What to Pack for Your Trip to Korea?
Throughout my frequent travels to Korea over the past 10 years, I have learned the importance of packing light. In the early days, I used to bring an excessive amount of stuff, which proved to be a hassle and unnecessary. However, I have come to realize that Korea is a highly developed country with abundant import and export options. Therefore, I now adopt a minimalist approach, focusing only on packing the essentials. This not only eliminates the inconvenience of carrying unnecessary items but also allows me to fully embrace the local experience. Additionally, I take delight in bringing along snacks and presents for the people I meet along my journey.
Essentials
Before you embark on your journey to Korea, it's important to ensure that you have the essentials with you. Here's a list of what you should bring:
- 2 credit cards
- Cash
- Phone
- Laptop
- Travel Adapter
- 1.5 weeks worth of clothes
Credit Cards
Having 2 credit cards is essential in Korea. While the country is predominantly cashless, there may be instances where ATMs encounter issues. In such cases, having a second card as a backup can save you from any inconvenience. Additionally, it's advisable to check the conversion rates before your trip. WISE is a reliable and convenient option with widespread acceptance. However, some vendors may only accept local cards, which is when having some cash on hand becomes useful. Carrying around 100,000 Won is usually sufficient, as you'll find that you rarely need to spend it.
Note: Google Pay is not widely accepted in Korea as many Points of Interaction (POIs) do not support NFC payments. Apple Pay may be an option, but it's worth noting that its reliability is not guaranteed.
SIM Cards and Connectivity
Upon your arrival in Korea, you will encounter numerous SIM card vendors. However, it is important to note that they can be quite expensive compared to other available options. To save money, consider obtaining a SIM card before your trip. You can have it sent to you or pick it up at the airport. Alternatively, you can visit offline shops throughout Seoul, such as ChinguMobile or WooriMobile, which are usually located near universities. These shops have extensive experience serving exchange students who often go there to get their SIM cards. When purchasing a SIM card, remember to bring cash and your passport for authentication. If you have a long-term visa, you can even adjust your plan to work with Korean authentication on online platforms.
Packing for the Seasons
Korea experiences two main seasons: freezing cold and humid hot. If you're fortunate, you may also get to enjoy the brief spring and autumn seasons that last for about two weeks each. To make your packing easier and more efficient, it's best to keep your luggage light by packing mostly summer/spring clothes. When the weather starts to get colder, you can always purchase a jacket in Korea. This approach not only saves space in your luggage but also allows you to experience the local fashion trends firsthand. Keep in mind that winter clothes tend to be bulky, so it's better to buy them locally if needed. Rest assured that as a highly developed country, Korea offers a wide range of clothing options to cater to your needs. Don't stress too much about packing everything in advance; you can always rely on local availability. Additionally, consider asking a friend who might be visiting you to bring along any items you may have forgotten from your home country.
Health Insurance and Safety
While exploring Korea, it's important to have health insurance that covers any potential emergency costs. Make sure to obtain health insurance that is valid abroad before your trip. This will provide you with peace of mind and ensure that you can receive the necessary medical attention if needed. Furthermore, Korea is considered a safe country with low crime rates. You won't have to worry about your belongings being stolen or facing any mugging incidents.
Bonus Tip
Bring snacks from your home country. Whenever you meet someone interesting, hand them a small gift. Not only will it make their day, but you'll also get to share a little piece of your culture! Not only will you be remembered for life, but you'll also make an impact on someone else's life. Half my luggage is filled with snack from Germany. At the end of the trip my goal is to get rid of all them so I have more storage to buy TWICE Merch (K-Pop).
Conclusion
Preparing for your trip to Korea doesn't have to be overwhelming. By following these tips and guidelines, you'll be well-equipped to make the most out of your experience in this amazing country. Remember to enjoy your stay and embrace all the wonderful opportunities that Korea has to offer!
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Kim Ninja (Nguyen Huy Kim)
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