🧳 What to Pack for a Trip to Korea (Season by Season)
🧳 What to Pack for Korea: The 2026 Ultimate Seasonal Guide
Master the art of packing for Korea's four distinct seasons with expert tips from a local teacher.
🌟 Planning an Extended Stay?
If you're moving to Korea for work or study, don't miss our comprehensive roadmap:
Ultimate Guide to Living in Korea 2026
Planning a trip to South Korea? 🇰🇷 Whether you're coming for the breathtaking cherry blossoms of spring or the snowy mountain peaks of winter, your packing list will change drastically. Korea’s four seasons are very distinct, and being under-prepared can dampen your adventure. This guide will help you pack efficiently for 2026, ensuring you have exactly what you need for the local climate and culture.
🌸 Spring (March–May)
Expect vibrant blossoms but beware of the "Gkot-saem-chu-wi" (sudden cold snaps).
Pack: Trench coats, light layers, and face masks for fine dust (미세먼지) which is prevalent this season.
☀️ Summer (June–August)
Intense humidity and the monsoon season (Jangma).
Pack: Breathable linen, a sturdy umbrella (though you can buy cheap ones at CVS), and portable fans.
🍁 Autumn (September–November)
The best travel weather with crisp air.
Pack: Stylish cardigans, hoodies, and comfortable walking shoes for foliage hiking.
❄️ Winter (December–February)
Bone-chilling winds. Indoor heating is strong, so layer up!
Pack: Long padded coats (Parkas), thermal underwear, and heavy-duty moisturizer for dry skin.
🔌 Electricity & Tech Essentials
Korea uses 220V / 60Hz with plug types C and F (two round pins). If you are coming from North America (110V), your phone and laptop chargers usually support dual voltage, but you'll need a plug adapter. For high-powered items like hair tools, a voltage converter is mandatory to avoid frying your devices!
💡 Insider Packing Tips
- Leave Room: Korea is a shopping paradise (especially Seongsu and Myeongdong). Leave at least 20% of your suitcase empty!
- Hot Packs: In winter, don't bring heavy heat packs. Buy "Hot-paek" (핫팩) at any 7-Eleven or CU for about ₩1,000—they last up to 15 hours.
- Public Restrooms: They are free and clean! You don't need to carry toilet paper, but a small hand sanitizer is always useful.
🗣️ Useful Phrases for Your Luggage & Travel
• 짐 좀 맡겨도 될까요? (Jim jom mat-gyeodo doelkkayo?) - Can I leave my luggage here?
• 날씨가 어때요? (Nalssiga eottaeyo?) - How is the weather?
• 너무 추워요 / 더워요 (Neomu chuwoyo / deowoyo) - It's too cold / hot.
• 우산 있어요? (Usan isseoyo?) - Do you have an umbrella?
🚀 Ready to Master Korean for Your Trip?
Don't let a language barrier limit your journey. Let's practice essential travel phrases and culture-specific tips 1:1! Book a "Traveler's Prep" session with Hoon on italki today.
Get Prepared with HoonUpdated: December 23, 2025 | Part of the "Mastering Korea Travel" Expert Series.
