What to pack for Korea: a season-by-season packing list

Start with the season, then layer. Korea has four distinct seasons, so the single most useful packing principle is layers you can add and remove as the day changes. Across any season you'll want: very comfortable walking shoes (you will walk a lot), a compact day bag, a universal power adapter (Korea uses the European-style round two-pin plug at 220V), any personal medication with a copy of the prescription, and a card or two for the contactless transport system. Pack lighter than you think on clothes and toiletries — Korea has excellent, affordable shops and convenience stores for anything you forget.

Spring (roughly April–May) and autumn (roughly late September–November) are mild but swing a lot between morning and afternoon, so layering is key: t-shirts or light tops with a sweater or light jacket, plus a packable rain layer for spring showers. Autumn evenings can get genuinely chilly, so add a warmer mid-layer for late October–November. Comfortable shoes matter more than anything because palaces, markets and hiking trails all involve a lot of walking.

Summer (roughly June–August) is hot and humid, with a rainy spell and occasional heavy downpours. Pack light, breathable clothing, a compact umbrella or rain jacket, sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses, and quick-dry fabrics. Bring sandals or breathable shoes for the heat, but keep one pair of proper walking shoes for sightseeing. Indoor spaces are strongly air-conditioned, so a thin layer for shops, subways and cafes is genuinely useful.

Winter (roughly December–February) is cold, sometimes well below freezing, with wind that makes it feel colder. Pack a warm insulated coat, thermal base layers, a hat, gloves and a scarf, plus warm socks and insulated, grippy footwear for icy pavements. The good news is that indoor heating is excellent everywhere, so warm layers you can remove easily beat a single bulky outer layer. Disposable hand warmers are cheap and sold widely once you arrive.

Don't over-pack toiletries, basic clothing or everyday items — Korea's convenience stores, pharmacies and beauty shops are everywhere, well-stocked and affordable, so it's often easier to buy on arrival than to carry. You generally don't need a separate voltage converter for modern dual-voltage chargers (just the round two-pin plug adapter), and you don't need to pre-pack a SIM card if you arrange an eSIM you can activate on landing. Leave room in your bag — Korea is a famously good place to shop, and you'll likely fly home heavier.

Cards are widely accepted, so you don't need to carry large amounts of cash, but a small amount is handy for traditional markets and a few small vendors. The most useful thing to sort early is contactless travel: a rechargeable transport card (or a supported contactless bank card) covers subways, buses and many convenience-store purchases, which makes getting around far smoother. Set up mobile data too — maps, translation and transport apps make the whole trip easier.