Dongdaemun Fabric & Craft Market: Prep Work

The Fabric & Craft Market is really a crafty person's dreamland. You can pretty much find anything there, but it does take a little more elbow grease than going to your local Joann's. The best way to get what you need in a situation where the sheer volume of stuff is overwhelming and you don't speak the language, is to put in some good prep work. With a little preparation and determination, let the crafting begin!

Prep Tip #1: Bring a notebook and a pen
I am a big fan of nonverbal communication. My boyfriend hates it, but in situations where the parties involved don't have a common language, it works. Draw a picture or make a gesture. And don't be afraid to repeat yourself a few times. Persistence, it pays off.

My trusty notebook and pen.

Prep Tip #2: Bring a sample or at least a picture
The best thing to do is to bring a sample of what you want. Bring a scrap of the cloth you want, or a bit of the thread. If that's not an option, download a picture of what you want onto your handheld device. Just remember that the vendors can show you something that looks the same, but it's up to you to judge whether it has the right texture or weight.

Prep Tip #3: Translate your shopping list
Go online and get your list of materials translated into Korean.  Google Translate does a pretty decent job of this.

Some drawing that helped me communicate.

With these things together, you'll be as prepared as you can be! Onward to finding the right vendor!