What should I pack for a summer trip to Korea?

Sure thing! Here’s what you should pack for a summer trip to Korea, keeping the hot and humid weather in mind: ## Packing for a Korean Summer Adventure! 🇰🇷☀️ Alright, let’s get you prepped for your summer escapade to Korea! Based on what the search results are hinting at, it's going to be warm, possibly quite humid, and definitely full of delicious food. Here's a breakdown of what to pack to keep you comfy and ready for anything: ### 👚 Clothing: Light, Breathable, and Modest * **Lightweight Tops:** Think cotton t-shirts, linen blouses, and quick-dry fabrics. You'll be doing a lot of exploring, and Korea can get pretty sticky in the summer. A few short-sleeved and a couple of long-sleeved options are good for sun protection or if you pop into air-conditioned places that feel like freezers. * **Comfortable Bottoms:** Breathable shorts, light skirts, linen pants, or capris are your best bet. Jeans can get really heavy and hot in the humidity, so save those for cooler evenings or travel days if you must. * **A Light Jacket or Cardigan:** Even in summer, evenings can sometimes cool down a touch, or you might want an extra layer for museums, cinemas, or those super-cold air-conditioned cafes (seriously, they can be intense!). A light denim jacket, a stylish cardigan, or a packable windbreaker would be perfect. * **Modest Options:** While generally quite open to fashion, some temples or more traditional sites might appreciate slightly more conservative attire. Packing a pair of longer pants or a skirt that goes past the knees will cover you for these occasions. * **Swimwear (Optional):** If you're planning on hitting up a water park, a beach, or maybe even a jjimjilbang (Korean bathhouse) that has pools, don't forget your swimsuit! ### 👟 Footwear: Comfort is Key! * **Comfortable Walking Shoes:** This is non-negotiable! You'll be walking *a lot*. Sneakers, comfortable trainers, or supportive walking sandals are your best friends. Break them in before your trip if they’re new. * **Sandals or Flip-Flops:** Great for relaxing in your hotel, short walks, or if you’re staying in a guesthouse. * **Dressier Shoes (Optional):** If you plan on hitting up some fancy dinners or clubs, pack a pair of slightly dressier but still comfortable shoes. ### 💊 Health & Hygiene: Beat the Heat and Stay Fresh * **Sunscreen:** The Korean sun can be strong, so pack a high SPF sunscreen and reapply frequently. * **Insect Repellent:** Especially if you plan on spending time outdoors in parks or rural areas, a good repellent can save you from annoying bites. * **Basic First-Aid Kit:** Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, any personal medications, and perhaps some motion sickness remedies if you get queasy on transport. * **Hand Sanitizer/Wet Wipes:** Always useful, especially when you're out and about and might not have immediate access to handwashing facilities. * **Travel-Sized Toiletries:** Shampoo, conditioner, soap/body wash, toothbrush, toothpaste. Most accommodations provide these, but having your preferred brands is always nice. * **A Small Travel Towel:** If you're planning on staying in hostels or doing activities where you might need a quick dry-off. ### 🔌 Electronics & Gadgets: Stay Connected and Powered Up * **Power Bank:** Essential for keeping your phone charged throughout long days of exploring, navigating, and taking photos. * **Universal Travel Adapter:** Korea uses Type F plugs (two round pins). It's wise to have an adapter that works for multiple countries just in case. * **Portable Fan (Optional but Recommended):** A small, battery-operated or rechargeable fan can be an absolute lifesaver in the sticky heat. * **Camera & Accessories:** If you love photography, bring your camera, extra batteries, and memory cards. * **Portable Wi-Fi Egg or Local SIM Card:** While many cafes offer free Wi-Fi, having your own reliable internet connection is invaluable for navigation, looking up translations, and staying in touch. You can often pre-book a Wi-Fi egg to pick up at the airport. ### 🎒 Miscellaneous Essentials: The Little Things * **Reusable Water Bottle:** Stay hydrated! You can refill this at water stations in public places or buy larger bottles of water to refill. * **Small Backpack or Crossbody Bag:** For carrying your daily essentials like your wallet, phone, water bottle, sunscreen, and a light jacket. * **Snacks:** While Korean food is amazing (hello, cold ramen and bingsu!), having some familiar snacks on hand for between meals or for longer travel days can be comforting. * **Sunglasses & Hat:** For extra sun protection. * **Travel-Sized Umbrella:** Summer can bring unexpected rain showers. * **A Korean Phrasebook or Translation App:** While many people in tourist areas speak some English, knowing a few basic Korean phrases will go a long way and is always appreciated. * **Copies of Important Documents:** Passport, visa (if applicable), flight tickets, and hotel reservations. Keep digital copies as well. ### 🍜 Foodie Must-Haves (Mentally, At Least!) While you don't *pack* food for Korea, the search results got me thinking about all the delicious things you *must* try: * **Cold Ramen (Naengmyeon):** Perfect for cooling down! * **Bingsu:** Shaved ice dessert – an absolute summer essential. * **Samgyetang (Ginseng Chicken Soup):** Despite being a hot soup, it's considered a summer health food in Korea, believed to replenish energy. **A quick note on the search results:** Some of the links touched on food (like ramen and bingsu), summer programs (Yonsei International Summer School), travel tips for September (still warm!), and even sports events. While not directly about packing, they reinforce the idea of it being summer and a popular travel destination! Have an absolutely fantastic trip to Korea! Enjoy the food, the culture, and the sights!

What should I pack for a summer trip to Korea?