Essential Korea Winter Packing List for December Travel

Visiting Korea in December means diving into freezing temperatures, twinkling lights, and festive vibes. From Seoul’s frosty air to mountain ski resorts, winter gets real here—layering is your best friend.

Whether you’re street food hopping in Myeongdong or ice fishing in Hwacheon, smart packing is key to staying warm and stylish.

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December temperatures range from -6°C (21°F) in the north to around 3°C (37°F) in the south. Prepare for dry air, possible snow, and lots of photo ops. Don’t let the cold catch you unprepared!

📝Note: This article is all about what to pack for Korea in winter in December. Here you can find a huge and comprehensive list. Feel free to adapt to your needs, and share your tips in the comments!

Weather & Travel Context 🌦️

• ❄️ Seoul: -6°C to 3°C (21°F to 37°F), dry & cold with some snow.
• 🏔️ Gangwon Province: -10°C to 2°C (14°F to 35°F), icy and snowy in mountain areas.
• 🌆 Busan: 0°C to 8°C (32°F to 46°F), milder but chilly wind from ocean.

What to Pack for Korea in Winter in December

🧳 Luggage & Packing Tools

• 🧳 Hard-shell suitcase – Durable against snowy streets.
• 🎒 Thermal-lined daypack – Perfect for chilly day trips.
• 🧩 Packing cubes – Organize layers and accessories easily.
• 👟 Shoe bags – Keep snow and dirt off your clothes.
• 🧼 Toiletry bag – Travel-sized winter skincare and more.
• 📂 Travel doc organizer – All your visa and itinerary info in one place.
• 👜 Foldable tote – Great for shopping in warm underground malls.
• 🧺 Laundry bag – Keep damp socks and thermals separate.
• ⚖️ Luggage scale – Avoid overpacking your stylish coats.
• 🔒 TSA-approved lock – For safety on subways and hostels.
• 🎒 Zipper pouch – For gloves, masks, and heat packs.
• 🧻 Travel towel – Compact for spas or guesthouses.
• 💤 Neck pillow – Rest during long intercity train rides.
• 😴 Sleep mask – Block out neon lights in city hostels.

👗 Clothes

• 👕 Thermal tops (3-5) – Essential base layers.
• 🧥 Wool sweaters (2-3) – Stylish warmth for cafes and streets.
• 🧥 Down jacket – Packable but ultra-warm.
• 🧣 Fleece-lined leggings – Warm under skirts or pants.
• 👖 Heat-tech jeans/trousers (2-3) – Cold-blocking and comfy.
• 🧣 Long coat – Fashion meets insulation.
• 🧤 Gloves – Tech-friendly for phones and subways.
• 🧦 Wool socks (5+) – Toasty toes in icy streets.
• 👚 Layering tees – For indoor cafes and subway warmth.
• 🧢 Beanie – Trap heat and stay cute.
• 👘 Pajamas – Warm but lightweight.
• 🩲 Underwear (5-7) – Don’t skimp, layering starts here.
• 🧴 Bras – Winter-friendly options for warmth and comfort.

💆 Skincare

• 🧼 Gentle cleanser – Remove pollution and makeup.
• 💦 Hydrating toner – Rehydrate from dry air.
• 🧴 Deep moisturizer – Combat that brutal wind chill.
• 🧴 SPF cream – Winter sun still burns.
• 🧽 Makeup remover – Oil-based works best in cold.
• 🧴 Exfoliator – Weekly care for flake-free skin.
• 👁️ Eye cream – Prevent puffiness from dry air.
• 🌫️ Hydrating mist – Refresh on the go.
• 🎭 Sheet masks (2-3) – Korean skincare secret weapon.
• 💄 Lip balm – Constant hydration for chapped lips.
• 💊 Spot treatment – City air can clog pores.

💄 Makeup

• 🧴 Hydrating foundation – Avoid dry patchy look.
• 🖌️ Concealer – For long days and cold nights.
• 🧼 Setting powder – Control T-zone shine.
• 💗 Blush – Bring back winter color to cheeks.
• ✨ Highlighter – Dewy glow in harsh cold.
• 🟤 Bronzer – Warm up your look.
• 🎨 Eyeshadow palette – Neutrals for day, shimmer for night.
• ✒️ Eyeliner – Smudge-proof for tear-inducing winds.
• 👁️ Mascara – Long-lasting for selfies in snow.
• 🧴 Brow gel – Tame brows in humid underground malls.
• 💋 Lip tint/balm combo – Moisture + K-style color.
• 💦 Setting spray – Lock it all in place.
• 🖌️ Brushes – Essential tools, travel-sized.

💇 Hair Care

• 💇 Comb/brush – De-tangle static hair.
• 🧷 Hair ties – Keep hair tidy in wind.
• 🧴 Travel shampoo/conditioner – For dry hair recovery.
• 🌬️ Dry shampoo – Add volume between washes.
• 🔥 Heat protectant – Block chill + styling tools.
• 🧴 Styling cream – Tame flyaways in hats.
• 💨 Mini hair dryer – Hotels may not provide.
• 🪞 Straightener or curler – Stay glam in snow.
• 💧 Hair serum – Prevent frizz and dryness.
• 🎀 Clips/headbands – Cute + practical.

👟 Shoes & Accessories

• 👢 Waterproof boots – Traction + insulation.
• 👟 Sneakers – For dry days and long walks.
• 🥿 Thermal insoles – Extra comfort in icy temps.
• 🧣 Blanket scarf – Wearable warmth.
• 🧤 Touchscreen gloves – Warmth + function.
• 🕶️ Sunglasses – Snow glare is real!
• 👜 Crossbody bag – Anti-theft, subway-friendly.
• ☂️ Travel umbrella – Dry snow turns wet fast.
• ⌚ Watch – Keep time in transit zones.
• 💍 Minimal jewelry – Lightweight, elegant.

📑 Documents & Essentials

• 🛂 Passport + copies – Keep originals safe.
• 🛬 Visa (if needed) – K-ETA for most travelers.
• 🆔 Local ID – Always useful for ID checks.
• 🧾 Travel insurance – For hospital visits in Korea.
• 🎟️ Booking confirmations – Show at check-in counters.
• 💳 Cards + some cash – T-Money cards, cafes, metro.
• 🗺️ Offline maps – For subway and food hunts.
• 🖊️ Notebook/pen – Jot translations or notes.
• 📒 Receipts – Useful for tax refund counters.
• 👛 Wallet – Compact and RFID safe.

🚑 First Aid

• 🩹 Band-aids – Blisters from boots.
• 🧻 Antiseptic wipes – For cuts or quick clean.
• 🩺 Gauze + tape – Emergencies only.
• 🌡️ Thermometer – Check for fevers.
• ✂️ Travel scissors – Multi-purpose use.
• 🧽 Cotton pads/Q-tips – Gentle cleanups.

🧼 Health & Hygiene

• 💊 Medications – Daily + backup dose.
• 💢 Pain relievers – Long walks = sore feet.
• 🤧 Allergy relief – Dust or kimchi reactions.
• 🚗 Motion sickness meds – For mountain drives.
• 💊 Vitamins – Boost your immunity in cold.
• 🧻 Tissues – Some restrooms lack toilet paper.
• 🧴 Hand sanitizer – Constant subway cleaning.
• 🧽 Feminine hygiene – Bring what you’re used to.
• 🪥 Toothbrush/paste – Compact for convenience.
• 🪒 Razor – Travel-friendly option.
• 🧴 Deodorant – Not easy to find locally.
• 🌬️ Perfume – Freshen up after BBQ outings.

📱 Tech & Electronics

• 📱 Phone + charger – Stay connected.
• 🔌 Power adapter – Korea uses 220V Type C/F.
• 🔋 Power bank – Cold kills battery fast.
• 📸 Camera – Capture the winter beauty.
• 💻 Laptop/tablet – For longer stays.
• 🎧 Headphones – Korean pop or podcasts?
• 🗺️ Offline apps – Subway maps, translation tools.
• 📶 SIM or Wi-Fi egg – Always online in Seoul.

🎧 Entertainment

• 📖 Book or Kindle – Long train rides.
• 🎧 Podcasts/music – Chill playlists or Korean study.
• 🎲 Card games – Hostels = new friends.
• 📝 Journal – Track your Korean winter magic.

🎁 Extras

• 🍫 Snacks – Avoid overpriced convenience store treats.
• 💧 Water bottle – Stay hydrated in dry air.
• 🛍️ Foldable shopping bag – Korea = shopping heaven.
• 🧺 Detergent sheets – Wash thermals anytime.
• 🧵 Sewing kit – Coat button emergency?
• 🧦 Foot warmers – Perfect under thick socks.
• 🌬️ Shoe deodorizer – Boots can get smelly fast.

🌍 Travel Tips

• ✅ Check airline winter policies.
• 📲 Download KakaoMetro, Papago, Naver Maps.
• 📦 Pack outfit for first day in carry-on.
• 📸 Photo your luggage before check-in.
• 💳 Notify your bank before travel.

🛂 Visa Tips

• 📄 Apply for K-ETA online in advance.
• 🖨️ Print visa copy + confirmations.
• 📸 Bring extra passport photos.
• 📅 Show return ticket if asked.
• 🛃 Know what not to bring (e.g. meds).

⭐ Must-Haves

• 🛂 Passport + K-ETA + ID.
• 🧾 Travel insurance.
• 📱 Phone + Korean SIM or Wi-Fi.
• 💳 Credit card + emergency cash.
• 🧴 Moisturizer, lip balm, hand cream.
• 👜 Crossbody bag.

👍 Good-to-Have

• 💧 Hydration pack.
• 😴 Eye mask for hostels.
• 🔖 Luggage tags.
• 🎁 Extra tote for souvenirs.
• 🎧 Noise-canceling headphones.
• 💤 Sleep aid for jet lag.