When I visited Korea in November 2022, a friend asked me for my packing list. She was about to go for her third trip, but I teased her because I knew she was bringing way more than she needed—or would actually use.
I also knew she'd be doing some shopping, and she’d need room in her suitcase for all the goodies she’d bring back. She's been to Korea a few times, so it's not like she didn’t know she was overpacking. But when you're going on a trip that’s important to you and you want to look good, it’s hard not to go the "better safe than sorry" route and pack your entire closet “just in case.”
I think this is especially true since the pandemic. Many are now more isolated and may not be going out as much as they used to. With travel becoming a bigger event, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you need more options for every possible scenario.
When my kids and I were packing for our first trip to Korea, we laughed as we recalled our first summer with Chasing Lovely and the touring days. You know that saying about taking everything but the kitchen sink? That was us.
We packed so many clothes because we thought we needed multiple outfits—God forbid we wear the same thing twice while out in public!
What we realized by the end of that first summer was that we didn’t wear half of what we brought. And, contrary to what we thought, outfit repeating turned out to be totally fine. With each tour, we got better and better at packing less. It made loading and unloading the car easier, not to mention the extra space we gained.
We applied that same principle when we packed for Korea.
I don't think it's a coincidence that luggage has the word “lug” in it, because that’s exactly what you’re doing with anything more than a carry-on bag.
So here’s my first recommendation: Don’t take more than two bags. Depending on your airline, your international ticket will usually include one or two free checked bags and a carry-on, plus a personal item (make this a backpack and pack your purse in your suitcase). For that first trip, we each had the largest suitcase from a 3-piece set and the carry-on. I didn’t buy the medium-sized suitcase because I didn’t think I’d need it—I didn’t want to pay for an extra checked bag, and it couldn’t be carried on.
I regret that now because I’ve gotten so good at packing, and the medium-size suitcase is much easier to maneuver. It’s important to remember: you’re just one person, and whatever luggage you bring should be something you can handle by yourself. Two bags less full are easier to maneuver than one large bag packed to the brim.
Another thing to consider is most taxis don’t have room for more than two people with two large suitcases and two smaller ones. If you’re taking the train, subway, or bus, you won’t want more luggage than you can reasonably carry on your own—because elevators and escalators aren’t always available.
Trust me, I know this from experience! Forget that viral video on Instagram and TikTok of those moving luggage belt ramps over stairs—they’re few and far between. I’ve only seen a couple of them—and one wasn’t working. At some point, I’m sure they’ll be a game changer, but that won’t happen until they install them at all the major stations and exits.
So, what should you pack that fits into only two suitcases? And still have space left to bring back everything you’ll buy in Korea? Keep in mind that you can't carry liquids over 3.4 oz in your carry-on, so you’ll need room in your checked bag for all that Korean skincare you’ll pick up at Olive Young.
Luckily, I have Chlo, who not only loves to be my stylist but is also a packing pro. They travel more often with just a backpack than a suitcase, so they're an expert at minimalist packing. We also have a rule: If it doesn’t make you feel fabulous, leave it home (or don’t buy it in the first place).
Both at home and when traveling, it all starts with a capsule wardrobe. What’s a capsule wardrobe, you ask?
When I first saw the opening scene of James Cameron’s Titanic, and they showed Rose with all her trunks—I laughed and thought, "That’s me!" Back in the days before airlines started charging for checked bags, I had an entire suitcase just for shoes. I packed so many because you never know what mood you might be in. Options were everything.
But as Chlo has reminded me more than once: “If it isn’t part of an outfit, don’t take it.” Building a capsule wardrobe saves time, money, and space—both at home and when traveling. It also makes packing so much less stressful.
Here’s a packing list based on what I actually wore on my most recent 3+ week trip to Korea in December and January:
Pants
- 3 pairs of jeans (two blue, one black)
Shirts
- 1 flannel button-down
- 3 turtle neck shirts (for layering)
- 4 sweaters
- 1 sweater vest
- 2 crop blouses
- 2 graphic t-shirts (for layering)
Miscellaneous
- 1 black zip-up hoodie
- 1 grey graphic pullover hoodie
Footwear
- 1 pair boots (Doc Martin or combat type)
- 2 pair sneakers (white Adidas low tops & black Van high tops)(Pro tip: Skip any footwear you can’t comfortably walk in for at least 30 minutes.)
Everything above could mix and match to make several outfits. Not a single piece was limited to just one look.
Undergarments
- 2 bras (nude, black)
- Underwear
- Socks
- Fleece-lined tights
Lounging
- I pajama pants & shirt
- 1 pair slippers
Outerwear
- Short black puffer jacket
- Long black wool overcoat
- Plaid long overcoat
- Black cashmere scarf
- Black beanie
- Fleece-lined gloves
- Rechargeable handwarmer
Toiletries
- Makeup: Many Airbnbs have wet baths with little to no counter space, so a makeup bag that you can easily move around is a must.
- Shampoo & conditioner: Most Airbnbs and hotels provide shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. Unless you’re tied to a specific brand, save yourself the room.
- Skincare: Simplify your routine while traveling so you don’t have to pack multiple serums and moisturizers. If you’re planning on purchasing K-beauty products you can pack even less!
- Curling or Flat iron: Only pack if yours is dual voltage—many are. Rare for these to be provided by Airbnb or hotel.
- Leave your blow dryer at home! Nearly every Airbnb and hotel provides a blow dryer (check description to confirm). Unless yours has dual voltage, it won’t work—even with an adapter. This includes higher-end brands like Dyson and Shark.
Electronics
- Plug adapter Handles up to nine items: six 3-prong, two USB, and 1 USB-CDon’t forget your cables!
- Handles up to nine items: six 3-prong, two USB, and 1 USB-CDon’t forget your cables!
- Don’t forget your cables!
- 2 chargers: Smartphones using navigation drain your battery!2 MagSafe cordless charger for when I’m out and aboutOne is a backup in case I forget to charge the other one overnight (it happens)!
- 2 MagSafe cordless charger for when I’m out and aboutOne is a backup in case I forget to charge the other one overnight (it happens)!
- One is a backup in case I forget to charge the other one overnight (it happens)!
- MacBookDon’t forget your plug!
- Don’t forget your plug!
- iPad (Download plenty of K-dramas for the flight—don’t count on reliable Wi-Fi!)I only bring a charging cable and use my MacBook brick to plug it into.
- I only bring a charging cable and use my MacBook brick to plug it into.
Extras
- Selfie stickCompact MagSafe with remote—because sometimes there isn’t anyone around to take the pic for you! Mine is also a compact tripod.
- Compact MagSafe with remote—because sometimes there isn’t anyone around to take the pic for you! Mine is also a compact tripod.
- Blanket: I bring my BTS-themed blanket, perfect for both the plane and my Airbnb.
- Airplane Headstrap with Eye Mask: Essential for 13+ hours on a plane.Better than a neck pillow that strangles you.
- Better than a neck pillow that strangles you.
- Seat Cushion for airplane (memory foam + blow up makes it adjustable)My bum cannot take a 13+ hour ride without an extra cushion. It has literally made the trip bearable.
- My bum cannot take a 13+ hour ride without an extra cushion. It has literally made the trip bearable.
Organization
I really like packing cubes because they keep you organized. But then I discovered vacuum bags—and those are even better! I tried using them together, but the extra bulk and weight aren’t worth it. I only use a medium-sized vacuum bag for clothes, usually one per suitcase. Once you remove the air (get one with a pump), your clothing takes up half the space. Keep in mind, just because you can fit in twice as much doesn’t mean it weighs less—you’re still limited to 50 pounds. Use them so you don’t have to sit on your suitcase—not to take more. ;)
Want to go to Korea?
Many people put off traveling to Korea because planning the trip is overwhelming. Whether you’re looking for a group tour or traveling solo, I can help you have the most amazing trip to Korea. Let’s make your dream trip happen!
Email traveling2korea@gmail.com with questions or if you’d like my Stress-Free Get Started Guide to Korea