Korea Packing List: What To Pack By Season

Last Updated on September 14, 2026

Need a packing list for Korea? This is the spot. Whether you’re traveling to Korea for a short term trip or long term travel, it’s good to be safe rather than sorry. Korea has four seasons and here is what you need to have for each one. I get a lot of questions throughout the year like: What should I pack for Korea in the winter? Do I really need a parka for winter in Korea? How hot is it in the summer in Korea? What do I need to pack for the summer in Korea? Do I need a mask in Korea?

Basically, there are a lot of questions and I need a post to start directing people to, so here it is. All of the information you need to get ready for a trip to South Korea, the place I’ve called home since 2006.

The short version: Korea has four distinct seasons that range from humid, monsoon-soaked summers to dry, sometimes brutal winters, so the real trick isn’t packing more, it’s packing the right layers for whichever season you’re landing in and then being smart about what you can just buy once you’re here. Below you’ll find the full breakdown, season by season, plus the one habit I wish more visitors had before they got here (packing light).

Want to skip around? Here is what you’ll find here:

• Pack Light: The One Habit That Actually Matters
• What To Do BEFORE You Come To Korea
• Year Round Travel Essentials
• What’s the weather like in Korea?
• The Clothes Packing List For Korea
  • Special Notes On Clothing
  • Basic Clothing Packing List
  • Seasonal Additions
• FAQ

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Pack Light: The One Habit That Actually Matters

If there’s one piece of advice I give more than any other, it’s this: pack as light as possible, especially if you want to travel around and see more of the country. My sisters have remarked many times on how small I can manage to pack for me, my husband, and daughter. We travel a lot and definitely don’t want to haul a huge bag or two anywhere. You won’t either if you do it a lot! Even once is too much if you ask me.

I’ve noticed my fellow Americans specifically don’t really understand what it takes for intra-city travel without a car. Back home, a car means an oversized suitcase costs you nothing but trunk space. Here, when you have to haul your own suitcase onto a train or a bus yourself, up a flight of stairs, through a turnstile, you learn very quickly what you actually need and what you don’t.

Laundry is a big part of why you can pack lighter than you think. I’ve stayed at plenty of places, from Moxy hotels to hostels, that have laundry available on-site. Even when a hotel doesn’t have facilities on premises, they’re usually easy to find nearby. I’ve personally helped more than one tourist group track down a laundromat mid-trip, so trust me: don’t overpack. That’s a huge tip.

Yes, you can buy a lot of things once you’re in the country if you forget something or run out (see the toiletries and clothing notes below for a couple of important exceptions). Between that and the laundry access, there’s really no need to pack for every possible day of your trip.

One more trick I use myself: pack light on the way in, then do your shopping near the end of the trip. If you end up with more than you can fit, buy an extra bag. There are plenty of luggage shops in Myeongdong for exactly this reason, and it means you can use that second bag purely for souvenirs and things you’re bringing home, instead of trying to cram everything into the suitcase you arrived with.

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What To Do BEFORE You Come To Korea

Buy An Airplane Ticket: Get your airplane ticket and look for those deals. We’ve found some awesome deals on travel at Skyscanner.com.

Get a Visa: Many people can come in easily and get a tourist visa but be sure to check that you have what you need from your home country to come in to Korea and get a visa.

Book A Hotel: To get in to Korea, you’ll need to have prepared a place to stay and you’ll need the address when you fill out your card for immigration. Make sure to book and write down the address. We usually use Booking.com which has great deals on hotels around the country. If you want to stay in the tallest hotel in the country, which obviously comes with some amazing views, don’t miss the Signiel Hotel in Lotte’s Seoul Sky.

Travel Insurance:  World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world. We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. 

Study Korean: 90 Day Korean has a great course on Korean and offers a lot of help if you’re interested in preparing before you come. A little goes a long way here.

Plan Your Airport Transfer: There are numerous ways to transfer from Incheon International Airport outside of the city into the city of Seoul from the subway/train and bus to taxis. To be honest, we almost always opt for the private transfer. It’s fast and easy and we don’t have to worry about dragging our bags this way and that and up and down escalators. TaDa is a great company that provides transfers as well as rides within the city. Book your transfer in advance to make the trip smooth and easy.

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Year Round Travel Essentials

The Basics

Passport: Don’t leave home without it.

Money: Credit cards are widely accepted in Korea and KRW are accepted everywhere. Many people have issues at some point finding an ATM to get money out of their debit accounts back home though so make sure to let your bank know in advance that you’ll be traveling and bring at least W200,000 in cash to get you by for a bit.

Dust Mask: Unfortunately, Korea goes through periods of having high dust levels and a lot of travelers don’t realize it… until they wake up with a headache or stuffed up. It’s better to be safe than sorry and come with a face mask prepared. You can check the dust level on various apps to know when to use it. I use AirVisual. Do come prepared though and pack an appropriate dust mask so you already have one you can grab should you need it. Learn more about the fine dust situation in Korea and how you can prepare.

Fine dust is still a real issue, and I want to be clear about that because the coverage of it has quieted down in recent years. I live in Jeju now, where we actually don’t have this problem, but whenever I’m up in Seoul, it’s still very much something I plan around. If your trip includes Seoul or the mainland more broadly, don’t assume the dust mask advice is outdated just because you haven’t seen a headline about it lately.

Sun Cream & Lip Balm: The sun is strong throughout the year. Protect your skin and wear sun cream and lip balm any time you’re visiting Korea.

Medications/Glasses/Lenses: Be sure to bring any medications and birth control pills you’re taking as well as allergy medicines if you’re heading here in the spring and are prone to pollen issues. Don’t forget your glasses either.

Guidebooks: In Seoul, the government has placed helpful tourist aides in high frequented areas and they’re wearing bright red shirts and hats. You can’t miss them. Feel free to ask them anything in multiple languages, but I also recommend grabbing a guidebook to have some basic knowledge of how things are laid out and where to go to see cultural stops vs. shopping spots and so on.

Phrasebooks: I highly recommend learning some of the basics for travel in Korea. While you can certainly get by without Korean, you’ll have a much better experience if you learn how to say “hello”, “goodbye”, “please”, “thank you”, and a bit more. Trust me, you’ll get treated very well if you throw out some phrases while you’re traveling.

Handheld Translator: If you don’t think you’ll have time to pick up some phrases, look into buying a handheld translator. While I can speak Korean, we got when before we traveled to Taiwan and it was amazingly helpful. Able to use a camera to translate signs as well as listen and translate on site, it’s super helpful for any world traveler.

Toiletries: Don’t forget to pack your toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, menstrual cup and make up. If you use tampons or pads, know that they are available in Korea, just not with nearly as many brand or absorbency options as people from abroad may be used to. If you’re particular about a specific brand, it’s worth packing your own supply rather than counting on finding it here.

Good Bag: Make sure to bring a bag or backpack your comfortable carrying around for long hours while you’re out and about. I would also suggest putting an extra tote bag inside that you can get out if you go shopping or need to bring some things back to your hotel. More and more places are forgoing offering a plastic bag or you have to pay extra to get one. So just plan to be eco-friendly and pack your own.

Cards & Passes

International Driver’s License: To be honest, I wouldn’t recommend driving in Seoul if it’s your first time to this massive city. It’s a rush and can be hectic on the roads. I didn’t start driving until I’d been here for about 8 years and still I can say it was crazy when I first started. BUT, if you plan to head out of the city to a spot like Alpaca World, want to take a road trip and will rent a car while you’re here, then remember to bring your International Driver’s License. I highly recommend renting a car if you’ll be headed to Jeju Island or anywhere aside from Seoul and Busan because it’s much easier to get around that way in those cases.

Korea Rail Pass: If you want to get out of Seoul and plan to use the train more than twice, then the Korea Rail Pass is the economical/budget choice you want to have on hand. You can get back and forth between the popular Nami Island nearby the city or go as far as Andong or even Busan. The train line is the limits. Grab the card here and just head to the station with your confirmation and it’s as easy as that.

Wifi Eggs/Sim Cards: While there is great WiFi in many places around Seoul and Korea, nothing beats having your own Wifi Egg so there’s no lag in connection. You can pre-reserve Sim Cards via Klook so they’re ready and waiting for you when you fly into either Incheon International Airport or into Busan International Airport. Or, get a Korean eSIM if you have a new phone. No cards necessary. Here’s a complete guide to the best Korean SIM cards for your trip to Korea.

T-Money Card/Discover Seoul Pass: To get around using the subways or buses or other public transportation options, you’ll need to get a T-Money card. This card allows you to put money on it and scan it at the turnstiles in subways and when you’re getting on and off buses and even works in taxis. HOWEVER, if you’ll be doing a lot of touristy things and visiting the touristy sites, then you might be better off getting the Discover Seoul Pass. This pass comes with a variety of perks like access to Hanbok rentals, palaces, view points and other major attractions AND it also works as a T-Money card. SO, if you’ll be touristy, grab the Discover Seoul Pass to get out and about. But do know how to use it. Here is a guide and itineraries for using the Discover Seoul Pass to the max.

Electronics

Adapter/Converter: Korea sockets have the same shape as those in Europe and South America which is to say it is two round pins with no grounder. The standard voltage here is 220 to 240 volts. Be sure to pack an adapter so you can easily use all of your devices and electronics while you visit. Want to make sure you know what is correct? Check out this guide to travel adapters for Korea.

Portable Charger: If you plan to be out and about all day and don’t want your nifty electronics to die on you, definitely plan on taking a portable charger. I’ve got a friend that carries two or three with her at all times. Be like her, be prepared.

Camera: Every traveler needs a camera to document their travels. It probably goes without saying, but I’ll say it so it’s not left out of the bag just in case. I’ve been a longtime Canon fan, but whatever you’ve got, pack it!

Headphones: I’m on of those people that almost always forgets my headphones. Don’t be like me, packs yours for long flights, bus rides, or train rides south. I just got the Bose Quiet Comfort Wireless headphones and LOVE them! Check them out if you need a new pair.

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What’s the weather like in Korea?

Season	Months	Ave. Temp Range	What To Expect	Pack For
Summer	June – September	73°F – 86°F 23°C – 30°C	Hot, humid, monsoon rains (July wettest, August hottest)	Breathable layers, rain gear, sun protection
Autumn	October – December	66°F – 70°F 19°C – 21°C	Cool, dry, beautiful foliage	Light layers, warmer for evenings
Winter	January – March	As low as -4°F -20°C	Cold and dry (January coldest)	Heavy coat, thermals, warm accessories
Spring	March – May	37°F – 77°F 3°C – 25°C	Crisp air, cherry blossoms, wide daily swing	Layers you can add and remove

What’s the weather like in Korea in the summer?

In Brief: Summer lasts from June to August and into September more and more these days. Temperatures can range between 23C and 30C (73F to 86F). It can be incredibly humid as this is also when the monsoon rains hit. The hottest month of the year is August on average. July is the wettest month on average. Check out this complete guide to summer in Korea to learn more if you’re coming in the summer.

Oh summer, hot hot summer. The summer is one hot and humid mess and if you’re not used to the humidity, it will most definitely smack you in the face so that you understand what it truly feels like to drink water through air. Summer can be pretty dreadful if you’re not prepared but it can also be bright, sunny, and fun and the perfect time to plan a beach getaway which isn’t hard in a country surrounded with coast line.

Popular spots to visit include Busan and Gangneung and an easy spot to get to from Seoul is Oido Island and Daebudo Island. Make sure to dress appropriately and bring some extra clothes to change into when the first outfit gets sweaty and you’ll be fine. Summer also features the wet monsoon season so it’s smart to pack for both a dry summer and a wet summer. Some years the monsoon rains may last a week and other years they may last two months. Many people let the damp humid air and heat keep them indoors, but if you know it’s coming, there is plenty to do and ways to keep cool.

What’s the weather like in Korea in the autumn?

In Brief: From October to November expect average temperatures to be between 19C and 21C (66F to 70F) with low rainfall. These temperatures are lasting into mid December as well. Check out this complete guide to fall in Korea to learn more if you’re coming in the autumn.

Though short, Korean autumn is one of the most beautiful times to visit the country and the weather is fabulous for travelers who are out and about and walking everywhere. The breezes are cooler but the sun is still strong. Pack layers as it can be warm during the day but get very chilly in the evening.

Don’t miss the fabulous foliage and the cinnamony roadside treats this season. The beautiful spots to take trips to include Andong for foliage and a popular traditional mask festival, Cheongson for an apple festival, and any of the awesome national parks around the country. One of the most famous getaways for locals is Naejangsan to see the forest of maple trees turn vibrant red this season, you can also catch the nearby Kimchi Festival in Gwangju at the same time.

What’s the weather like in Korea in the winter?

In Brief: The long winter lasts from mid-December into March and the weather is cold and dry with temperatures that can go as low as -20C. The coldest month of the year is January on average.

Don’t underestimate how cold it can get in Seoul and all over Korea. I am often asked if it snows in Seoul or where to see snow in Korea and then the follow up is always what one should wear to play in that snow. It most definitely can snow, but if you want to be assured of seeing snow, definitely head to the nearby mountains where you can sled, ski, or snowboard. Yes, it gets cold, but if you pack those layers, you’ll be fine.

Winter in a city isn’t for everyone, but if you’re prepared with a good warm coat and warm socks, you’ll be fine getting around Seoul and if it snows while you’re here, it’s absolutely beautiful to see a snow covered Seoul. There are some pretty fun things to do in the winter in Korea like ice fishing, duck sledding, and more so don’t underestimate this season.

What’s the weather like in Korea in the spring?

In Brief: In the spring temperatures average between 3C and 25C between March and May. The air is crisp and clear. Check out this complete guide to spring in Korea to learn more if you’re coming in the spring.

Another gorgeous season to visit Korea what with the blooming of the cherry blossom flowers and other spring bloomers, the season is still rather cool but so beautiful. Make sure to bring pretty spring frocks with sweaters and jackets because coming out of winter, the breezes can still be quite cold.

Watch as the world comes alive again this season and head to the Han River Parks to see the riverside brighten up with greens and more. Dress warmly in case of cool breezes but be prepared to take off the layers should the sun beat down.

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The Clothes Packing List For Korea

Koreans are pretty open minded when it comes to style and you can wear pretty much anything and come with any colored hair and be just fine, however there is still some conservative ideals when it comes to dressing. While ladies may wear super short skirts and shorts, they’re less likely to walk around in spaghetti strap tank tops or dresses. That said, I tend to go with averages. If my shoulders are out, wear longer skirts/pants. If my thighs are out, wear something with more coverage on top.

When the summers get scorching and humid, wear what you want. I’ve oft seen older men walking around with their shirts rolled up and bellies hanging loose in the summers. Consider where you’re going and plan accordingly. If you’re going to a nice restaurant or cafe then don’t dress obscenely. If you’re headed to the beach, wear that tank top. Koreans are pretty understanding of varying styles and seem interested in expression through style.

Special Notes On Clothing

Shoes: Note that you will be taking your shoes off and on more often than back home as in Korea you often take off shoes in restaurants and other traditional establishments so make sure shoes/boots/sandals are easy to get on and off quickly or you’ll regret life while you’re sitting down lacing up for five minutes in the doorway while people are trying to get in and out. This is one reason shoes with a zipper on the side/heel are super popular in Korea.

Shirts: While you can wear what you want most certainly, wearing extremely low cut tops or spaghetti strap tank tops/dresses is a bit taboo. No one will say anything if you choose to wear these items of clothing, but you will get some looks in this culture that tends to be a bit conservative when it comes to the area below the clavicle bones.

Visiting Temples: If a temple visit is on your itinerary, dress a little more carefully than you would for the rest of your trip. Keep your shoulders covered, and wear socks, since you’ll be asked to remove your shoes before entering. Bare feet on a temple floor is one of those small things that marks you as unprepared, so it’s worth planning your temple-day outfit around it.

Sizing: Clothes sold in Korea run Asian sizing, which is to say smaller than American sizes. If you’re counting on buying clothing here to save suitcase space, know that larger American sizes in particular can be genuinely hard to find outside of a handful of bigger stores, so it’s smarter to bring what you need in your own size rather than plan to shop for basics once you land.

Basic Clothing Packing List

• T-Shirts
• Dresses/Skirts
• Jeans
• Underwear
• Socks
• Comfortable Shoes: My go-to are the super comfortable and sustainable shoes from Allbirds.

Seasonal Additions

For Summer

• Sandals
• Tank tops
• Shorts
• Swimsuit (Do note that Koreans don’t tend to wear bikinis but opt for long sleeve rash guards and shorts. You can absolutely wear what you want, but some people find it uncomfortable when they’re the only one in a bikini.)
• Sunglasses/Hats
• Mosquito Repellent / Sun Cream
• Electric Handheld Fan (Can be purchased here at Daiso and Art Box)
• Sunbrella (Can be purchased here at Daiso and Art Box)
• Umbrella/Poncho (Can be purchased here at convenience stores.)

For Autumn

• Light cardigans/Sweatshirts
• Sweater
• Scarves/Hats
• Light Socks

For Winter

• Warm jacket or parka (Do not underestimate the chill factor and be prepared with a warm coat.)
• Sweaters
• Long sleeve shirts / Heat tech (We LOVE our heat tech products from Uniqlo. They keep us warm and go under clothes easily.)
• Jeans/Long pants
• Underwear
• Thick socks
• Waterproof shoes/Boots if you plan to go into the snow in the mountain
• Hats/Gloves/Scarves/Mufflers
• Hot Packs (Can be purchased here at convenience stores.)

For Spring

• Heavy jacket/Light jacket (This really depends on whether you’re coming in the beginning of spring or later. Don’t underestimate the difference in temperature between the shade and the sun.)
• Light sweaters/Sweatshirts
• Jeans/Pants
• Light socks

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FAQ

Do I need to pack a dust mask for Korea?

Yes, especially if your trip includes Seoul or the mainland. Fine dust is still a real issue there, even though it gets less news coverage than it used to. It’s less of a concern on Jeju Island.

What should I NOT pack for Korea?

Don’t overpack clothing. Laundry is easy to find, whether at your hotel or nearby, and packing light makes intra-city travel by train and bus far easier. Save some suitcase space for shopping near the end of your trip instead.

Are Korean clothing sizes different from American sizes?

Yes. Clothes in Korea run Asian sizing, which is smaller than typical American sizing, and larger sizes can be hard to find outside of bigger stores. Pack your own basics rather than counting on shopping for them here.

Can I buy tampons or pads in Korea?

Yes, they’re available, but with far fewer brand and absorbency options than you may be used to abroad. If you’re particular about a brand, pack your own supply.

What should I wear to visit a Korean temple?

Cover your shoulders and wear socks, since you’ll need to remove your shoes before entering.

What if I run out of suitcase space while shopping?

Buy a second bag. Myeongdong has plenty of luggage shops for exactly this reason, and it makes a great dedicated bag for souvenirs on the way home.

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There is a lot to see and do once you get to Seoul. Have the fun, see the sights, and enjoy enjoy enjoy!

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