Thanks for all the replies everyone! Still have a couple months before I report (Sept 12) so I'll be sure to keep this topic in mind.

Well, I think there is DPReview, too, if I am not mistaken! Yes, flickr is a life saver, but I'd really like the chance to have gone out shooting with you.

kanuck said:
Shigzeo you are missed on the penisula already I wish we had a chance to meet up before you shipped out! Oh well there is always flickr and nikon rumors forum still :)

Shigzeo you are missed on the penisula already I wish we had a chance to meet up before you shipped out! Oh well there is always flickr and nikon rumors forum still :)

I just got out of Seoul after two years there. Kanuck is the Senior member there and has a lot of good info. Regarding theft, I'd not worry. Koreans are very very very trusting people, enough so that they leave their purses on tables to reserve seats. Not jackets, purses.

Crazy, yes, but it shows just how much the threat of personal theft is little in comparison. I have heard of people stealing stuff, but I think because of the monoculture and somewhat strict society, people don't do it as often. I had no issues.

As for prices, I tend to agree with BLCKCAT. Korea is insanely expensive for a lot of lenses if you are in the market for primes. Zooms tend to be decently priced, but not enough to get an edge even over Canadian prices (which on the surface seem expensive unless you haggle). The Won is pretty cheap, though, so keep an extra 20% or so out of the calculator when you look over all those zeroes. Prices include tax, and if you pay cash, you'll get the sticker price for those camera shops.

Many, though, charge waaaaay more money that I'd be willing to pay.

In fact, I found it cheaper to order from KEH, ship it to Japan and then pick it up when I travelled back. Don't buy and send to Korea as you'll get hit with at least 20% customs charges for orders that include shipping that total 150$ or more. Not worth it. I even had customs take something I paid for (earphones) and I never got them.

Lenses: I wished I lived in the States to buy new. Prices are simply the best in the world there. Used market is way better stocked in Korea and Japan though, and you can pretty much try out anything there.

I bought the 24-70 2,8G in Korea for about 5% cheaper than the Canadian price, maybe even less. Good deal. Primes, though: 300$ for the 35 1,8DX before tsunami in Japan. I think you'll have enough money, though, to make it all work out. You don't get paid well in Korea, but you will get free housing. Me? I worked for a shyte Korean company that paid like 700$ a month... and that was good pay for 3-4 times a week.

Enjoy jeju- amazingly beautiful place. Enjoy Korea's Yosemite - very nice, but studded with the grey that is compounded on all of Korea. Look out for soups - Korea has the best soups in the world.

Yes maybe not the smartest thing I have done on this forum :) I have to admit though the number is just a bunch of giberish if you try it anywhere else in the World except in Korea especially without the country code etc. Its funny here in Korea because it is so overcrowded, people (myself included) have to put their cellphone number right on the dash of their car so if you double park someone or somebody double parks you, you can contact them right away to move the car. I guess I am so used to giving out my number after living here so long haha.

Oh and Nikodoby, was that you inquiring with me yesterday on the phone about "if I wanna know the truth and would like a copy of the latest watchtower magazine?" Normally only get bothered from those people sunday mornings at 8am. haha hate those guys...

heartyfisher said:
Probably a good idea to PM the phone number instead of have it for all to see.. :-)

It's also against the forum rules.

I just called you kanuck but they told me you weren't in :^(

Probably a good idea to PM the phone number instead of have it for all to see.. :-)

Hey Silence broken so you are going to do a one year contract eh? You are going to like it over here. Two places you will have to see for your photography will be Soraksan National park and Jeju Island. Soraksan is Korea's Yosemite Park although obviously not as good. There is a lot of great shots to be had in the city of Seoul as well.

The best camera market for used and new gear is in Namdaemoon and Chungmuro. Film and older gear in Chungmuro. The Japanese Yen has made things pricer but still some good deals to be had. The best thing about Seoul camera gear is the selection. You will find everything used or new and quickly in stock. I suspect we will have the 50mm 1.8 G in stock before many other places for example. The used gear is a great way to purchase a high end item at lower prices. I remember when the 16-35mm VR just came out and there was already a used but in perfect shape ssample! It was priced at $1150 instead of the $1400 price tag for a new one back then. Just try out all used gear and bring a flash light for glass inspection.

Drop me a line once you get settled and get a phone. My number is *Phone # Removed*

Matt :)

Well, I wouldn't buy any lens there. I'm American Korean who goes there very often; almost every year. I used to live there too. There are no fake lens as far as I know. I've been to small camera stores in Seoul and I haven't seen any fake lenses. However, they might charge more than what it's worth. So I'd say go to large department store if u must purchase any lenses there.
I don't buy any new lenses in Korea since its bit more cheaper in U.S. But if you do buy from small camera stores, check the serial number in the manufacturer homepage (you have to go to korean website)before you leave the store to check if it's used or not. Also, remember refund is usually not possible unless you buy from large department store. If you're good at negotiating, small camera store can be cheaper, but that's not usually the case.
I think its more expensive there because of the currency exchange rate, especially with Japanese Yen. I'm not sure with other country's products though. But then it may seem expensive since Koreans include tax in the price tag...Do some comparison before you purchase though.
PIXDIX (I think that's what its called), Lotte (롯데) department store, Shinsegae (신세계) department store, E-Mart (이마트) are some legit stores in Seoul...

Oh and photography market in S. Korea is ... HUGE. You'll see almost everyone using DSLR, not point and shoot. I'd recommend shooting bridges at night.

P.S. As a fellow photographer, I couldn't forget to mention that.. Seoul is very crowded place. As any large cities would have, there are many thieves lurking in Seoul. I really want to tell you that you must take care of your equipment, especially in subways. Even a person who I knew got his camera stolen. Watch out for pick-pocketers too.. Hope you have fun and safe visit there.

Good ol kanuck may drop by and give you some pointers.. I think he lives in South Korea.. and knows stuff! :-)

On my trip to the Philippines I was there for about 3 hours at Icheon National Airport.

Sadly to say a lot of the stores there sold Canon and Olympus.

Found some shops that sold Nikon but expect prices to be a bit high, though no sales tax if you buy from the duty free shop.

I doubt you can get fake len's.

But id be careful about who you buy from. Try and get at least a japanese warranty or something.

So I'm heading over to South Korea for a year... how's the photography market over there? I'm sure Seoul is pretty amazing, so I'm guessing that that'd be the best place for me to go to buy lenses. Has anyone been there/live there? Is the product legitimate?