it could explode and destroy all your clothing and think about it, do you think they don't wash their hair in Korea?
Since you will probably be working with kids, don’t worry about bringing formal clothes, the rule of thumb is comfortable casual- as long as you aren’t wearing jeans and a t-shirt, and your clothes aren’t dirty or wrinkled, you will be fine. It is important to note, however, that Koreans are image conscious, and you will be treated with far more respect if you dress nicely.
Korea is going to be your home so even though we are telling you to minimize, we also want you to make it feel like your home rather than seeing your apartment as somewhere to crash for awhile. One teacher says of the things she misses most, "I miss the personal items that I didn’t bring." (Alexandra Wood - Footprints teacher in Korea).
Packing List for Teachers Heading to South Korea
Personal Stuff to Bring to Korea
There are several things you can bring to make your life a bit more comfy. Here is our list of suggestions:
Food Stuff to Bring with you to Korea
It is not necessary to bring any food with you outside minor provisions.
Most teachers are able to find their favorite spices, chocolate, coffee, tea, cheese etc. in Korea. Cheese is limited. No old cheddar, but it’s adequate. If you're going to a smaller city or a rural area your access to imports will be limited.
Here is a list of suggestions:
Girl Stuff To Pack for Korea
Here is a packing list for the ladies who are heading to teach in Korea.
Apartment Stuff to Pack for Korea
When you're settling in, it's always nice to have some "hominess" in your apartment.
This is a list of suggestions on what to bring to make your apartment in Korea a little more homey.
Teaching Stuff to Bring to Korea
Your school in Korea will be stocked with textbooks, games and other materials to supplement your classes with, and your students will be expected to bring notebooks, pens, pencils and erasers with them to class.
Don’t worry about having to stock your school with enough teaching supplies to last 50 kids for a year.
Guy Stuff to Pack for Korea
Guys, it's important to be organized... let's not fit stereotypes here... hang on, if you're reading this you're already a step ahead of the stereotype. Here's a couple suggestions to help you pack:
