Want to know the exact what to pack Korea October packing list? This guide covers everything you need for autumn travel.
October in Korea brings cool mornings, mild afternoons, and occasional rain, making layers and weather-appropriate clothing essential. This list includes must-have outfits, travel accessories, and seasonal packing tips to help you stay comfortable and prepared.
This post is all about what to pack Korea October packing list.
Weather Overview 🌡️
October in South Korea is peak autumn—think foliage perfection and sweater weather dreams. Daytime temps range from 12°C to 22°C (54°F–72°F), with cooler mornings and evenings. Rain is minimal, but layers are a must, especially if you’re heading to mountainous areas like Seoraksan for leaf peeping.
What to Wear in Korea in October 🎒
Packing smart will help you make the most of your trip. Here’s everything you need to bring for a comfortable and stylish adventure.
Carry-On Suitcase / Travel Bag Duffle / Portable Steamer / Packing cubes / Luggage scale / Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones / Speaker / Portable Charger / Universal Travel adapter / Compact Hair Dryer / Eye Mask / Waterproof Toiletry Bag Hanging / Zipper Pouch / Water BOTTLE / Liquid I.V. Hydration Vegan
Style meets layering. Korean fashion leans polished yet comfy—think blazers with jeans, boots with midi skirts, and light jackets over flowy dresses. You’ll blend in better with neutrals, earth tones, and understated accessories.
👘 Dressing Etiquette:
Modesty is key—avoid plunging necklines or super short skirts unless you’re going clubbing. Temples and palaces? Cover shoulders and knees. And yes, Koreans dress well, so leave the sloppy sweats at home.
✅ Korea in October Packing List
🧳 Luggage & Packing Tools
If you want more options to have everything organized and well packed, take a look at these suggestions.
1. Rolling Backpack / 2. Luggage (large) / 3. Luggage (small) / 4. Toiletry Bag / 5. Beach Bag / 6. Backpack / 7. Packing Cubes
🧳 Carry-on suitcase – (1) Lightweight and hardshell for urban commutes
🧼 Waterproof hanging toiletry bag – (1) Hotel bathrooms are compact—this saves space
🎒 Daypack or personal item – (1) Perfect for café hopping in Seoul or hiking Namsan
🧩 Packing cubes – (3–4) Stay organized while city-hopping
🥿 Shoe bags – (2) Keep your sneakers away from cashmere
💄 Makeup bag – (1) Essentials only—K-beauty shops are everywhere
🧼 Laundry kit or bag – (1) For mid-trip refreshes
🔒 Small lock – (1) Especially for guesthouses or lockers
💺 Inflatable neck pillow – (1) Korea is further than it looks
🕶️ Sleep mask / eye mask – (1) Block out light during temple stays
🧻 Zipper pouch – (2) One for receipts, one for hair clips
👗 Clothes
👕 T-shirts (3–4) – Perfect layering base
👚 Casual tops (2–3) – Think oversized button-downs or blouses
🧥 Sweaters / sweatshirts (2) – Cozy yet K-fashion ready
🧥 Blazer / suit jacket (1) – For temple visits or photo ops
👖 Jeans (2) – Go for dark-wash or wide-leg for Seoul street style
👗 Dresses / jumpsuits (1–2) – Midi lengths are best for cool days
🧥 Outerwear – (1) Pack a trench, leather jacket, or puffer vest
👟 Activewear (1–2 sets) – For hiking or early morning walks
😴 Pajamas / sleepwear (1–2) – Lightweight sets
🧦 Socks (4–5 pairs) – Stylish enough to peek out of boots
🧣 Scarf (1) – Doubles as an accessory and warm layer
🧤 Gloves (optional) – If you’re heading north later in the month
👙 Swimsuit (1) – For hotel spas or jjimjilbang (Korean saunas)
🩲 Underwear (1 per day) – Always
👙 Bras (2–3) – Include one seamless
🧍♀️ Tights (1) – Great under skirts or dresses in the cold
💆 Skincare
🧼 Cleanser – K-beauty friendly
💧 Toner – Hydration boost for dry fall air
💦 Moisturizer – Go richer than summer
🧴 Sunscreen – Yes, even in autumn
🧽 Makeup remover – Waterproof for K-drama tears
🧼 Exfoliator (optional) – Use gently
👁️ Eye cream – Jet lag disguise
🌸 Sheet masks (2–3) – For hotel pampering
💋 Lip balm – With SPF, please
⚠️ Spot treatment – Travel breakouts happen
💄 Makeup
💄 Foundation / BB cream – SPF built-in is best
🖌️ Concealer – Essential for under-eyes
🌬️ Powder – Set and forget
🌸 Blush – Korean pinks are chef’s kiss
✨ Highlighter – Dewy not disco
🌞 Bronzer – Subtle sculpting
👁️ Eyeshadow palette – Neutrals with shimmer
🖊️ Eyeliner – For the signature puppy eye look
👁️ Mascara – Waterproof for wind
🪞 Eyebrow pencil / gel – Bold brows rule
💋 Lip tint or gloss – Go for gradient lips
🖍️ Lip liner – Optional but chic
💦 Setting spray – Seoul humidity can sneak up
🖌️ Brushes / sponge – Dual-purpose tools
💇 Hair
🧴 Shampoo & conditioner (travel-size) – Hotels might not impress
🧼 Dry shampoo – For long city days
🪮 Hairbrush / comb – Always
🔥 Heat protectant spray – If you’re styling
🌀 Mini curling iron / straightener – For Korean waves
💁 Hair ties, clips, bobby pins – For messy buns on temple visits
🌺 Hair serum or oil – Fall dryness is real
🎀 Hair accessories – K-style barrette or ribbon? Yes.
👠 Shoes & Accessories
👟 Sneakers – (1) Trendy and comfy for walking
👢 Boots – (1) Ankle boots = autumn gold
🥿 Flats / sandals – (1) Only if you’re staying indoors
🎒 Day purse + night bag – Sleek crossbody & micro clutch
🧢 Hat / beret – Korean girls love a good beret
🕶️ Sunglasses + case – Yes, even in fall
🧣 Scarf – Double duty: warmth & fashion
💼 Belt – Cinch that oversized blazer
💍 Jewelry – Understated chic (not flashy)
🌂 Foldable umbrella – Seoul = occasional drizzle
🧾 Documents & Essentials
🛂 Passport + copies – Always keep digital backup
🪪 Visa (if needed) – Many can enter visa-free—check first
🪪 Driver’s license / photo ID – Good for local events
💳 Credit + debit cards – Korea is cashless-friendly
💵 Emergency cash – Still useful for small vendors
🗺️ Travel itinerary – Print + digital copy
📄 Hotel & event confirmations – Always good to have
🧭 Directions / offline maps – Google Maps isn’t perfect here
📝 Emergency contact list – Just in case
🖊️ Pen + notebook – For customs forms or café musings
🔑 House keys – Don’t forget them!
🩹 First Aid
🩹 Bandaids – For subway escalator mishaps
🧴 Antibiotic ointment – Blisters happen
🧼 Antiseptic wipes – Clean up fast
🩺 Thermometer (digital) – COVID protocol, anyone?
🦶 Blister pads – Seoul = miles of walking
✂️ Scissors (travel-size) – Airport approved
🧽 Cotton balls / Q-tips – Multipurpose
💊 Health & Hygiene
💊 Prescription meds – In original bottles
💊 Pain relievers – Jet lag + hiking = sore everything
🌿 Allergy meds – Fall pollen is real
🌀 Motion sickness pills – For DMZ tours or buses
🌸 Feminine hygiene products – Bring what you love
🧴 Hand sanitizer – Always
🧻 Disinfecting wipes – Plane tray tables… yikes
🧴 Bug spray – Just in case (esp. for hikes)
💧 Eye drops – Dry air alert
🦷 Toothbrush + toothpaste – Obvious but forgettable
🪥 Dental floss / mouthwash – Tiny tubes
🛁 Body wash / soap – Hotels often use shared pumps
🧴 Deodorant – Harder to find in Korea
🪒 Razor + shaving cream – TSA-friendly
🧴 Perfume – Go travel-size
🧻 Tissues – Pocket packs for bathrooms
🪞 Travel mirror – Great for fixing makeup on the go
📱 Tech & Electronics
📱 Phone + charger – Korea = ultra-connected
🔌 Universal travel adapter – Type C/F for Korea
💻 Laptop / tablet – Optional, but cafes have free Wi-Fi
📷 Camera – Autumn colors = photographer’s dream
🔋 Power bank – Essential for all-day exploring
🎧 Noise-cancelling earbuds – Subway lifesaver
🗺️ Offline maps app – Naver Maps > Google Maps
📚 E-reader – Relax at Han River with a novel
📱 Waterproof phone case – Especially if you’re heading to coastal cities
🎧 Entertainment
📖 Book / eBook – Korean authors like Han Kang are perfect
📺 Downloaded shows – Netflix K-dramas on the go
🎵 Music playlists – Set the mood for Gyeongbokgung strolls
📓 Journal – Document that foliage magic
🃏 Card games – Great for trains or hostels
📰 Magazines – Lightweight reading
🎒 Extras
🍫 Snacks – Korean convenience stores are great, but pack favorites
💧 Reusable water bottle – Stay hydrated on hikes
🛍️ Foldable shopping bag – For beauty hauls
🧼 Travel laundry detergent – Mid-trip refresh
🧷 Mini sewing kit – Wardrobe malfunctions beware
📢 Safety whistle – Especially for solo travelers
🧼 Shoe deodorizer – Don’t ruin your suitcase
😴 Sleep aid – Melatonin or magnesium
✈️ Travel Tips
- Download Naver Maps & KakaoTalk
- Pack a Korean SIM or portable Wi-Fi
- Save addresses in Hangul and English
- Bring hand sanitizer and mask for public transit
- Prepare small gifts if visiting Korean families
🛂 Visa Tips
- Most Western travelers get 90 days visa-free
- Have proof of return flight
- Keep accommodation details printed
- Bring passport photos if planning long-term stays
✅ Must-Haves for a Smooth Trip
- 📱 Phone + charger + adapter
- 🛂 Passport + backup copies
- 💳 Cards + emergency cash
- 🧳 Lightweight day bag
- 💧 Water bottle
- 🧼 Health kit
- 📍 Offline maps
- 📄 Reservation copies
👍 Good-to-Have Items
- 🧃 Liquid IV or hydration packs
- 🧼 Travel steamer
- 😴 Sleep mask
- 🎧 Noise-cancelling headphones
- 🛏️ Travel blanket
- 💺 Neck pillow
- 🪪 Luggage tag with contact info
- ☂️ Foldable umbrella
- 📶 Local SIM card
- 🛍️ Extra tote for souvenirs
