If you’re moving from the States to Korea, you don’t need to overpack.
Here’s a list of all the essentials you need to bring!
Quick Summary
- Pack over-the-counter meds, vitamins, and health supplements, especially if you prefer specific brands and certain items.
- Bring deodorant even though it’s available in Korea. You will find the selection limited.
- Consider bringing enough foundation and concealers as the shades available can be limited.
- Pack your shoes and pants. If you’re taller or larger than Koreans, finding the right size can be difficult.
1. Medications and Health Supplements
Over-the-counter meds, vitamins, and health supplements are available in Korea, but they could be more expensive than in the States.
Specific brands and certain items, like Centrum, Claritin, and Melatonin, may be overpriced, limited, or more regulated.
Prescription medications, especially those commonly available in the US, may require extra paperwork or not be easily accessible, so bring a supply to cover you for a few months.
2. Deodorant
We DO have deodorant in Korea, but you might find the selection limited.
And the quality may not match what you’re used to in the U.S.
It’s easier to bring your favorite brand in bulk, especially if you prefer antiperspirant or specific scent varieties.
This can be a lifesaver in the hot and super humid summer months.
3. Makeup and Foundation
Although Korea has an amazing K-beauty industry, the shades available can be limited for non-Korean skin tones.
If you’re darker or have specific makeup preferences, consider bringing enough foundation, concealers, and other products that you use regularly.
Don’t worry though. You can still go to stores like Amore Seongsu and get foundation on the spot in a customized shade exclusively for you.
4. Pants and Shoes
Korean fashion is stylish and accessible, but sizing can be a challenge.
Finding larger shoe sizes can be difficult, especially for sizes above U.S. men’s size 10 (Korean 280) or women’s size 9 (Korean 260).
Pants, especially jeans, can also be hard to find for anyone taller or with specific fit needs.
Tops are often more accommodating, so it’s okay to leave a few lighter layers out of your luggage and explore Korean styles once you’re settled.
Extra Packing Tips
- Adapters and Voltage Converters: Korea uses 220V outlets, so bring appropriate adapters and converters for your devices. But for hairdryers, curlers, or straighteners, it’s better to buy one in Korea. They’re either going to be super weak or won’t work.
- Comfort Foods and Snacks: If there are specific snacks or ingredients you love from the U.S., toss a few in your luggage. Also, bring tons of spices if you like to cook! But not Trader Joe’s Everything But The Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend, which will be seized at the airport because it contains poppy seeds.
- Personal Toiletries and Feminine Products: Certain brands of toiletries may not be available, so bring a few essentials that you may not want to switch right away.
- One Big Towel: Koreans use small towels and change them every day. If you prefer a nice big, soft, and thick American towel, I would bring one to get situated without towel hunting on the first day. You can get huge towels later at IKEA or Costco in Korea.
Packing these essentials will help ease your transition, and get you settled in comfortably.
Hope you enjoy the adventure of living in Korea!
