Top style tips for South Korea
- It's hot in summer, so our advice is to packlightweight, loose-fitting clothesin natural fabrics such as linen, silk and cotton that will keep you cool and are easy to wash and dry.
- Wear plenty of sunscreen (we love theRiemann P20 rangefor 10 hour protection), a sunhat andsunglasses– but note that wearing sunglasses whilst speaking to people is regarded as rude, so ensure you take them off.
- Ensure you bring a versatile travel jacket. We love theSCOTTeVESTtravel jacket because it has over 23 pockets, removable sleeves and RFID protection.
- Pack comfortable shoesthat slip off easily but also look good (tryHotter shoes, they provide total comfort and look great too).
- In restaurantswith floor-style seating you will need to remove your shoes and leave them by the door.
- Heels are really popularwith ladies here but if you take flat shoes go for pretty, dressy ones. We love theLindsay Phillips Switch Flopsrange – using interchangeable shoe and flip-flop bases with snap-on decorations, you can change your look from day to evening in an instant whilst still packing light.
Clothing tips for women
- Seoul is acosmopolitan cityand the women love to dress up. They are very well-groomed, so join in and feel at home.
- However, be aware that it is also a conservative country soavoid showing cleavage, keep shoulders coveredand if you have a short skirt do as the local women do and take apashminaor wrap to cover your knees when you are sitting.
- In restaurantswith floor-style seating opt for a long loose skirt or pants for modesty.
- On the beachlocal women wear shorts and t-shirts rather than swimwear. Unless you are in a tourist beach area, we advise that you avoid a bikini in favor of a one-piece suit and a sarong.
- A skirt orloose-fitting pantsare good in the heat and will protect you from the sun. A loose cotton shirt is very useful too.
- If you are hereon businessgo for skirt-suits (not too short) with heels.
- The leather RedDog BagPod is a reallyversatile and stylish bagthat can be used from day to evening. Wear it over the shoulder or convert it toa clutch, or use it to keep your belongingsand travel documentstidy and easy to find.
Clothing tips for men
- Forversatile and stylish beachwear, try theMadda Fellarange of shirts, shorts, polos and swimwear.
- If you in Koreaon businessthen suits, shirts and ties are the appropriate attire.
Pack for the weather
- Theweather in spring(March, April and May), and Fall (September, October and November) is cooler, so long-sleeved shirts, pants and a sweater or jacket will work well.
- In summer(June, July, August) it is hot, humid and wet – so natural fabrics work well.
- December, January and Februaryare very coldso pack your coat, a scarf and gloves, and remember it snows at higher altitudes too.
- We love theWeather+app– it gives an accurate 6 day forecast for day and night, which when you're planning from home is really helpful. You can keep all the places you've been to too – a nice way to remember your trip 🙂 Download foriPad/iPhoneorAndroid
South Korea travel essentials
- Tap wateris considered safe to drink, but if you prefer to buy bottled consider taking aLifeStraw Filtration Water Bottleinstead – you can fill up from any source for clean, safe water without wasting plastic bottles.
- Look after yourmobile phonewith aphone bunjee– it protects against loss, theft and damage.
- If you're aiming to travel with justcarry-on baggage, try theCabinMaxsoft-sided rucksack– it's light, roomy and has plenty of pockets to keep your stuff organized.
- And take a comfyshoulder bagor day sack to carry yoursightseeing essentials.
- Avoid paying unexpectedbaggage fees– use an accurateluggage scaleto ensure you keep within the weight allowance. Don't forget to leave room for souvenirs on the way home! You'll see all sorts of cute and quirky items, but if that's not your thing look for Koreanmetal chopsticksor long-stemmedmetal spoons.
- To useelectrical gadgetsyou may need atravel adapter plug, and also astep down voltage converterif your devices are not designed for thelocal voltage (220V).
Community photos of South Korea
At the Changdeokgung Palace, Seoul, in June
