Packing List of Essentials for South Korea Trip

When it comes to packing essentials and clothes for South Korea, check out the list of things you must carry depending on your seasonal travel plans.

Due to the more conservative nature of Korean society, you may notice that most of the clothing available there is looser-fitting and frequently expose more of the off-shoulder area than the midriff or other tighter clothing (lesser body-hugging curvy fits). However, Korea is cosmopolitan today, and tourists can wear practically whatever they like – just be mindful of the society’s norms while doing so (when in Rome, be like the Romans!). The things you need to include in the packing list for South Korea are quite dependent on the season you are planning to travel. Clothing and essentials requirements will be different in all the different weather.

Table of Contents

Decide Based on the Weather!

There are four distinct seasons in South Korea. It can be oppressively hot and muggy when the temperature reaches 35 °C in the summer. On the other hand, it gets extremely dry and the temperature frequently drops below 0 °C in the winter. Although spring and fall are a little shorter than summer and winter, they provide the ideal weather for getting dressed up and going on a picnic.

Summer Packing Guide

Months: June, July, August, September

Average Temperature: 22 to 38 °C (71.6 to 100.4 °F)

Natural materials are suitable for the hot, muggy, and wet summer months (June, July, and August).
Summertime is hot, so we advise bringing light, loose-fitting clothing made of natural materials like cotton, linen, and silk that will keep you cool and are simple to wash and dry.
Wear sunglasses, a sunhat, and plenty of sunscreens. However, keep in mind that it’s considered impolite to wear sunglasses while conversing with others.

Basic things to carry:

Umbrella
Comfortable sandals or shoes
T-shirts
Insect repellent: mosquito repellent is a must-carry item for summer!
Shorts, thin fabric pants, skirts
Electric Fan: These are incredibly popular in Korea and are easily carried.
Sunhat, sunscreen, and sunglasses
Swimsuit: if you are planning on going to the beach or swimming pool
Light sweater

Most eateries, stores, and subways have air conditioning that blows icy (18°C) air into the space. This means that public spaces may be quite chilly in contrast to the outer temperatures. A lightweight sweater to shield you from the air conditioning wind should be added to your list of things to pack for Korea.

Since the air in Korea is so humid, you’ll be perspiring all the time. Bring a tiny towel or handkerchief to wipe your head and arms as you perspire.

Unlike Westerners, Koreans don’t wear bikinis or bathing suits. They cover their bodies with long sleeve shirts and pants. Be aware that wearing a bikini will draw attention whether you are at the beach or around a pool.

Spring Packing Guide

Months: March, April, May

Average Temperature: 0 to 22 °C (31 to 71.6 °F)

Long-sleeved shirts, slacks, and a sweater or jacket will work well because the weather is cooler in the spring (March, April, and May) and fall (September, October, and November).

Basic things to carry:

T-shirts
Light jacket
Long sleeve shirts
Light sweater for the comparatively cooler days
Sneakers
Long jeans or trousers
Face mask for the yellow dust season.

If you have allergies and you’re traveling to Korea during the cherry blossom season, don’t forget to pack hay fever or allergy medicine.

Winter Packing Guide

Pack a coat, a scarf, and gloves because it gets very cold in December, January, and February. Keep in mind that it snows at higher altitudes as well.

Basic Packing Requirements for Korea in Winter

Ski jacket (Must-carry Korea winter wear!)
Long sleeve t-shirts
Sweaters
Jeans or long protective trousers
Woolen or thick socks (Avoid cotton)
Hat, scarf, gloves
Sunglasses
Waterproof shoes
Sunscreen & lip balm – carry these always, no matter what season, to protect your skin against the sun and cold temperatures.

Hot Packs: In the winter, hot packs are the ideal way to keep your hands and feet warm. They are available in bulk or at any convenience store in Korea.

Autumn Packing Guide

Months: September, October, and November

Average Temperature: 3 to 25 °C (37.4 to 77 °F)

Basic things to carry:

T-shirts
Light Jacket
Long sleeve tops
Warm sweater
Jeans
Scarf & hat
Sneakers or boots
Warm socks

Korean Fashion Ideas to Look Like Locals

Asymmetrical detailing is one style element that Korean fashion designers adore using on their K-pop pants. Their discordant details frequently stem from a point of disobedience and edge. This is frequently seen in many of their bottoms and can take the form of skirts with side slits, buttons that don’t line up straight, and much more. Be sure to watch this edgy style that is becoming increasingly popular in Korean female fashion.

You might be surprised to learn that attractive Korean female fashion is frequently a touch more youthful and modest than your standard K-pop apparel. Your best chance if you want to get the youthful Korean appearance is an oversized top with or without off-shoulder embellishments.

Koreans frequently dress sexily, cheekily, and flirtatiously on nights out. Young people tend to choose short, form-fitting gowns. If you don’t want to wear a dress, a fitted crop top and bodycon mini skirt will frequently work just as well!

Clothing Tips for Women and Men

Seoul is a multicultural city where ladies enjoy dressing up. Join in and feel at home because they are all quite well-groomed.
Be mindful that it is a conservative nation as well, so dress modestly, cover your shoulders, and if you have a short skirt, follow the example of the local women and bring a pashmina or wrap to cover your knees when you are sitting.
Wear a long, flowy skirt or pants to restaurants with floor seating for modesty.
Local ladies don’t wear swimsuits on the beach; they wear shorts and t-shirts. We encourage you to wear a one-piece suit and a sarong rather than a bikini unless you are at a popular beach area.
Wearing a skirt or loose-fitting pants in the heat will keep you cool and shield you from the sun. Another excellent option is a loose cotton shirt.
If you are visiting for business, wear skirt suits with heels that aren’t too short (women).
Suits, shirts, and ties are the appropriate dress if you are in Korea for business (men).