Having had the fortune of spending many months in this beautiful country, I know what to pack for South Korea to enhance the comfort of my stay. While this is a modern, advanced country with incredible convenience, there are definitely some items that are either culturally uncommon or better not to have to track down during ones stay. So, whether you are just visiting or even moving to this exciting place, here are some things you should bring to South Korea.

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Power Adapter

When traveling abroad, it’s naturally important to have at least one power adapter to be able to plug your devices into foreign outlets. Many forget to also take into account the different voltage used in some countries. For instance, North American voltage is 120 while South Korea’s voltage is 220. Be sure to get a power adapter with surge protection like this one, to prevent any damage to your electronics.

Deodorant

While travelers generally pack their desired toiletries, there are a couple of things you may not be able to restock on easily in South Korea. Due to genetics, Koreans are not prone to smelly sweating. As such, they don’t have a need for strong deodorants. While you can find a limited selection in some stores, your favorite (and effective) brands may be difficult to find or very expensive. I recommend my favorite affordable aluminum-free deodorant. I like to say this is “Mexico tested” as it kept me dry and fresh even when I lived in 100 degree weather in Mexico!

Menstrual Products

If you have a specific type of menstrual product you prefer, you may find limited options in Korean stores. Specifically, tampons are not very common with sanitary pads being the standard. This is a reputable natural tampon brand I recommend.

Hair Products (if you have thick curly hair)

Traveling to South Korea as a black woman, I was well aware that it would be difficult to find products suitable for my hair type in a racially homogeneous country. If like me, you have a crown of thick, curly hair, you may also want to pack your own shampoos and conditioners. I recommend Cantu shampoo and conditioner. I would recommend for any skin type some Shea Butter as a great travel friendly moisturizer for hair and skin.

Lunch Box

From relaxing by the fantastic Han River to hiking one of the numerous mountains: exploring the outdoors really is one of the best things to do in South Korea! Packing some snacks in a compact lunch box like this beautiful bento box is not only a way to save money on eating out, but an opportunity for a pleasant picnic in Korea’s natural beauty.

Reusable Water Bottle

While you are out exploring Korea, you’ve also got to stay hydrated. Be sure to bring a reusable water bottle so you are not spending unnecessary money on countless plastic bottles.

Shoe Insoles

Whether in the metropolitan center of Seoul, other dynamic Korean cities, or the charming countryside, you will likely walk a lot. I effortlessly exceed 10,000 steps per day whenever I’m in Korea. As such, even if you bring comfortable shoes (which you absolutely should), your feet can be further aided by some extra comfy insoles.

Portable Dehumidifier

I find that Korean apartments can get very humid, particularly in the summer months. A big contributor to this is that most Korean bathrooms are in the style of a wet room, meaning there is no separation of the shower head and the rest of the room. This can cause a lot of steam and moisture to permeate your living space (especially since Korean style studios are very small). When I encountered this on my first trip to Korea, I wish I’d brought some portable dehumidifiers to ease this muggy atmosphere.

Stomach Medication

Korean food is simply amazing and my recommendation for bringing stomach medication is by no means a denigration of this great cuisine. This is a precaution I think every traveler should take no matter which country they’re exploring. It’s easy to get excited and try a few too many new foods too quickly. Whether your dining out or trying the variety of delicious street food, these authentic dishes are notoriously hearty, flavorful, and often quite spicy. Just in case you have a sensitive stomach, come prepared with some antacid and stomach soothing medication. There are few worse things than a trip being interrupted by illness!

Mosquito Repellent

(Added 7-8-2024) If you’re traveling to South Korea during summer, you should definitely bring mosquito repellent! Summers in South Korea are notoriously hot, humid and rife with bugs. Not only are bugs a nuisance during your trip but mosquitos can carry some very serious diseases. In particular, Japanese encephalitis (though rare) is an extremely serious disease that can be found in Asia. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so try this great natural bug spray to keep the mosquitoes away.

I hope you have found my suggestions for what to pack for South Korea helpful! As someone who travels frequently, I’d like for my Korea packing list to incorporate not just practical items but some thoughtful additions to make your adventure more comfortable and fun. Before making the voyage to this beautiful country, be sure to also check out my list of Things to Know About South Korea for some helpful cultural tidbits for getting around. Happy traveling!