5 Must-Have Items for Your Next Trip to Korea

I know, I know, travel planning can feel overwhelming, but it is never too early to start packing for your next trip to Korea. Trust me, from personal experience, having a heads-up on what to bring can save you a lot of time, money, and in many of my cases, embarrassment. So, grab a pen and paper and get ready for the top 5 items you need for your next trip to Korea.

1. A Good Lip Balm

Let's start with what I can only describe as the single most important item on the list. I cannot express how much this product helped me throughout my stay, so just trust me. Yep, that is right, lip balm. It may be small, but this little gadget will save you a lot of hardship during the long, dry nights in Korea.

Anyone coming from a humid climate will thank me for this one, because I cannot describe how chapped your lips get in this type of environment. Think of the Sahara desert on the hottest day with no water or shade in sight. Surprisingly, lip balm was one of the only beauty products that was more expensive in South Korea than back home (or maybe I just have a horrible sense of bargain hunting). So for the sake of your lips, please stock up on lip balm before you head over. Traveling with a split lip is definitely not a cute look.

2. T-Money Card

This bad boy is a MUST HAVE item to check off your list. While you can get around using ticketing booths and cash in hand, no method is as convenient as scanning your T-Money card on and off public transport at each stop. Think of it as an all-inclusive pass to the buses, trains, and even taxis in Korea.

You can buy one at any convenience store for around 2,500 to 4,000 won and top it up in stores or through ticketing machines. There are also countless covers and stickers specifically designed to decorate your card, so you can get around and show off your love for Jimin at the same time. Just remember, Seoul is a fast-paced city that waits for no one, and without one of these, you can easily get left behind, literally. Take my word for it, I have experienced this firsthand way too many times.

3. Internet Dongle (WiFi Egg)

Of course, the classic case of going off the grid. Sadly, it sounds cooler than it actually is. Let's be real, you will not want to run to a Starbucks every time you need to check your messages, maps, email, or watch your fav K-drama on the go. That is where a dongle comes into play.

A dongle, also known as a WiFi egg, is a small device that acts as a portable WiFi router, allowing you to access the internet from anywhere in Korea. Rentals can be as cheap as a few dollars per day, and you can pick one up as soon as you land at the airport. Most plans connect up to three devices and run on nationwide 4G/LTE coverage, so you can share with friends or family while you travel. Make sure you get one, they are a real lifesaver.

4. Slippers or Slides

I USED THESE EVERY DAY. As an Aussie, taking off your shoes before going indoors is not really a thing. But in Korea, it is a completely different story. In many guest houses, hanok stays, temples, and even some restaurants, guests are not allowed to wear their shoes past the main entrance, meaning you will have to walk through the communal halls in your socks or bare feet.

This is where slides come in handy. Not to mention the bathrooms in older buildings sometimes combine the shower and toilet, so walking around without protection on your feet is not ideal. There are countless stores that sell cheap slides in all styles and colors, but if you are above a size 8, it is best to pack your own.

5. Eco-Friendly Rubbish Bags

Okay, I am sure a lot of you are thinking, why would I bring rubbish bags to Korea? Yes, it is weird, but very necessary. For a country that is so beautiful and clean, Korea surprisingly has very few public rubbish bins, or as the Americans would say, trash cans. I remember walking around for what felt like hours freezing my hands off trying to find a place to leave my street food sticks and paper cups, finally giving in and using a McDonald's restroom bin.

There are also hardly any bins in hostels and guesthouses (even in the bathrooms), as well as on public transport. So bringing a couple of eco-friendly, sealable, portable bags will be very useful in those moments of need. Plus, everyone carries their takeaway in plastic bags here, so you will not stand out at all.

There you have it. You are all ready for your next trip to Korea. Now all that is left is to book those flights and get packing. Fingers crossed, Daebak fam.

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