🧳 What to Pack for a Trip to Korea (Season by Season)
Planning a trip to Korea? 🇰🇷 Korea has four distinct seasons, and each requires different packing essentials. Whether you're visiting for cherry blossoms or snowy mountain hikes, this guide will help you prepare smartly.
📘 Table of Contents
- 1. Spring (March–May)
- 2. Summer (June–August)
- 3. Autumn (September–November)
- 4. Winter (December–February)
- 5. Electricity and Devices
- 6. Best and Worst Travel Seasons
- 7. Did You Know?
- 8. Bonus: Useful Korean Phrases
- 9. Want to Learn More Korean?
🌸 1. Spring (March–May)
Spring in Korea is beautiful but often chillier than expected, especially in March.
- Light jacket or trench coat
- Long-sleeve shirts and jeans
- Sneakers or walking shoes
- Allergy medicine (for yellow dust)
- Face mask (for fine dust)
☀️ 2. Summer (June–August)
Hot, humid, and rainy — welcome to Korean summer!
- Light cotton clothes
- Umbrella or raincoat (for monsoon season)
- Portable fan or mist spray
- Sunscreen & sunglasses
- Sandals or flip-flops
🍁 3. Autumn (September–November)
Mild weather and beautiful fall foliage make autumn ideal for travel.
- Cardigans, sweaters, hoodies
- Long pants and walking shoes
- Scarf for chilly evenings
- Moisturizer for dry air
❄️ 4. Winter (December–February)
Korean winters can be icy cold, especially in the north. Prepare well!
- Down jacket or thick coat
- Gloves, scarf, knit hat
- Thermal underwear (HEATTECH)
- Lip balm and hand cream
- Heat packs (핫팩 “hotpaek”)
🔌 5. Electricity and Devices
South Korea uses 220V / 60Hz electricity and the standard plug types are **C and F** (two round pins).
- North American travelers (110V) must bring a voltage converter for devices like hairdryers
- Most phone/laptop chargers support 100–240V, so only a plug adapter is needed
- Travel adapters are available at Incheon Airport or convenience stores
📅 6. Best and Worst Travel Seasons
Best Seasons:
- April–May (Spring): Cherry blossoms, mild temperatures
- September–October (Autumn): Fall foliage, crisp air, many festivals
Seasons to Avoid:
- Late July–early August: Monsoon rains (장마)
- Early February: Lunar New Year (설날) – crowded transportation, many shops closed
💡 7. Did You Know?
Korea’s public bathrooms, including those in subways and parks, are generally free and well-maintained! It's one of the most convenient features for travelers exploring cities on foot.
🗣️ 8. Bonus: Useful Korean Phrases
- 날씨가 어때요? – Nalssiga eottaeyo? – What’s the weather like?
- 더워요! – Deowoyo! – It’s hot!
- 추워요! – Chuwoyo! – It’s cold!
- 우산이 필요해요. – Usani piryohaeyo. – I need an umbrella.
- 장갑 있어요? – Janggap isseoyo? – Do you have gloves?
🎓 9. Want to Learn More Korean?
Traveling is better when you know the local language! 👉 Book a personalized Korean lesson on italki and get ready with essential phrases for your next adventure.
