The Ultimate Guide On What To Pack For South 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.

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?

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.

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!

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