๐งณ What to Pack for a Trip to Korea (Season by Season)
Planning a trip to Korea? ๐ฐ๐ท 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.
๐ 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?
๐ธ 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
๐ 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 (ํซํฉ “hotpaek”)
๐ 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
๐ 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 (์ฅ๋ง)
- Early February: Lunar New Year (์ค๋ ) – crowded transportation, many shops closed
๐ก 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.
๐ฃ️ 8. Bonus: Useful Korean Phrases
- ๋ ์จ๊ฐ ์ด๋์? – Nalssiga eottaeyo? – What’s the weather like?
- ๋์์! – Deowoyo! – It’s hot!
- ์ถ์์! – Chuwoyo! – It’s cold!
- ์ฐ์ฐ์ด ํ์ํด์. – Usani piryohaeyo. – I need an umbrella.
- ์ฅ๊ฐ ์์ด์? – Janggap isseoyo? – Do you have gloves?
๐ 9. Want to Learn More Korean?
Traveling is better when you know the local language! ๐ Book a personalized Korean lesson on italki and get ready with essential phrases for your next adventure.
