What to Pack for South Korea: A Packing List for Moving Abroad

Sharing is caring!

Making the exciting journey to live in South Korea? This honest guide shares what to pack for South Korea for English teachers and expats.

After the hectic roller coaster that applying and accepting an English teaching job in Korea entails, an almost equally stressful task arises – packing for a year abroad. I was obsessed with trying to find the perfect list to avoid forgetting something extremely important or bringing along unnecessary clutter. And what a headache that was.

They do say hindsight is 20/20, and now that I’ve been in Korea for nearly a year, I’ve had the time to reflect on everything I brought with me, the things I wish I’d brought, and the items I’m glad I left at home. I’m here to share a bit of my wisdom in hopes it helps you on your great packing journey!

↠ Read More: How to Move to South Korea: Everything You Need to Know

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, if you click my links and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission. Learn more on my disclosure page. Thank you for your support!

What to Pack When Moving South Korea

I can’t give you a detailed list of what to pack, but I can break down my guide into things I wish I’d packed, what I don’t regret bringing, and what I wish I left at home.

8 Things I Wished I Packed when Moving to South Korea

1. More shoes and more bottoms

I’m a tall woman and I have big feet. Finding clothes that fit at all is VERY difficult. I wear a US size 10 shoe and most places sell up to size 8 max. Finding cute size 10 shoes is impossible, and I’m not exaggerating. If you’re curvy or have an athletic build (ie. you have thighs and a booty), it can also be difficult to find jeans or bottoms that fit at all. I’m a size US 6 or 28 in jeans, and often size 28 is the largest size in the store. Forever 21 and H&M are usually ok, but just be aware your options may be limited!

2. My favorite make-up

Knowing that Korea is the beauty capital of the world, I didn’t stock up on make-up like I wish I had. Living here I’ve realized that many make-up essentials like mascara and eyeliner can be expensive. That and for items like concealer and foundation, the options are very limited for anyone who doesn’t fit into the three shades available in Korea. If you have go-to favorites you can’t live without, better be safe and bring them along!

3. More travel adapters

You can never have enough! Trying to figure out which adapter you need exactly for where you’re going can be tough. Check out this great website that takes all the fuss out of guessing which adapter you should pack. Just put where you’re coming from, where you’re going and it’ll tell you exactly which adapter you need! 

4. Ceramic coffee dripper

Coffee is super trendy right now in Korea, but it can be expensive and difficult to find the supplies in stores for decent prices (you can find them in cafes but it’s all like $30+). If you don’t want to live off of instant coffee during your time here, pack a small ceramic coffee dripper that’s like $5 from Target. Some Daisos have actually started carrying them too which is nice. And go to Costco or Home Plus for your ground coffee needs.

5. Salty comfort snacks

Obviously you don’t have room for a pantry’s-worth of snacks. But I recommend bringing one of two that you may crave on a particularly homesick-filled day or when you’ve had it with the sweetness of all Korean snacks. Visitors have brought me peanut butter and Cheez-Its and Ritz from home, and let me tell you how amazing those simple salty crackers tasted after months of constant sweetness.

6. Western holiday supplies

It can be difficult to think as far ahead as the next holiday, but if you’re a hardcore Halloween, Thanksgiving, or Christmas fan, know that these aren’t big holidays here and supplies are limited and specialty things are non-existent. Future you will thank you for bringing that can of pumpkin puree, box of stuffing, mince pie mix, etc.

7. Candles or anything to make your apartment feel like home

When you arrive, you’re given a small apartment that is a mixed bag of random stuff provided by the school, the landlord and the previous teacher. I recommend bringing small trinkets, photos or quality candles to make it feel like home as soon as you arrive. And if you’re obsessed with quality candles, bring one for good measure – your options are expensive or poor quality.

8. More bras and underwear

Again, if you’re sporting a large bosom or waist, you may want to come prepared with a few of your favorites bras and undies!

↠ Read More: The Average Cost of Living in Korea for Expats

6 Things I Don’t Regret Bringing to South Korea

1. A few pairs of my go-to basics

Jeans, blouses, going out tops, shorts, etc. Bring the essential basics with you so you know you have good sturdy clothes that fit exactly how you like them, and come to Korea ready to shop for extras. While Asian sizes run quite small, Korean style is boxy and over-sized making it a little easier to find certain things that work well.

2. My big winter jacket

It gets cold here in the winter! And being the tall and always cold person that I am, having a quality jacket from the winter wonderland of WI that actually keeps me warm is a necessity.

3. My hiking gear

Korea is a hiker’s paradise, so if you’re interested in checking out some of the beautiful national parks in South Korea, I recommend bringing a pair of good shoes or hiking boots, a set of base layers, a day backpack and any of your favorite work out clothes or hiking clothes. I’ve gotten a lot of use out of these things even though they did take up a little more space in my luggage than I would have liked.

4. All the shoes I did bring

I got a lot of side-eye from people when I told them how many shoes I was bringing with me (I brought 10 pairs) and honestly I wish I could have brought more. No regrets, especially now that I’m staying a second year!

5. A year’s supply of tampons and razors

Female hygiene products are expensive here, especially tampons. Bring a bunch with you from home or if you want to save even more money, switch to a menstrual cup. I’ve recently made the switch and I couldn’t be more happy with it! Be sure to buy it in America before coming – it may be difficult to find in Korea.

6. A power strip

This is one of the best packing tips I’d read before coming. It’s a seemingly small thing to bring but it’s been super convenient. Now when I’m home charging, I don’t have to worry about an adapter for most things like my computer, iPhone, camera etc.

↠ Read More: 10 Things I Love About Life in South Korea

10 Things to Leave at Home

1. Lonely Planet’s guide to Korea

And leave any other guidebooks at home for that matter. I brought one thinking it would come in handy and honestly I haven’t touched it once. Actually living here surrounded by locals gives you easy access to more information than your Lonely Planet could ever provide. 

2. Big towels that every blog says to pack

While it’s true that bath towels are typically smaller here compared to the ones at home, larger towels aren’t impossible to find. I brought a couple with me because other blogs said to and they took up so much valuable space in my suitcase. Just pick some up at your local Home Plus, Daiso or online when you arrive.

3. Business professional clothing

EPIK recommends that teachers bring business professional clothing for special functions, but to be honest, I have not worn my blazer or business dress pants once. Skip the suit and tie and come with a quality business casual outfit instead and you should be fine. The school dress code is super casual and I wear jeans and a sweater or t-shirt every day. The biz casual is just for special occasions. =

4. Gifts for teachers

There’s so much online about bringing gifts from home for your teachers, but it really isn’t necessary. You should know that it’s actually technically illegal in Korea to give material gifts to school staff. So if you want to make a nice gesture you’re better off buying a delicious snack to share once you’re here. Save the space and leave the gifts at home!

5. Baking supplies

Other blogs may also suggest packing baking supplies, but honestly I don’t think it’s worth it to waste the space. All of the common baking necessities (sugars, flours, baking soda/powder, vanilla, cinnamon etc) are fairly easy to find at a local grocery store. If you’re looking for something particularly unique for a favorite recipe then maybe bring it. Otherwise you can get it here or online.

6. Your favorite spices

Every blog also mentions bringing along your favorite spices, but again they often aren’t too difficult to find. I came with the understanding I’d be cooking a lot at home to save money but here in Korea, it’s almost more affordable to eat out. That and the tiny and oven-less apartment you’re provided with makes it difficult to cook anyways. If you’re set on it and enjoy cooking, the only spices I’d say I wish I’d brought are cumin and garlic powder – everything else seems easily accessible.

7. Beauty supplies and hygiene products

So while I recommend bringing your favorite make-up, I also recommend leaving beauty products like lotions, face washes, etc. at home. K-beauty is phenomenal and you’ll have tons of fun trying every funky mask, scrub, wash, and treatment you can find here. And your skin will look amazing. Oh and it’s very easy to find deodorant here, so IMHO there’s no need to bring a million sticks from home. Just go to your local Olive Young when in need.

8. Bulky winter clothes like sweaters, scarves etc

Although Asian sizes are quite smaller than Western, Korean fashion does tend to be oversized, especially for winter clothes like sweaters and cardigans. Save the space and buy cute and cheap warm clothing once you arrive. You’ll definitely need them – it gets cold here.

9. Hair dryer, curling iron and straightener

These things can blow up easily if the voltage isn’t made for the country you’re using it in. Don’t risk short circuiting your new apartment and just buy these things once you arrive.

10. Bedding and sheets

This one is likely without saying, but there’s no need waste the space! It’s all available here and you may not even know the exact size of your new bed anyways. Plus, if you’re moving into a furnished apartment, that stuff may all be available when you arrive.

↠ Read More: 10 Things I Hate About Life in South Korea

Ok I’m in South Korea and missing my faves…now what?

You can’t possibly bring every single necessity for the next year with you and you inevitably need to compromise and leave some faves at home. So what happens when you’re in Korea and dying for some comfort snacks or the newest trends in your size? You just need to know where to go!

Online shopping in Korea is fairly easy (minus the occasionally complicated payment process) and has fast delivery times. I have a few favorite websites and stores I recommend you check out when in need!

My Places to Shop in South Korea

Asos.com – Asos is fabulous for fashionable clothing. Since it’s a western site, you know the clothes should fit you the way you expect them to. Asos ships orders free internationally to Korea.  You can even have your order expedited for a small fee if you’re in a rush! 

Amazon, Gmarket and Coupang – A few sellers on Amazon ship to Korea so you can always check there for anything you need. However, Coupang and Gmarket, essentially Korea’s Amazon websites, are also a great place to find clothing, beauty supplies, home supplies, random groceries and more! 

Amazon, Gmarket and Coupang – A few sellers on Amazon ship to Korea so you can always check there for anything you need. However, Coupang and Gmarket, essentially Korea’s Amazon websites, are also a great place to find clothing, beauty supplies, home supplies, random groceries and more! 

iHerb – iHerb is an online retailer similar to Coupang that sells natural goods like hygiene products, baking supplies, vitamins and more. Think of it as your organic grocery store online. 

Costco, Home Plus or Emart – Most major cities in Korea have a Costco, which is a great place to find American goodies like cheese, ground beef, turkey for Thanksgiving and any other brand that’ll make you feel like home. If you already have a membership, your American one will work in Korea! Otherwise Home Plus or Emart have a wider variety of groceries and goods than your local food marts will. 

Sam Won – For any baking enthusiasts moving to Daegu, Sam Won is a great place to get any obscure or special baking ingredient or equipment you need for your next baking project!

What’s something you can’t live without on your adventure abroad? Share below!