Suggested Packing List & Climate (South Korea)

South Korea has a continental climate characterised by very cold, dry winters and very hot, humid summers. Spring and Autumn are relatively short and temperatures are mild and generally quite pleasant, making these the most comfortable seasons to visit South Korea.

The way you dress in South Korea is up to you – you may have seen how unconservative some people are, especially in Seoul! However, Korean's do take great pride in their appearance and how you are treated may be influenced by how you present yourself. A couple of tips:

dress appropriately when visiting temples and shrines
wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off

Loose fitting, lightweight cotton materials are the most comfortable for humid and warm conditions, layers of warmer clothes for cold conditions that are easy to remove when getting on and off coaches or inside restaurants, and a warm water/windproof jacket for possible freezing conditions. The dress code throughout the tour is casual however, smart casual clothes are highly recommended for evening banquets and shows.

Suggested Packing List

Travel documents and passport - including a photocopy of your passport in case it is lost or stolen while you are abroad. Keep one photocopy at home and take another photocopy with you.
Main luggage and luggage padlocks.
‘Day bag’ – a smaller bag to carry with you during the day.
Money belt to carry passport, cash, credit cards, airline tickets and other important travel documents.
Shirts or long-sleeved tops of light cotton material.
A water/windproof jacket and small umbrella.
Smart casual clothes are suitable but not compulsory for evening banquets and shows, and welcome and farewell dinners.
A warm jumper/fleece for spring/autumn evenings.
Light jumpers or thermals are great for layering.
A thick warm jacket and walking boots for winter.
Walking shoes and socks – it is important to have sturdy and comfortable shoes for sightseeing every day, preferably shoes that you can take off and put on easily.
Sun protection – hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm.
Personal medical kit & doctor’s certificate for any prescription medication.
Antibacterial wipes or hand sanitizer.
Spare glasses - it is difficult to get any prescription lenses repaired or replaced locally.
Toilet paper or tissues – not all sightseeing areas and public toilets will have this available
Universal adaptor/conversion plug.
Chargers, cables and portable power bank.
Camera and spare memory card.
Phone – check international roaming charges.
Resuable water bottle - read more about tap water in South Korea
Enough masks for your trip including when flying, in airports and some public areas.
Snacks - your favourite tea/coffee bags, milk powder or sachets, instant soups or noodles, drinking chocolate, muesli, energy or snack bars, vegemite or anything else you can’t live without!