Packing for South Korea

My Life in a Single Picture

Months before my flight to South Korea, I've been searching and reading blogs and articles about what to bring and what not to bring with me. And, now that I am here, I am too much disappointed how unprepared I am.

Now, keep in mind that I am from a normal family in the Philippines who enjoyed a lot of cheap and low-cost food and drinks. I am going to live here in SoKor for more or less two years because I am earning my Master's degree and working on research projects under a scholarship. Therefore, the budget is really tight. Thus, having brought things from the Philippines, could have my life easier.

Below are the things that I think are important and you should bring with you:

Clothes
As we all know, SoKor has four seasons (summer, fall, winter, and autumn). Therefore, you need to be prepared. Let us be clear here, you do not need to bring every clothe you have for the different seasons. It is wiser to bring whatever the season of the country is.

1. Shirts and Blouses
Make sure only to bring those you sure you are going to wear. Excess clothes will just a waste of space inside your luggage. Five shirts and five blouses will do. Besides, you can buy more here in SoKor. If you're not good with the cold, like me, bring thick ones.


2. Shorts and Pants
I brought some shorts from home but when I arrived here, it was too cold so, I am glad I brought a few pants with me. I brought 5, by the way. Style doesn't really matter since Koreans do not really care. What matters more is that you're comfortable with what you're wearing.

3. Jackets
Oh! Your partner in everyday life. I've mentioned earlier that I am not good with cold weather. Therefore, I brought a lot of jackets with me. One UP jersey jacket (thanks to my friend who let me steal it from him), my dad's giant sweater, five thick ukay-ukay winter jackets (only Php70 each or ~USD2). Yep, it consumed more than half of my luggage. I brought too much. I should have stick to three or four.

4. Scarfs and Bonnets
In case your jacket or winter clothes aren't enough, one or two scarfs won't harm you. For me, I am a big fan of bonnets, I brought five with me.

5. Under wears
Of course!

6. Other things you need can be bought in flea markets and cheap shopping districts around Seoul. (Which I am gonna write about in another article in the near future.)

Footwear
1. Ballet flats
I love flats because they're comfortable to wear and you can pair it with a lot of styles.

2. Rubber shoes
I did not brought one and I really should have. This is a must when you decide to have long comfortable walks.

3. Socks for all occasions!
You'll never go wrong with socks. Even when you sleep at home, you might need to wear one, or two.

Bathroom Essentials
Bring your favorite body soap, shampoo and conditioner just in case you haven't found a worthy replacement yet in SoKor. But eventually, you'll find one that you'll like.

Skin Essentials
MOISTURIZER! Bring one for your face and one for your body. The temperature in SoKor can be really low that you're skin becomes dry in the middle of the day.

Fooooooooood!
For me, this is the most important in the list. Do not forget your most favorite food from home and condiments, too. I kind of underestimated this and just brought Otap and dried fish from Cebu. Now, I'm waiting for my father's package of Filipino food that I miss the most.