What To Pack For Korea

South Korea is one of my favorite countries in the world to travel. I can 1000% guarantee The Land of The Morning Calm is amazing in all seasons. You’ll encounter festivals, special events, and much more. In this ultimate Korea packing list, you’ll know what to pack for Korea, what to wear in Korea, and how to dress in South Korea.

Blog Posts You Might Like

• 100 Things To Do in Seoul
• The Ultimate Five Day Seoul Itinerary
• The Ultimate Guide To Spring in Korea
• The Ultimate Guide To Summer in Korea
• The Ultimate Guide To Autumn in Korea
• The Ultimate Guide To Winter in Korea
• The Ultimate Solo Female Travel Guide For Korea

How To Book A Flight To Korea

High season to travel to Korea is from June to July and that is usually when the tickets are most expensive. The cheapest month to fly to South Korea is in March. A flight to South Korea from Los Angeles is typically about 13 hours and 30 minutes.

Get Travel Insurance

A common question I get is what do I need to travel to South Korea? One thing I always recommend is travel insurance. Life throws curveballs. Flights get canceled. You get sick. There’s a family emergency. I highly recommend using World Nomads Travel Insurance which you can book here. With the World Nomads Travel Insurance, you can expect:

1. Trip Cancelation – This benefit helps you recover non-refundable, pre-paid trip costs when you have to cancel your trip for a covered reason, including for an unexpected sickness that keeps you from traveling.
2. Emergency Medical – If you get sick with COVID-19 or another illness, you can get diagnostic tests to confirm your case and other emergency medical benefits.
3. Medical Evacuation – If you’re in an inadequate medical facility, our plans have benefits that can arrange a transfer to a hospital capable of treating your medical needs.
4. Trip Interuption – This section helps you get reimbursed for a one-way, economy-class ticket home and any pre-paid, unused portions of your trip for a covered reason.
5. Trip Delay – If your travels are delayed at least six hours by a covered event, you could get reimbursed for meals, hotels and other basic expenses.

If this plan isn’t for you then you can check out the different travel insurance plans World Nomads offers here.

COVID-19 TRAVEL UPDATES

Because of the world pandemic, restrictions and regulations vary country by country. Korea is no different. For all my American counterparts wanting to travel, make sure you check the official US Embassy Korea travel page for all current updates regarding travel to and from South Korea. For everyone else reading this, I also highly recommend you check your country’s official embassy page for up to date travel information.

What To Pack For Korea

If you’re just looking for the basics, here is my list of things you shouldn’t forget. This is my essential packing list for Korea. These are the best things to bring to Korea so you’re not scrambling.

• Korea travel adapter – Korea uses 220V plugs. You’re going to need a travel adapter to charge your electronics. If you forget, you can easily find some at Daiso for 5,000 won.
• Unlocked phone – You can book a sim card here. Alternatively, if you don’t have an unlocked phone, you can also use this portable wifi router.
• USB power strip – This is great for charging multiple electronics at once. It also helps you save space in your bag.
• Air Filter Mask – I recommend you bring masks to filter out air impurities. The air pollution in Korea is bad, but on its worst days can be just as bad as China.
• Travel Insurance – Accidents happen anywhere. Give yourself the peace of mind you need to travel safely and without worries.  I personally recommend World Nomads Travel Insurance for your trip to South Korea. 
• Toothpaste – Korean toothpaste sucks PERIODT. Bring your own from home.
• Important documents – Bring any important medical documents in case something happens.
• International Driver’s License (IDP) – If you rent a car in Korea, you will need an IDP. You should get yours from AAA here.
• Passport – This should be a given, but please don’t forget it. Make a copy of your passport and hide it in your suitcase and leave one on your fridge at home.
• Credit/Debit Cards – There are ATMs all over Korea and most places accept credit cards.
• Medication – Don’t forget your important medicine because I guarantee it will be a nightmare for you to navigate the hospital and then go to a pharmacy to try and get it.

Worried About The Korean Language Barrier?

If you’re worried about communicating in South Korea, I have a few solutions to this debacle ranging from free to paid. These are all things I’ve used and tested myself so you know you won’t be getting crap. Traveling to Korea doesn’t have to be scary because there’s always a way around every problem.

1. Google Traslate – This is a FREE app. You can also take photos of signs and Google will translate. 
   Google Translate for iPhone | Google Translate for Android
2. Naver Dictionary– This dictionary is more precise than Google translate because it was made by Koreans for Koreans to use as a language learning tool for English.
   Naver Dictionary for iPhone | Naver Dictionary for Android
3. Papago – When I was studying Korean with KIIP, I often used this app to help me translate difficult sentences and phrases so I could make sense of them.
   Papago for iPhone | Papago for Android
4. 90 Day Korean – If you’re a superstar and are planning for this trip months in advance, check out 90 Day Korean. They have a FREE hangul cheat sheet.Their goal for you is after 90 days of lessons, you’ll be able to have three minute conversation with a native speaker of Korean.
5. How To Learn Korean Easily – This blog post covers all the resources I used to learn and study Korean. You’ll get a list of my favorite tools, websites, books, and apps.

Get a Physical SIM Card in South Korea

One of my favorite things about South Korea is the internet is insanely fast with free Wifi everywhere. Despite this, I recommend you purchase a sim card to connect to subway Wifi. You can easily book a South Korea sim card here. There’s options ranging from one day to thirty days. In addition, most sim cards come with unlimited data and an optional phone number if you need that as well.

Get An E-Sim Card for South Korea

One of the coolest things I discovered in my travels is the beauty of an E-Sim card. Why is it so great? You don’t have to pick up an actual physical sim card. It gets downloaded directly to your phone and is activated immediately. This works best if your phone is unlocked. You can purchase an E-sim card for Korea here.

Get Pocket Wifi

If your phone is locked and you’re unable to switch the sim cards out, the next best option is to rent pocket wifi. This is also great if you’re traveling with a friend or have multiple devices to connect. You can easily book pocket wifi here.

Book The Discover Seoul Pass

The best way to budget travel around Seoul is by getting the Discover Seoul Pass. It doubles as a TMoney card which you can use on public transport like subways, buses and taxis. You can load it in any convenience store and train station. It comes in increments of 24, 48, and 72 hours. The pass gives you free entrance into Korea’s top attractions such as:

• Gyeongbokgung
• Changdeokgung
• Deoksugung
• Jongmyo Shrine
• National Museum of Korea
• Free hanbok rental at Hanboknam
• N Seoul Tower Hanbok culture experience center
• Seoul Bike Rental
• 63 Observatory & Aquarium (you can see a mermaid show here)
• CoEx Aquarium
• Namsangol Hanok Village
• Lotte World Adventure
• E-Land Cruise
• Seoul City Tour Bus
• SK Telecom 1 Day sim card
• FREE Ride on the AREX (airport train from Incheon)
• Plus exclusive discounts!

I guarantee a bunch of these will be on your itinerary so why not take advantage of something so amazing? Book your Discover Seoul Pass here.

Helpful Korean Travel Phrases

1. 안녕하세요 (ahn-nyung-ha-se-yo) — Hello
2. 제 이름은 _____ (jeh  ee-reum-un _____)— My name is _____
3. 진짜요? (jin-jja-yo?) — Really?
4. 재미있어요 (jeh-mi-eess-uh-yo)— It’s fun
5. 화이팅! or 파이팅!(hwa-ee-ting! orpa-ee-ting!) — Fighting!
6. 안녕히 계세요(ahn-nyung-hee  geh-seh-yo) Goodbye (you’re leaving)
7. 안녕히 가세요 (ahn-nyung-hee gah-seh-yo)— Goodbye (you’re staying)
8. 감사합니다 (gam-sa-ham-ni-da) —Thank you
9. 잠시만요 (jam-shi-mahn-yo) — Excuse me / Wait a moment
10. 죄송합니다 (jweh-sung-hap-nee-da)/ 미안합니다 (mi-ahn-hap-nee-da)— I’m sorry
11. 괜찮아요 (gwaen-chanh-ah-yo) — It’s okay
12. 화장실이 어디예요? (hwa-jang-shil-ee  uh-di-eh-yo?)— Where is the bathroom?
13. 여기요 (yuh-gi-yo) — Over here
14. 주세요 (ju-seh-yo) — Please give
15. 메뉴 주세요 (meh-nyu  ju-seh-yo)— Menu, please
16. 얼마에요? (uhl-mah-eh-yo?)— How much is it?
17. 한국말 잘 못해요 (hahn-guhk-mal jal moht-heh-yo)— I don’t speak Korean well
18. 영어 할 수 있어요? (yung-uh hal su-eet-suh-yo?) — Do you speak English?
19. 천천히 말씀해 주세요 (chun-chun-hee  mal-sseum-heh ju-seh-yo)— Please speak slowly
20. 맥주 한 잔 주세요(make-ju han-jan ju-seh-yo)—One beer please

Where To Stay in Seoul

There are so many amazing places to stay in Seoul. To get the best rates, I recommend using booking.com. Also, check out my complete guide on the best neighborhoods to stay in Seoul. You’ll get accommodations for every budget. What’s more, is you’ll know exactly what each area offers and how it will vibe with your personality. However, if you’re in a hurry, here is a quick guide to Seoul’s best neighborhoods:

• Gangnam– For luxury travelers.
• Hongdae– For budget travelers, night life goers, and cheap but delicious food connoisseurs.
• Insadong– For the travelers who love culture and unique Korean experiences.
• Itaewon– For travelers who don’t want to stray far from the comforts of home.
• Jamsil– For families and low key travelers.
• Myeongdong– Travelers who love shopping will find this is the best neighborhood for Korean food, skincare, and clothes.

Best Seoul Accommodations

• Park Hyatt Seoul– The Park Hyatt Seoul is a luxurious 5-star property in Gangnam that comes with an indoor heated pool, a top-floor gym and spa, as well as free WiFi throughout its grounds. The property is about a minute walk from Samseong Subway Station (Line 2).
• Amanti Seoul Hotel– Conveniently located near Exit 1 of Hongik University Subway Station (Line 2, Airport Railroad and Gyeongui-Jungang Line), Amanti Seoul houses a seasonal outdoor pool and a free-access fitness center. WiFi is available in public areas.
• Kimchee Seoul Guesthouse – Kimchee Hongdae Guesthouse is in Seoul’s entertainment and arts district, a convenient 15-minute walk from Hongik Univ subway station. It provides a 24-hour common kitchen and free Wi-Fi throughout the entire hotel. Just an FYI, Kimchee Guesthouse is the cheapest of all these options and it has great reviews.

How To Dress in Korea

I feel like it is my duty as your internet madre and Korea travel expert to address how to dress in Korea. I hate I even have to write this because even though we’re in 2023, women still need to be wary of how they dress so they don’t get preyed upon by shitty men. This will be a quick 411 on what to wear in Seoul.

In Korea, it’s not acceptable to wear tops showing cleavage or shoulders. Granted, many Korean and foreign women are also saying “eff this” and wearing what they want.

However, be aware if you disregard the conservative norms, this will give many men a license to do whatever they want to you. I was grabbed through a window in a cafe because I was wearing a cute spaghetti top dress. After the unfortunate incident, I started wearing jean jackets over my spaghetti tops.

I thought I would add even swimsuits are made conservative because most Koreans wear rash guards over them.

A general rule of thumb is wear your shorts, skirts, and dresses as short as you’d like, but cover up them shoulders and ta-tas.

What To Bring To Korea From America

If you’re wondering what to bring to Korea from America, I suggest bringing the majority of your clothes if you’re above a US size 6 and wear a shoe size above a US size 8. In South Korea, anything above a size 6 is considered “plus size.” There are very few stores in South Korea that cater to sizes above that. If you’re wondering where to go shopping in Seoul if you’re plus size, check out my video here.

Some American products not available in Korea are a good deodorant (Asians in general don’t have the gene that makes them stink when they sweat so they don’t need it), curly hair products, and super light and tan to dark foundation shades.

Although Seoul is well-connected with public transport, there’s still a lot of walking to be done. Leave your cute shoes at home because Korean side walks will destroy them.

Basic Clothing Packing List

Here you’ll find a list of things that should already be in your suitcase, but I’m here to remind you just in case. Although no underwear may be more fun, I don’t recommend going commando in Korea. What to pack for a trip to Korea:

• T-shirts
• Skirts
• Dresses
• Underwear
• Toiletries
• Socks
• Comfortable sneakers (these are my favorite go to sneakers)

What To Pack For Korea in Winter

If you’re wondering what to pack for Seoul in winter, then this list should help you out. As you can see, I wore a lot of fleece lined tights, warm sweaters, oversized jackets, and skirts. If you’d like to know what to do in Korea during winter, check out my Ultimate Guide to Winter in Korea here.

Weather in Korea in Winter

Winter is one of the most polluted seasons in South Korea. A lot of factories work overtime which contributes to very high air pollution. The coldest month in Korea is typically January where temperatures fall between -6 Celsius and – 3 Celsius (21 Fahrenheit – 37 Fahrenheit). It can drop below -10 (14 Fahrenheit). Wear a long padded jacket to keep your legs warm. It rarely snows in Seoul; however, in 2021, it snowed quite a bit. Now without further adieu here’s what to wear in winter in Korea.

Korea Winter Packing List

• A warm jacket or padded jacket
• Sweaters
• Turtle Neck Sweater
• Long sleeve shirts
• Pants and skirts
• Fleece lined tights
• Sweater Dresses
• Thick socks
• Sneakers and boots
• Hats, gloves, scarves
• Hot packs (I highly recommend getting reusable ones like this you can microwave here.)

What To Pack For Korea in Spring

Wondering what to wear for spring in Korea? Spring in Korea is a fun time to be alive. Sadly, this is also a time where the yellow dust is at it’s worst. What to bring to Korea during spring? Make sure you have a mask that filter the air. Spring in Korea brings flower festivals, cherry blossoms, and much better weather. During this time, I’m wearing everything pink as well as cute dresses and skirts. If you’d like to know what to do in Korea in spring, then check out my Ultimate Guide to South Korea in Spring here.

Weather in Korea in Spring

Average temperatures in spring range between 7 Celsius (44 Fahrenheit) and 18 Celsius (63 Fahrenheit). March in Korea is very chilly because of the cold wind and the cries of a waning winter. It starts to warm up at the end of March. Just be aware that in April and May, the temperature drops considerably at night making it very chilly. Below you’ll find my perfect list on what to wear in spring in Korea.

Korea Spring Packing List

• Dresses
• Skirts
• Jean Jacket
• Heavy jacket and a light jacket (the temperature fluctuates a lot during this time of year)
• Light sweaters and sweatshirts
• Jeans

What To Pack For Korea in Summer

Summer in Korea is the one time of year the air pollution clears and you’re able to see blue skies. Rainy season comes in July which helps clean the air. Wondering what to wear in Korea in summer? During this time, I’ll wear cute summer dresses, two piece outfits, and oversized jean jackets. If you’d like a full itinerary of what to do during summer in Korea, check out my Ultimate Guide To Summer in Korea here.

What to wear in summer in Korea? My summer outfit in Korea usually consisted of short shorts and a t-shirt when I was just dressing casual. I also did wear spaghetti strap dresses with either a t-shirt under or a jean jacket over because it got really cold on the subway.

Weather in Korea in Summer

Temperatures in Korea in summer soar to a sweltering 32 Celsius (90 Fahrenheit). You will be as one with the swass as Yoda is with the Force. Summer break in Korea starts around mid July until the end of August, so if you’re traveling during that time, there will be an influx of students and families everywhere.

Summer in Korea is from June to August. It is usually very hot and humid. During July, it rains a lot which makes it feel more hot and sweltering during August with high humidity. Two thirds of Korea’s annual rainfall occurs in summer. The hottest months in Korea are July and August. August gets up to 29 Celsius – 32 Celsius but can feel even hotter because of the humidity.

Korea Summer Packing List

• Sandals
• Shorts
• Tank Tops
• Jean Jacket
• Swimsuits
• Sunglasses
• Hats
• Sunscreen
• Mosquito Repellant
• Handheld Fan
• Mini Umbrella

What To Pack for Korea in Autumn

Autumn is my favorite season in Korea. The temperatures are just right and it’s the perfect time to show off my fall fashion. I love all the fall festivals in Korea. I have a complete guide on what to do in Autumn in Korea so you know the best places to go, what to eat, and what to do. For outfit inspiration and what I typically wear from September to November in Korea, check out my blog post on What to Wear in Fall in Korea. You’ll especially get the best tips on what to wear in Korea in October.

Weather in Korea in Autumn

Fall in Korea is during the months of September, October, and November. The temperatures range from 20 Celsius (68 Fahrenheit) going down to 10 Celsius (50 Fahrenheit) toward the end of the season. September is still very hot and humid. October is the perfect time to visit Seoul. Average temperatures during the day range at 20 Celsius (68 Fahrenheit) and 8 Celsius (49 Fahrenheit) at night.

Korea Autumn Packing List

• Light Cardigans
• Sweaters
• Turtle Neck Sweater
• Scarves
• Hats
• Motorcycle Jacket
• Skinny jeans | 90s Jeans | Flare Jeans
• Light tights
• Long Sleeved Dresses

Now you’re an expert on what to pack for Korea and exactly what to bring to South Korea. I hope this Korea packing list will guide you in the best way possible. Visiting the Land of the Morning Calm is a great experience for all Kpop, Kdrama, and Korean culture lovers. I wish you the best time on your trip there and you better rock it out like a boss!

This post contains affiliate links which means at no additional cost to you, I make a small commission to help keep Gina Bear’s Blog running. Thanks for your support!

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