Countdown to Seoul — What to Pack and Where to Start??

A little insight into what I bring and my budget when visiting South Korea

The countdown to Seoul is on — only 14 days left until I head to my favorite city for the next three months! It feels like the countdown on my phone was just at 100 days, and now, in a blink, it is exactly 14 days. Time really does fly!

Those who know me know that I’m a list girl. I have sticky notes and notebook pages scattered across my desk with to-do lists. Lists for my Korean studies, for my work, for personal things, and for this upcoming trip. Though I will be fully honest and admit that I am quite far from a perfectionist, I do like to be prepared and make sure I’m accomplishing things to the very best of my ability.

Naturally, I have a list of things I need to get done before my trip to Seoul. Things to do, things to pack… quite literally all the things. And three months is no short trip, so I want to doubly make sure I have things ready and in order.

My first two trips to Seoul, I felt extra pressure to ensure that I had absolutely EVERYTHING I needed and more. Now that this will be my fourth trip, I feel more relaxed, knowing that if I do forget something, I know how and where I can replace them. Having friends in Korea also helps, because I know there are people I can go to if I need any help!

Regardless, there are definitely things I don’t want to forget, and I’ve received multiple inquiries about what I pack for my trip. Though I’m sure I will forget something, I will do my best to provide my best tips here for what to pack for a trip for Korea.

Though this may seem obvious, a passport is mandatory. Not just for getting on the plane and then getting through customs once arriving in Korea, but also for shopping. Yes, shopping! Many stores in Korea, such as Olive Young (skincare) and Duty-Free (tax free) locations will give a discount or eliminate the tax on the product with the presence of a valid passport. What’s more, events like concerts will require identification to enter, and a passport is normally what they will request.

I also bring cash to exchange into Korean won. My past three trips, it was kind of a hassle (and a little stressful, let’s be honest) figuring out how much cash to bring. Some food markets only take cash, certain clothing stores will provide a discount if purchasing with cash, and T-Money cards (used for public transportation) are loaded with cash in kiosks inside the subway stations and certain convenience stores. Thankfully, one of my Seoul friends told me about a T-Money card called WowPass that allows you to load money onto it via the app, rather than regular T-Money cards that only take cash. Due to this, I won’t have to bring as much cash this trip, which I am thankful for.

I would be lost without my power bank. Since I take so many photos and videos, my phone always dies very quickly when I’m in Seoul. Without this battery pack, I would literally be lost! I always carry this with me, and it can charge a phone four or five times to full battery before it needs to be recharged. A lifesaver! I will link it here. This one is especially nice since it includes its own cord.

I also have outlet adapters that allows me to plug in my American cords into Korean outlets. The first time I went, I used an E adapter, but have found that F works much better — you can find them here.

Since I do try to create as much Substack and Instagram content as I can while in Korea, I always carry a mini tripod with me. This little tripod, though not the most amazing quality in the world, has come in handy so many times — here is the link.

Though Seoul and Korea are very safe, I still like to feel extra safe when going out, especially if I know I’ll be coming back late. I love this cute little cat alarm keychain I found on Amazon. It’s cute, but is super loud if its tail is pulled out. I’ll link it here: Cat Alarm Keychain.

I can’t emphasize this one enough: GOOD. WALKING. SHOES. When I go to Korea, I only bring sneakers (though I will be bringing a pair of white converse for this trip too). I have one plain white pair of sneakers and another pair that have fun colors, but I quite literally don’t even bother trying to bring heels, boots, or other types of footwear. When I say you walk a lot… I mean it. You walk so much, and I can’t imagine trying to survive without good walking shoes! If this is any indication — the last time I went, my shoes were almost completely worn out by the time I got home.

Since I love going to the Han River as often as I can, I always bring a book or two to read with me. Because I write every day and am busy with that and making content, I don’t get to read as much as I’d like to, BUT when I do get to go to the river, I love getting to chill with a book. There’s nothing like reading at the river!

In the summer, it will rain quite often. I can tell you from experience, it is quite embarrassing to be the only one without an umbrella on a busy city street when it starts to rain. A small umbrella is a must, as is a light rain jacket. I’ve never regretted bringing mine!

On the other hand, the humidity and the heat in the summer are nothing to sneeze at. It gets HOT. My second trip, I was incredibly jealous of all the people who had handheld fans/air conditioners. I will certainly have one this trip. Though these can be found in Seoul, I wanted to have one ready and on hand. Here is the one I’m using!

I grew up with a mom that loves to be extra prepared for anything, and getting sick is no exception. Though I know I could find cold medicine and the like in Seoul, I do bring my own cold medicine and pain reliever like ibuprofen so I have it on hand if I need it. I am very grateful I had the cold medicine my mom packed for me last time when I caught a cold. It came on so fast, but I didn’t have to worry about going out to find medicine. I also carry my own epi-pens since I am allergic to bees.

Jet lag is no joke. It takes me about a week and a half to two weeks before I feel fully adjusted, and I usually spend the first two days of my trip in my Airbnb resting and getting organized. If I don’t rest a little, I don’t feel ready to get out and about. I always pack a few small breakfast things like oatmeal and breakfast bars, as well as my own tea, so I can spend a few days getting rested before I go buy groceries and get into the swing of Seoul life again!

And yes, I always bring a small photo of my family to hang in my Airbnb — that one is important :)

If you’re like me and like to be able to carry what you need throughout the day (and an iPad or laptop to do some writing), a bag (or two) is a good thing to pack. Seoul is an incredibly fashionable place, so I like to bring a few cute bags (mainly little backpacks) that can carry what I need while also going with the outfits I’ve packed. This is just a personal preference, but I like my bags to be stylish too!

Now for the part of packing we, or at least I, always dread — clothes. How much do I pack? How much is too little? How much is too much?

Since I do love to shop in Seoul, I try to keep in mind that I will be buying clothes throughout the duration of my trip. Though I love buying tops, skirts, and dresses in Seoul, I normally buy my jeans back home and just bring enough to mix it up with the variety of tops I bring and tops that I’ll buy.

Last trip, I was kicking myself for not bringing enough pants. I took four pairs last time, but after two months, I was pretty sick of wearing the same four constantly. Sooo this time I’m definitely bringing more. I’ve found that more neutral tops that can be mixed and matched with different pants and different jackets/coverups is the best way to go too. The style in Korea tends to lean more toward neutral colors — black, white, brown, beige… so I try to steer clear of really bright and fluorescent shades.

Despite this, I do love color. When I did my personal color analysis in Seoul last spring, I found out that I am a spring pale, which are light or pastel shades. So, when I do wear colors, I wear my personal colors of light pinks, light blues, light greens, and light purples.

And of course, we can’t forget makeup, hair accessories, and skincare. A few bottles of my skincare is about to run out, so looks like it’s time for an Olive Young run!

Before I went to Korea the first time, I read mixed reviews about using American hair tools (I use a wand and straightener every day) with a outlet adapter. I was super nervous the first time (who wants to accidentally blow a fuse??) but I’ve had no issues. According to the good old Internet, irons that use 110-240V or similar can be plugged in with a plug adapter. If it only lists 110V, you’ll need a voltage converter.

During my trip last May, my luggage got lost due to a quick layover in LA. I was so stressed, as I didn’t have anything with me, other than what was in my backpack. I didn’t have my outlet converters, a change of clothes… anything. Luckily, the staff at the airport were super helpful and quickly delivered my bag to me at my Airbnb the day after I arrived. Due to that unfortunate situation, I always carry a change of clothes and a few essentials in my carry on, just in case that happens again.

Thankfully, now I know places I could go to buy things to survive a few days without luggage, but at the time, I didn’t know what to do!

If you’re like me… you’re going to be buying a lot while visiting. Between clothes, skincare, albums from my favorite band, and other souvenirs/gifts for family and friends, I don’t have space for everything by the time it’s time to go home. My bag is honestly pretty packed full before I even arrive! Now, I’ve just accepted that I’m going to have to come home with two bags. Last time, I brought a full suitcase and an empty one, but I realized it didn’t make sense to pay for an empty bag to fly. So, this trip, I’m just going to buy a new suitcase (there are great luggage locations in areas like Myeongdong for great prices) right before I go back home in June :)

I’ve mentioned it in a past Substack, but Google Maps does not work well in Korea. And if it does happen to work slightly, it certainly won’t provide directions that include bus and subway routes, which you will need for pretty much every location you go to. Before every trip, I make sure I have all my locations marked and ready to go, as well as adding new locations I’ve saved on Instagram. This trip, I’m so excited to be trying some cafes that provide stunning views to the cherry blossoms!

Never Map may seem confusing at first, but it is a breeze once you get the hang of it. You can also change the map settings to English to make the directions a little easier to follow.

Another question I’ve gotten a few times is how to budget for a trip to Seoul, and how have I saved for my trips?

After realizing I wanted to spend more time in Seoul (really, as much time as I could with the hopes of living/studying more full-time in the future), I knew I’d have to make some changes to make that possible. I moved home to save the money I was using for rent, and I also save every penny that doesn’t go toward bills or other necessities I need to purchase. Since I am a writer, I am also able to continue my writing in Seoul, which helps pay for the trips as well.

For anyone hoping to plan a trip to South Korea, I always recommend saving in small ways that add up a lot. For my first trip to Korea, I saved the money I was using to buy coffee or get my nails done or buy clothes in the states, and I was surprised how quickly I was able to save to my goal amount.

The flight is always the most expensive part of the trip. Once that expense is out of the way, the rest isn’t nearly as bad. Keep an eye on flights and don’t impulse buy (unless the price is extremely cheap, of course). Every time I’ve started shopping for flights, they will often be over $2,000. I keep an eye on prices, watch for trends, and have been able to find flights for much less each time. I think the cheapest flight I’ve found is $1,300, so it is possible to find good-priced flights internationally.

Hotels will always be more expensive than options like Airbnb and hostels. I’m too much of a nervous person to stay in hostels, though I have heard there are some very nice options in Seoul. I have always used Airbnb in Korea and have only had great experiences! You can find great places for really good prices, so I highly recommend booking through Airbnb.

Other ways to save money are to shop in markets or underground malls rather than the actual shopping malls like Hyundai and Lotte. While I love walking through these malls and spending time in them, they are MUCH more expensive than the other options you can find in areas like Myeongdong, Hongdae and Gotomall in Gangnam. And while taxis may seem like a good option to get around quickly, they are also more expensive than taking a bus or the subway.

Food, clothes, skincare, hair salons… they’re all more affordable in Korea then in the U.S., so that is another thing to keep in mind for your trip!

If you have specific questions about budgeting for a trip to Seoul, please feel free to message me personally :)

Finally, what to expect from this trip?

This will be my first trip where I’ll have this Substack active the entire time! I’m so so SO excited to fully document this trip on this platform. I’ll be doing cafe reviews and documenting events, perhaps a cooking class (or two!), concerts (still praying to secure tickets), shopping, and more.

Thank you all for joining me on this journey :) See you in Seoul!