Heading to South Korea during the colder months? Whether you're visiting in spring, autumn, or winter, the crisp air and stunning landscapes make it an unforgettable experience. To stay comfortable while exploring, packing smart is key! This guide covers everything you need to know to dress appropriately and make the most of your trip.

Suitcase or Backpack?

South Korea is a very accessible country, so traveling with a suitcase is convenient—most public spaces have elevators and escalators.

While we used backpacks during our trip to South Korea, they’re not necessary. We recommend packing light—you really won’t need as much as we brought for our world trip. We loved the products in South Korea so much that we even sent a box back to Germany! Our advice? Bring as little as possible. The clothing here is stunning, and you’ll definitely want to stock up on skincare. Get ready for a lot of shopping!

We typically organize our clothes in packing cubes for quick access: one cube for bottoms, one for tops, one for outdoor clothing, and so on. We also pack our shoes in fabric reusable bags. It ultimately depends on your packing style.

READ | Our Worldtrip Packing List

BUY | Osprey Aether 55 (55L)

Our Daypack Items

We have a list of the daypack items we rely on every day, regardless of the country. You can check list down below.

For South Korea, a helpful traveler’s tip is to carry a face mask, hand sanitizer and liquid soap in a refillable bottle, as public restrooms may not always have these supplies. While it’s worth noting that South Korea’s public restrooms are generally well-maintained. A face mask is a must—it’s common for people to cough or sneeze without covering their mouths. You definitely don’t want to spoil your trip by getting sick!

Sunscreen is also a must, even when it might look cloudy.

READ | Everyday Essentials: The Must-Have Items in our Daypack

BUY |

Fjällraven Abisko Hike Foldsack (25 L)

Vaude Unuk II Daypack (6-15L)

Clothing

Layering is essential to stay comfortable as temperatures can vary throughout the day. Pack a warm but versatile jacket—a lightweight option for spring and autumn or a thicker winter coat for the colder months. Bring sweaters, cardigans, or fleece layers that you can easily add or remove. Thermal clothing (such as heat-tech tops and leggings) is highly recommended for winter. Don’t forget gloves, a scarf, and a hat to protect against the cold, especially if you're visiting in late autumn or winter.

For footwear, comfortable and insulated shoes are a must, as you’ll be walking a lot. Sneakers work well in milder weather, while waterproof boots are ideal for winter or rainy days. If you're heading to the mountains or national parks, hiking shoes with good grip will make your outdoor adventures much easier.

When visiting temples, palaces, and cultural sites, dress modestly by covering your shoulders and knees. South Korea is fashion-conscious, and while casual wear is fine, overly revealing clothing—such as low-cut tops, tight outfits, or short skirts—is less common, especially in traditional areas. Opt for stylish yet simple outfits to blend in with locals, who tend to favor well-coordinated and polished looks.

Download our PDF packing list – and don’t forget to check page 2!

Swimwear

If you're planning to visit indoor pools or public baths in South Korea, be sure to pack conservative swimwear, as revealing styles are generally not the norm.

Now, let's talk towels—a surprisingly important topic! South Korea is the only place we've been where large towels are practically nonexistent. The standard size is 80cm x 40cm, which is more like a hand towel than a full-sized bath towel. Whether you're staying in a homestay, hotel, or visiting public spas (jjimjilbangs), expect to receive these small towels. While some may find them sufficient, wrapping long hair can feel like solving a tricky puzzle—just ask Ingrid! If you prefer a larger, more absorbent towel, we highly recommend bringing your own.

Dressing for Summer

South Korea’s summer is hot, humid, and often rainy, so lightweight, breathable clothing is a must. Opt for loose-fitting cotton or linen outfits to stay cool and comfortable. While shorts and skirts are common, avoid low-cut tops, as showing cleavage is generally frowned upon. A light cardigan or shawl is useful for entering temples, air-conditioned cafés, or subway stations, where it can get surprisingly chilly. Comfortable walking sandals or sneakers are ideal for exploring. Don’t forget a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen—the sun can be intense, and many locals carry a UV umbrella for extra protection!

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Menstruators Essentials for South Korea

Pads and tampons are widely available, and period underwear is also easy to find.

South Korea has many clean public toilets, but most sinks are shared outside the toilet stalls, which can be inconvenient for menstrual cup users. While it's possible to manage, it may not always be easy.

Sustainable Recommendations

For your Daypack

We always carry our reusable water bottles since in most countries, including South Korea, you can refill them with filtered water for free at accommodations. Most accommodations also offer refill stations. In some cities, you can drink from the tap.

If you plan to visit street food markets or bring snacks on hikes, we recommend investing in collapsible food containers and carrying reusable cutlery and metal straws. We also carry a reusable bag for groceries or beach trips, and it's handy if we need to lighten our luggage at the airport counter, allowing us to transfer some items as our carry-on.

Additionally, we carry a separate travel-size reusable bottle filled with sunscreen for our daypack.

READ | Eco-Friendly Travel: Sustainable Essentials for Your Packing List

Laundry

We recommend packing light, as doing laundry in South Korea is quick and easy. Laundromats are widely available, often just around the corner, and your clothes will be ready in about an hour. We often had accommodation with a washing machine that we could use free of cost. To be prepared, bring a reusable travel-sized bottle with detergent, as you can not always buy it at laundromats.

Don’t forget to pack a laundry mesh bag for both sustainability and to protect your delicates while traveling South Korea.

Health & Safety

Safety

South Korea is very safe, with low crime rates. Pick-pocketing is rare, but it's always good to stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas. South Koreans reserve spots leaving their phones, car keys, bags on tables and seats.

Learn more about how we prioritize safety while traveling here.

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Health

Vaccinations

No specific vaccinations are required for entry into South Korea unless you're traveling from a country with a risk of yellow fever.

We advice you to consult with a healthcare provider before traveling.

Recommended Vaccinations for South Korea:

Routine Vaccinations: Make sure you’re up to date on the standard vaccinations, including:
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP)
- Polio
- Influenza
- Varicella (Chickenpox)

Travel Insurance

Travel health insurance is essential for any trip, covering unexpected medical expenses such as doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, and emergency treatments. It ensures you receive the care you need while protecting you from high medical costs. This is especially important when traveling to unfamiliar destinations or regions with limited healthcare access, where quality medical treatment may not be readily available. To help you find the best coverage for your trip, we’ve put together a guide.

READ | Travel Insurance Explained: Stay Covered Abroad

Payment Methods

South Korea is a very credit card-friendly country, and most shops accept card payments without charging transaction fees. However, it’s still good to carry some cash, especially for small eateries and night markets. ATMs are widely available, especially in convenience stores, and many do not charge withdrawal fees.

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