I leave Korea in 9 days! This fact carries a ton of bittersweet feelings. I am very happy to be coming back home, closer to my loved ones. But, I'm sad that I have to leave the ones I've come to love over this past year: my kids, the friends, the food, this country. I have adapted well here and have enjoyed every good and not-so-great moment. It's taught me so much!
But, I digress. My experience can be told another time. :) I'm here to help those who might be in need of some packing ideas~~~
It's amazing the amount one can acquire in just 12 months. I think the amount of stuff I have doubled during this year. I had to send home 3 boxes. Okay, the first box was smaller because it mostly had the gifts I bought. But, today I brought 3 boxes to the post office. One large box contained clothes and 2 medium-small boxes had some books, cds and some clothes to protect everything. I was lucky to bring my co-teacher with me (She's amazing I tell ya! Always willing to help me!) and she explained that the guy in the box-packing room suggested I put it all into 1 giant box because it would be cheaper.
Turns out they measure the boxes by volume, not weight! So, keep that in mind when you think sending 4 little boxes is the way to go.
Anyway, he took everything out of the smaller boxes and wrapped it quick and nice~it only cost me 5,000won! that included the box, the wrapping and his work. :P
I went to the counter with my labels filled out (they want addresses, numbers, cost of items, and a general idea of what's inside) and sent them off! The cost for both large boxes was around $200. I event sent it by plane, which mean it won't take 2 months to arrive! yay~
Another thing I discovered the other day sending a box of gifts home: If you want insurance, it will cost you the amount the items inside the box cost. I averaged all my gifts to be almost $200! Sadly, I did not choose to add insurance to that box. The other boxes are just winter clothes and a bunch of notebooks and cds. Just keep that in mind when writing down the cost of items inside! It might help the keep the cost down, if you really want to use insurance.
Those were the major things I came across at the post office. Hope this helps! If you have questions, feel free to comment. I'll help in any way I can. The easiest way, honestly is to make sure someone who speaks both English and Korean is there to help. There's only so much that can be explained with your hands! :P
Take care~~~
