The Ultimate Travel Packing List for South Korea
Are you planning a trip to South Korea? Then it’s important to make sure you have everything you need to make your trip a success! Packing for a trip can be a daunting task, especially if you are visiting a new and unfamiliar place. To help you get started, I put together this awesome packing list for a trip to South Korea.
This list includes all of the essential items you will need for your trip, from travel documents and money to clothing and medication. By following this packing list for South Korea, you can ensure that you have everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable trip to South Korea.
Passport and visa
Before you can even think about packing for your trip to South Korea, you need to make sure you have a valid passport and any necessary visas. South Korea requires visas for citizens of many countries, so check with the Korean embassy or consulate in your home country to see if you need one and how to apply.
If you don’t need a visa, you most likely need a K-ETA for your trip to South Korea. The K-ETA is a travel authorization document introduced by the Korean government in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is required for international travelers visiting Korea since 2022. Previously, travelers filled out a form on the airplane en route to South Korea, but now the process must be completed online for a fee of 10,000 KRW (just under $10). It is one of the most important documents for visiting Korea in 2022. Find more information about the K-ETA here.
Another important document you will need to enter South Korea is the Q-code. For this, all you need to do is enter your vaccination information in advance to generate a Q-code. You can find more information here.
Travel Insurance Documents
Travel insurance is an important thing to have when traveling to any destination, including South Korea. This type of insurance can protect you from unexpected expenses and provide peace of mind during your trip. Some common things that travel insurance covers include medical expenses, trip cancellations and interruptions, lost or stolen luggage, and emergency evacuation.
It’s a good idea to purchase travel insurance before you leave for your trip, so you are covered from the moment you depart. When purchasing travel insurance, make sure to read the policy carefully and understand what is and is not covered. Keep a copy of your insurance documents with you during your trip, and make sure to contact your insurance provider if you need to make a claim.
Although South Korea is very safe, unexpected disasters, accidents or other kinds of damage can always happen. Adequate insurance not only provides you with medical coverage (if you get sick or break your leg), but also covers things like your camera full of epic shots getting damaged or stolen, your flights getting cancelled, or you getting caught up in a natural disaster.
In short, it’s an insurance against potential issues that arise when you’re traveling and can save your life (or at the very least, a lifetime of debt). I always book travel insurance from World Nomads when I travel abroad.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
Flight and hotel confirmations
It’s important to have confirmation of your flights and hotel reservations for the duration of your trip to South Korea. These documents will help ensure that you have a smooth and stress-free trip.
Your flight confirmation should include the date and time of your flight, the airline and flight number, and your seat assignment. Your hotel confirmation should include the name and address of the hotel, the dates of your stay, and any special requests you may have made, such as a specific room type or an early check-in.
Keep these documents with you during your trip, and make sure to double-check the details before you leave for the airport. I use Booking.com for most hotel bookings and their mobile app lets me easily access my hotel confirmation at any time.
It’s also a good idea to have a backup copy of these documents, such as on your phone or in a cloud storage account. This will ensure that you have access to them even if something happens to your physical copies.
Money and Credit Cards
It’s also important to consider how you will handle money and credit cards during your trip to South Korea. South Korea’s official currency is the South Korean won, and it’s a good idea to have some cash on hand for small purchases and emergencies.
You can exchange money at banks, airports, and authorized money changers. It’s also a good idea to have at least one major credit card with you, as many larger establishments in South Korea accept credit cards.
However, not all places will accept foreign credit cards, so you’ll be on the safe side when you have some local currency at hand. When using credit cards, be sure to notify your bank in advance of your trip, and keep an eye on your account for any fraudulent charges.
Tip: To prevent loss or theft, consider keeping your credit cards in a secure location, such as a money belt or a hotel safe.
Phone, charger & adapter
One of the worst things that could happen during a trip to South Korea is when you’re unable to use your phone. South Korea has a modern and advanced mobile network, so you should have no problem staying connected during your trip.
If you have an unlocked phone, you can easily purchase a local SIM card when you arrive in South Korea, which will give you access to the local mobile network. This can be a cost-effective way to stay connected and avoid expensive roaming charges. You can book these sim cards in advance and pick them up at the airport. Find out more here.
If you don’t have an unlocked phone, you can still use your phone with your home network, but you may incur roaming charges. In this case, renting a Wifi device might be the better option. This Wifi device gets you high-speed Internet of up to 100mbps and easily fits in your pocket. You can easily pre-order your device to make sure it’s available when you get there.
Also don’t forget to bring a charger with you, as well as any necessary adaptors if your phone uses a different plug type than those used in South Korea.
The standard voltage in South Korea is 220V and the standard frequency is 60Hz. The type of power plug used in South Korea is Type C (CEE 7/16 Europlug), Type F (CEE 7/4 Schuko), and Type I (AS/NZS 3112).
If you are traveling from a country that uses a different type of power plug, you will need to bring a plug adaptor with you.
These adaptors can be purchased at most electronics stores and airports, and they will allow you to use your electronic devices in South Korea. You can also buy one before your trip on Amazon, for example this universal adapter that will work in South Korea.
Camera and extra memory cards
South Korea is a beautiful and diverse country with many sights and attractions to see, and having a camera will allow you to capture those memories and share them with others. There are many different types of cameras to choose from, ranging from simple point-and-shoot cameras to more advanced DSLR cameras. This is the camera I have been using for years and absolutely love.
Whichever type of camera you choose, make sure to bring extra memory cards with you. These cards will allow you to store more photos and videos, and they are small and easy to carry. I personally use this SD card for my camera. It has 128GB of memory and works fast at 140 MB/s.
It’s also a good idea to bring a backup battery for your camera, as well as any necessary adaptors or cables for transferring photos to your computer. I recently invested in a battery grip for my camera, which allows me to insert regular AA batteries, which you can buy anywhere in the world. Getting one of these will ensure that you have everything you need to capture and share your memories from South Korea.
SanDisk 128GB Ultra SDXC UHS-I Memory Card - Up to 140MB/s, C10, U1, Full HD, SD Card for Cameras
Comfortable Walking shoes
When traveling to South Korea, it’s important to bring comfortable walking shoes with you. South Korea is a country with a rich history and culture, and there are many sights and attractions to see. This means that you will likely do a lot of walking during your trip, and having comfortable shoes is essential for enjoying your time there. Some things to consider when choosing walking shoes for South Korea include:
- Comfort: The most important thing to consider when choosing walking shoes is comfort. Your feet will be doing a lot of work, so make sure to choose shoes that are comfortable and provide good support.
- Breathability: South Korea can be hot and humid during the summer months, so it’s a good idea to choose shoes that are breathable and allow your feet to stay cool and dry.
- Durability: Walking shoes will be doing a lot of work during your trip, so make sure to choose a pair that is durable and will last for the duration of your trip.
- Style: While comfort and durability are the most important factors to consider when choosing walking shoes, it’s also a good idea to choose a pair that matches your personal style. This will ensure that you look and feel good during your trip.
Overall, choosing the right walking shoes is an important part of preparing for a trip to South Korea. Make sure to choose a pair that is comfortable, breathable, durable, and stylish, and your feet will thank you during your trip.
Warm and waterproof clothing
South Korea has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, so the type of clothing you pack will depend on when you’re visiting. In general, you’ll want to pack clothes that are comfortable and versatile, as well as some layers for chilly evenings and air-conditioned buildings. Here are a few suggestions for what to pack:
- Lightweight, breathable tops and bottoms for hot weather
- A jacket or sweater for cooler temperatures
- A waterproof jacket or umbrella for rainy days
- Comfortable walking shoes and a pair of sandals or flip-flops
- A scarf or shawl to protect yourself from the sun or to keep warm
- Toiletries and medications
Sunscreen and insect repellent
You’ll also want to pack all of your essential toiletries, such as toothpaste, deodorant, and shampoo. South Korea has many convenience stores and pharmacies where you can buy these items if you forget something, but it’s always best to be prepared.
In addition to your usual toiletries, there are a few items that you might want to consider packing specifically for your trip to South Korea:
- Sunscreen: The sun can be strong in South Korea, especially in the summer, so make sure to pack sunscreen with at least SPF 50 – this travel size is perfect!
- Insect repellent: Mosquitoes and other insects can be a nuisance in South Korea, especially in the summer, so consider bringing insect repellent to keep them at bay. Try this repellent for Korea.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Sunscreen SPF 50, Water-Resistant Travel Size, Pack of 3
Any Necessary Medications
When traveling to South Korea, it’s important to bring any necessary medications with you. South Korea has a modern and advanced healthcare system, and you can usually find most medications there.
However, it’s always a good idea to bring any medications you may need with you, in case they are not available or you have a reaction to a local medication. Some things to consider when bringing medications to South Korea include:
- Pack enough medication: Make sure to pack enough medication to last for the duration of your trip, plus a few extra days in case of delays or unexpected events.
- Keep medications in their original packaging: It’s a good idea to keep your medications in their original packaging, as this will make it easier to identify them if necessary.
- Keep medications with you: It’s important to keep your medications with you at all times, rather than checking them in your luggage. This will ensure that you have access to them if your luggage is lost or delayed.
Overall, bringing any necessary medications with you when traveling to South Korea is an important part of preparing for your trip. Make sure to pack enough medication, keep it in its original packaging, bring a copy of your prescription, and keep it with you at all times. This will help ensure that you have access to the medication you need during your trip.
Bonus tip: Pack light & do your research!
It’s also a good idea to pack light and leave some room in your suitcase for souvenirs (think about all that amazing Korean skincare you’re going to buy!).
South Korea is a modern and technologically advanced country, so you should have no trouble finding most things you need there. However, always double-check and make sure you have everything you need before you go.
In addition to the items on this packing list, you should also do some research on South Korea before you go. This will help you understand the local customs and culture, and make your trip more enjoyable.
Some things you may want to research include the local currency, the weather, and any cultural events or festivals that may be happening during your visit. Luckily, my blog is jam-packed with information on all of this, so just browse some related blog posts about South Korea. You can also grab one of my recommended South Korea Travel guides available on Amazon:
South Korea Travel Guides Recommended by Linda Goes East
Consider bringing one of these useful travel guides on your trip to South Korea! They're all "Linda Goes East"-approved!
Now you’re ready for your trip to South Korea!
In conclusion, a trip to South Korea is an exciting and unique experience. By following this packing list and preparing in advance, you can ensure that you have everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable trip.
From travel documents and money to comfortable shoes and necessary medications, this list covers all of the essential items you will need for your trip to South Korea. By packing these items and doing some research on the local customs and culture, you can make the most of your time in this beautiful and fascinating country.
Happy travels!
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