22 Travel Essentials For Korea: What To Pack For Korea
This post is all about What To Pack For Korea and The Ultimate Korea Packing List
Whether it’s your first time or you’ve been here before, it can be challenging to figure out what to pack for Korea.
Well, have no fear; I’ve put together the ultimate Korea Packing List, including things I wish I had brought to Korea, what NOT to bring to Korea, and all the right travel essentials for Korea. From essential documents to must-have electronics, here’s everything you need to know!
This post is all about What To Pack For Korea and The Ultimate Korea Packing List
Korea Packing List Things To Know:
Bring an extra suitcase if you can. From some of the best skincare in the world to cute socks and delicious snacks, you’ll want to take everything home.
Don’t pack any makeup, shampoo, or soap; there are plenty of stores on every street!
Korea has four very distinctive seasons; check the weather before you go. The winters are freezing and the summers are super hot.
Download KakaoMap or Naver Maps for navigation
Read More: 16 Life-Changing Things To Do In Seoul That Will Make You Fall in Love
Bags & Suitcases
A Good Suitcase
I have dropped this entire suitcase down an escalator in Japan and it completely survived the fall. Plus, it’s one of the cutest suitcases out there, with amazing wheels and a TSA lock to keep all your items safe. You’ll need a good suitcase to get around Korea, especially if you plan on taking public transportation at the airport (which you should; it’s way faster and cheaper!)
2. Packing Cubes
These packing cubes HAVE to be at the top of your Korea packing list and any international travel you’ll do.
They will seriously change your life and are a fantastic way to be organized and bring more travel essentials! Plus you can have separate bags for laundry and dirty shoes.
3. Bookbag
I have taken this exact bookbag all over the world and will continue to do so. It fits under an airplane seat, all of your laptop and essentials, and stores SO much. Plus, it has a lot of different compartments, making it super easy to use.
Clothing & Footwear
4. Comfortable Shoes
At the top of your Korea packing list HAS to be a pair of comfortable shoes.
On my last trip here, we averaged about 15,000 steps a day.
If you want to know what to wear when traveling to Korea, I have traveled the WORLD with these shoes; they are so comfortable yet chic. There is so much walking in Korea; prioritize fashionable yet comfy sneakers!
5. Crossbody Bag
A crossbody bag is a must for what to wear when traveling to Korea.
If there was one thing I wish I had brought to Korea on my last trip, it’s a small, easy bag to travel with, especially when taking the subway into the city. Save yourself the trouble and grab a good crossbody bag for your trip.
Electronics
6. Compact Camera With Flash
Korea is SO picturesque and you deserve the perfect camera!
This is my favorite camera and the one I use on every single trip. It shoots in 4 K, has an image stabilizer, and is the perfect camera for vlogging.
It also has an amazing flash for nighttime photos and fits into any purse or even a jean pocket! Add this to your Korea packing list; you seriously won’t regret it.
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7. ESIM
Long gone are the days when you need to register for a SIM card at the airport or carry around a wifi pocket. Instead, just grab an ESIM before your trip, install it, and start using it right when you land.
Super easy and convenient, plus you can refill it online if you run out. Airalo is my favorite one to use and you can use CODE: FIONA6069 for $3 off!
I’ve used this in Korea countless times and it always works like a charm.
8. Octobuddy To Take Some Amazing Videos
These suction phone cases went absolutely viral on TikTok, and for good reason. It makes it easy to prop up your phone and take a video anywhere you need to. Grab one for your trip to get all the cute photos and videos you need.
9. Universal Adaptor
This HAS to be at the top of your Korea packing list and what to pack for Korea.
Korea uses Type C or Type F power adaptors, both of which have two round prongs. Korea also operates on 220V, so leave those hair curlers, straighteners, and other devices at home - they’re probably not compatible, especially if you’re coming from the U.S.!
10. Portable Charger
From using Google Maps to taking lots of cute photos and videos, you’ll be using your phone ALOT in Korea. A good portable charger has to be on your Korea packing list; make sure to include one in your bag so you can get home safely or call a cab.
11. TSA Approved Travel Lock
Whether you’re staying at a hostel or moving your suitcase from hotel to hotel, make sure to get a TSA approved lock to secure your goods. Korea might be one of the safest countries in the world but I’ve let my guard down before and gotten pickpocketed! Don’t let that happen to you.
12. Passport Holder
You will need your passport, cash, and credit card for some instances, like buying a Tmoney card or eating out, so it’s good to have everything all in one place. These little wonders can turn the chaotic journey into a smooth sailing adventure.
Toiletries & Beauty
13. Deodorant
Most Koreans naturally sweat less, so it’s hard to find deodorant in stores, and they can be extremely expensive. With all the walking you’ll be doing, I highly recommend bringing your favorite deodorant from home.
Add deodorant to your Korea packing list to ensure you always stay fresh without having to hunt it down!
14. Tampons
If you’ve been to Korea before, you’ll know it’s almost IMPOSSIBLE to find tampons. Additionally, tampons with applicators are even less common in Korea; pads are more commonly used, and even if you manage to find them, the selection is limited and extremely expensive.
Long-Haul Flights To Korea
15. Noise Cancelling Headphones
I’ve had these same headphones for 4 years now and will continue to preach about them to my grave, they are the absolute BEST noise-canceling travel headphones out there and an essential to your Korea packing list.
16. Travel Pillows
This is essential for a 14+ hour flight to Korea, here’s my favorite one. It’s saved me from a 24-hour flight to Australia before and will definitely be a game changer for you.
17. Plane Phone Mount
For your long flight to Korea, this handy little tool will save your NECK for so many hours. Simply just prop up your phone case and you can watch all the movies and shows you love.
18. No Jet Lag Remedy
Chances are you won’t have too much time in Korea so every day is essential! Combat your jet lag by adding these pills to your Korea packing list to help alleviate body stress and fatigue due to disruptions in the body’s natural clock rhythm.
19. Molded Eyemask
For your long flight to Korea, I love these eye masks because they’re comfortable and won’t ruin your makeup or eyelash extensions since they’re molded.
Documents and Money
20. Debit Card
21. Cash
Add cash to your Korea packing list because even though most restaurants take credit cards, you’ll need cash for the bus, trains, and if you’re going to be street shopping or going to the night markets for food! You can exchange your cash in Myeongdong; they have the BEST rates.
22. Passport
Read More: 16 Life-Changing Things To Do In Seoul That Will Make You Fall in Love
And there you have it! 22 Travel Essentials to add to your Korea packing list, and everything you need to know for what to pack for Korea. Whether you're seeing your favorite kpop idols, eating Korea bbq until you drop, or shopping for the best skincare in the world, I hope this guide has armed you with all the essentials for an epic Korean adventure.
This post was all about 22 Travel Essentials for Korea: What To Pack For Korea
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