Getting ready for South Korea? From Seoul’s busy streets and historic palaces to the DMZ, the mountains around Sokcho and the coastal city of Busan, this trip involves plenty of walking, exploring and moving between different parts of the country.
We’re travelling in November, so expect autumn weather with cooler mornings and evenings. Seoul can be particularly chilly, while Busan tends to be milder. The key is to pack layers so you can adjust throughout the day.
Here’s everything we recommend bringing for your South Korean adventure!
Clothing & Shoes
A Warm Jacket
November can be chilly, particularly in the mornings and evenings. A warm jacket or coat is essential. Temperatures can vary considerably throughout the trip, so layers underneath are your best friend.
Layers
Bring a few T-shirts or lighter tops alongside sweaters, fleeces or long-sleeved shirts. You’ll be able to add or remove layers as the temperature changes.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
This is an active trip! Expect extended periods of walking and standing, including some stairs and uneven surfaces. Bring comfortable shoes that you have already broken in. It’d be ideal if your shoes are not made of fabric in case it rains!
Trousers & Jeans
Comfortable pants/trousers or jeans are ideal for November. You can also bring shorts if you prefer them or find warmer days comfortable.
Cap or Hat
A cap is useful for sunny days and outdoor sightseeing. You may also want a warmer hat for particularly cold mornings.
Weather Essentials
Compact Umbrella
November is generally relatively dry, but rain is always possible. A small umbrella takes up very little space and is worth having in your daypack.
Sunscreen
Even when the weather feels cool, you’ll still be spending plenty of time outdoors. Bring sunscreen and remember that UV exposure doesn’t disappear just because it’s autumn.
Money & Payments
Cards & Cash
Cards are widely accepted throughout South Korea, particularly in cities. We recommend having some cash with you as a backup, especially for smaller purchases, markets and donations. All breakfasts and lunches are included (as well as a welcome dinner), but in case you’re splitting bills for dinners, keeping small bills at hand will make things easier.
We suggest bringing around $300 USD in cash, although how much you actually spend will depend on your personal shopping and spending habits. You can also withdraw Korean Won locally. If you’re reading this we recommend getting a Schwab (US), Monzo (UK), Revolut or Wise (everyone else that’s applicable) physical card for free or low-cost withdrawals. It takes a while to send physical cards so please apply for one as soon as you read this!
Cash for Tips & Donations
Keep some smaller denominations available for tips and donations where appropriate. As with every Hybrid Tour, we have already made donations on your behalf to all the organizations and people we’ll be meeting. You are welcome to donate more if you’d like to but it’s optional.
Tipping in all of our tours is optional. We pay fair wages to everyone we work with. However, do keep in mind that the tourism industry is seasonal so tipping is always appreciated in this industry. The standard is $10 USD per day for your guide, and $5 USD per day for your driver. Tipping can be done in major foreign currencies or Korean Won.
WOWPASS
If you’re planning to stay in Korea beyond the tour or explore independently before or after the trip, consider signing up for WOWPASS. It’s a convenient option for making payments and managing your spending while travelling around Korea.
Technology & Connectivity
Portable Charger / Power Bank
A portable charger is highly recommended.
Travel Adapter
South Korea uses Type C and Type F electrical sockets (both commonly used in Europe), so check your devices and bring a suitable travel adapter.
SIM Card or eSIM
All of the hotels will obviously have WiFi available. You can get a physical SIM card upon arrival at the airport but this can be time consuming. We recommend getting an e-SIM before your arrival.
Day-to-Day Essentials
Small Daypack
Bring a comfortable daypack for carrying your water bottle, phone, portable charger, umbrella, wallet and other essentials during the day.
Reusable Water Bottle
Useful for keeping hydrated while we’re out exploring. You don’t need to carry a huge bottle, something small and lightweight is ideal. You can drink tap water but culturally South Koreans prefer to drink bottled water.
Sunglasses
Optional, but useful on bright autumn days, particularly when we’re spending long periods outdoors.
Medication & Important Documents
Prescription Medication
If you need to bring any, take your prescription and the medication in its original packaging, and make sure you have any documentation required for your specific medication.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required for this trip and all hybrid tours. Make sure your policy covers the full duration of your stay and any activities you plan to undertake independently before or after the tour.
Passport
Make sure your passport is valid for your trip and has sufficient validity for your travel circumstances.
Visa / K-ETA / Entry Documentation
Check the entry requirements that apply to your nationality and passport before travelling. If you require a visa or K-ETA, we will have contacted you from the moment you booked your trip for assistance.
Copies of Important Documents
We recommend keeping digital copies of your passport, travel insurance, flight information and important medical documents somewhere secure.
A Few Final Tips
Pack for layers rather than extreme cold.
South Korea in November isn’t necessarily freezing, but the temperature can change significantly between daytime and evening. A good jacket combined with layers will give you much more flexibility than one enormous winter coat.
Leave some room in your suitcase!
Between Korean skincare, snacks, stationery, souvenirs and everything else, you’ll probably want some extra space!
And most importantly, bring comfortable shoes and be ready to walk.
We can’t wait to welcome you to South Korea and explore this incredible country together!
Before You Go
Want to get to know the Korean Peninsula a little better before you arrive? We’ve put together a South Korea Reading List with books exploring the country’s history, society, culture and the experiences that have shaped modern Korea.
You can also have a look at our Decolonizing Travel: A Reading and Resource List for resources on traveling more thoughtfully and engaging with the histories and communities behind the places we visit.
And if you’re already thinking about where to go next, take a look at our other tours and see where your curiosity takes you!
