South Korea Packing List: 20+ Things You Don’t Want to Forget

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Planning a trip to South Korea is incredibly exciting! But before you dive into the rich culture and breathtaking landscapes, having a well-organized South Korea packing list is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable trip. Whether you’re exploring traditional Hanok villages, indulging in street food at Myeongdong, or hiking up to N Seoul Tower, packing the right essentials can make all the difference.

I was super impressed with myself when I managed to pack everything I needed for a 2 1/2 week trip to South Korea and Japan in just a carry-on and a personal item (linking my personal item bag here because it’s literally a GAME CHANGER). In this guide, I’ll cover the packing essentials for your South Korea trip ensuring you’re prepared for your trip.

TLDR: Check out my Amazon shop for all the links for this South Korea packing list!

South Korea packing list

Clothing essentials

When packing for South Korea, consider the weather and your planned activities. South Korea experiences all four seasons, so your packing list will vary depending on the time of year you visit.

• Spring (March to May): Light jackets, sweaters, long-sleeve shirts, and comfortable pants.
• Summer (June to August): Light and breathable clothing, shorts, t-shirts, a hat, sunglasses (these affordable Amazon ones are my go-to for travel), and a swimsuit if you plan on visiting the beaches.
  • I visited in June and will link my Amazon fashion favorites that are affordable, comfortable, and breathable!
• Fall (September to November): Layers, light jackets, long-sleeve shirts, and jeans or pants.
• Winter (December to February): Heavy coats, thermal layers, sweaters, scarves, gloves, and warm hats.

If you’re visiting during a rainy season you may want to bring a light raincoat, this is the one I took. I wouldn’t bring an umbrella. If you want one you can find them very cheap there.

Also, keep in mind you can do a hanbok rental in Seoul which can be your outfit for one of your travel days.

Comfortable footwear

Comfortable shoes are a must, as you’ll likely be doing a lot of walking. Shoes take up quite a bit of space so if possible pack no more than one additional pair than the shoes you plan to wear on the flight.

• Comfortable walking shoes: I got these Dr. Scholl’s sneakers right before the trip and used the heck out of them! They were comfortable and looked cute with dresses, light pants, and just about every outfit I packed!
• Sandals: If you’re going in warmer months a good pair of sandals can be a great extra shoe. I got these Madden Girl sandals in black and tan before the trip, but I just took the tan ones. I’m obsessed with them!
• Waterproof boots: Essential for the winter months or if you’re planning any hikes. These are my favorite hiking boots, I have them in multiple colors as well.

Travel Accessories

Having the right travel accessories can make your trip much more convenient and enjoyable.

• Personal item bag: This bag was a game-changer on my recent trip. It’s spacious, organized, and fits all my essentials.
• Unisex crossbody bag: Perfect for carrying your daily necessities while you travel. I have this Lululemon dupe bag in multiple colors and it’s my go-to travel bag.
• Travel adapters: South Korea uses the Type C and Type F plugs, with a standard voltage of 220V.
• Portable charger: Ensure your devices stay charged throughout the day.
• Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated!
• Travel pillow and eye mask: For comfort on long flights or train rides. The one I linked was perfect for a long flight! It’s one you inflate and sit in front of you to lean on. It inflates and deflates very easily. I recommend opening it before your trip and letting it air out because my first use it did smell strongly of plastic.

Toiletries and Personal Care

Pack your essential toiletries, but keep in mind that you can buy most of these items in South Korea if needed. One of my top South Korea travel tips is to pack light on some of these items because you are for sure going to want to stock up on some Korean skincare and makeup at Olive Young. Also, a lot of hotels load you up with toiletries!

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Shampoo and conditioner: I skipped this because I knew I could get quality products in South Korea, but I just ended up using what was in the hotel.
• Skincare products: South Korea is known for its skincare, so you might want to leave some room to bring back new products!
• Sunscreen: You will need this, but this is also something I suggest buying once you’re in South Korea!
• Makeup: Keep it minimal to save space.
• Feminine hygiene products

Electronics

Make sure you have all the electronics you need for your trip, including:

• Smartphone and charger: Like I mentioned, I also packed this portable charger for the trip which came in handy pretty much every day!
• Camera and extra batteries: This is the camera I use!
• Laptop or tablet: If you plan to work or watch movies during your travels.
• Headphones: Noise-canceling headphones can be a lifesaver on long flights.

Documents and Money

Keep your important documents and money safe and easily accessible.

• Passport: Ensure it’s valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates!
• Visa: US citizens can check here to see if you need a visa to enter South Korea.
• Travel insurance: Highly recommended for any international trip. Check out the pricing for your specific trip below.
• Credit cards and some cash: Not all places accept credit cards, so it’s good to have some cash on hand. If possible bring your credit card that has no foreign transaction fees.
• Copies of important documents: Keep digital and physical copies of your passport, visa, and insurance.

Additional South Korea packing list tips

One of my favorite packing hacks is starting with a small, inexpensive carry-on suitcase and then, midway through my trip, finding a larger suitcase at a local market for just $35! This worked perfectly for me because I don’t mind taking a checked bag home but hate arriving with one.

If you plan on flying around or taking trains and buses, this might not be the best option, but it can be a lifesaver for those who prefer to travel light initially. Additionally, packing cubes are great for keeping your belongings organized and maximizing space. South Korea offers amazing shopping opportunities, from beauty products to fashion, so make sure to leave some space in your luggage for souvenirs. And don’t stress too much if you forget something; convenience stores and markets in South Korea have you covered.

I hope you found these tips helpful and that this South Korea packing list left you feeling more prepared for your upcoming trip! If there’s anything I left out, drop it in the comments! Safe travels.