Korea Packing List (2026): What to Pack for Every Season, and What to Buy There

Packing for Korea is mostly about two things: the season (Korea swings from humid 30°C summers to freezing winters) and walking. You’ll walk a lot, up hills and subway stairs. Here’s a packing list that covers both, plus the things that are cheaper or easier to buy once you land.

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Last checked: October 2026. Dollar figures use about 1,330 KRW = 1 USD (October 2026).

First time in Korea? Start here: our step-by-step guide from landing to your first day.

Clothes by season

See Korea weather by month for more detail. Koreans dress for the date, not the temperature: by November most people are in padded coats.

Fall and winter trips (October–February)

• Layers beat one huge coat. Subways, shops and cafés are heated, so you’ll take your coat on and off all day.
• Thermal underwear (a base layer under jeans) makes December–February comfortable. Uniqlo has stores all over Seoul if you need more.
• Gloves that work with touchscreens. You’ll be checking maps outdoors.
• Lip balm and a rich moisturiser. Korean winters are very dry. Or buy them in Korea, which is half the fun (tax refund tips).
• Visiting late October to mid-November? Leave room for leaf-peeping: Seoul fall foliage 2026.

The essentials people forget

• Passport: you need the physical passport for instant tax refunds, some ticket pickups and the DMZ.
• Plug adapter: Korea uses round-pin Type C/F at 220V. Check whether you need an adapter or a converter.
• Data: set up an eSIM or SIM card before you fly.
• A card that works abroad, plus some cash: see money in Korea. Street food stalls and some markets are cash only.
• Comfortable shoes you can slip off. You’ll walk 15,000+ steps a day, and some restaurants, hanok stays and temples ask you to remove your shoes.
• Your own medicines in original packaging. Pharmacies are everywhere, but brand names differ.
• Toothbrush and toothpaste. Since 29 March 2024, hotels with 50 or more rooms can’t give out free single-use toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors, shampoo or conditioner. Most offer refill dispensers for shampoo, but toothbrushes cost extra.

Don’t pack these: buy them in Korea

• Skincare and sunscreen: cheaper and fresher in Korea, especially at Olive Young (what to buy at Olive Young).
• Umbrella: every convenience store sells one for a few thousand won when it rains.
• Hand warmers (핫팩, “hot pack”): sold in convenience stores all winter.
• Socks: street stalls in Myeongdong and markets sell cute ones for about 1,000–3,000 KRW (~$0.8–2) a pair.
• T-money card: buy and top it up at any convenience store (T-money guide).

Luggage tips

• Pack a foldable tote or duffel for shopping on the way home.
• Arriving before check-in or leaving after checkout? Use luggage storage in Seoul instead of dragging bags around.
• Power banks and spare batteries go in your carry-on, never in checked luggage.

FAQ

What should I wear in Korea in November?
A warm coat or light puffer over a sweater. Mornings and evenings drop to around 2–5°C by late November.

Do Korean hotels give you toothbrushes?
Large hotels (50+ rooms) no longer give them out free, though most sell them at the front desk. Small guesthouses may still provide them. Pack your own to be safe.

Do I need cash in Korea?
Cards work almost everywhere, but carry some cash for street food, markets and small shops.

Sources: Korea Bestie – Korea weather by month · Korea JoongAng Daily – hotels stop free disposable toiletries · Creatrip – Seoul weather and what to wear
Photos: Korea.net / Korean Culture and Information Service (Jeon Han) / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0 · Kanchi1979 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.5