What to Pack & Bring: Seoraksan National Park

Spring April-May & Summer June-August

Layering is important as temperatures change quickly. Spring temperatures are mild, while summer brings heat and humidity.

Clothing Recommendations

Spring: A Light jacket or fleece, Long-sleeved shirts, and t-shirts. Add a warmer mid-layer like a Fleece jacket and a light Waterproof/windproof jacket for higher elevations.
Summer: Lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking clothing. A Rain jacket and Rain pants for monsoon season. A hat for Sun protection.
Layering: Start with a moisture-wicking base, add an insulating mid-layer, and top with an outer layer.

Autumn September-November & Winter December-March

Autumn temperatures are comfortable with cooler nights. Winter is very cold with snow.

Clothing Recommendations

Autumn: Versatile layers. Warm mid-layers like fleece or a down vest. A warm Waterproof/windproof outer shell for drops in temperature at altitude. Gloves, a hat, and a Scarf for late autumn.
Winter: Heavy-duty layers. Thermal base layers (Merino wool base layers), a fleece, an insulated Down jacket, and a Waterproof/windproof outer shell. Waterproof pants, a Warm hat, gloves/mittens, and a scarf.
Cultural Dress: Dress codes are relaxed. Respectful attire is appreciated for temples, like Sinheungsa Temple; avoid overly revealing clothing.

Footwear Recommendations

Hiking

Waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support for rocky and uneven trails. Hiking socks of wool or synthetic material to prevent blisters. Consider Crampons for winter hikes.

Essential for park trails

General Walking/City

Comfortable Walking shoes or sneakers for exploring Sokcho and city areas.

Comfort for urban exploration

Seasonal & Specific

Insulated, waterproof Winter boots with good grip for snow and ice. Ventilated Sandals or Water shoes for summer heat or near water.

Adapt to weather conditions

Essential Documents

Travel Documents

Carry these documents with you, and always keep copies separate from originals.

Passport: Valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.
K-ETA Approval: (If applicable). Have both printout and digital copy.
Travel Insurance: Policy number and emergency contact details for insurer.
International Driving Permit: (If driving). Valid alongside your domestic license.

Vaccination Records: Carry physical and digital copies of relevant records.
Prescription Medications: List medications (generic names, dosages). Doctor's note or prescription label may assist at customs.
Reservations: Printed and digital copies for flights, accommodations, bus tickets, tours.
Emergency Contacts: Local embassy/consulate, family/friends, travel insurance emergency line.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

South Korea uses 220V, 60 Hz. Plug types are Type C (two round pins) and Type F (two round pins with two earth clips).

Essential Items

Bring a Power adapter (Type C/F or Universal).
Ensure your phone is unlocked for Korean networks. Purchase SIM cards or ESIMs upon arrival (e.g., Airalo).
Wi-Fi is widely available. Portable Wi-Fi devices ("Wi-Fi eggs") are available for rent.

Photography & Apps

Capture Seoraksan's stunning landscapes. Stay organized with local apps.

Recommendations

A compact mirrorless or DSLR camera. Consider a Wide-angle lens for landscapes and a Telephoto lens. Extra batteries and memory cards. A Lightweight tripod for low-light shots. Consult B&H Photo for gear.
Portable chargers and power banks are crucial for long days. A 10,000mAh+ capacity is good.
Apps: Naver Map or KakaoMap for navigation. Papago for translation (Google Translate less accurate for Korean). Kakao T for ride-sharing. KakaoTalk for messaging.

Data Backup & Security

Cloud Storage

Use cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud for automatic backups of photos and documents.

Physical Backup

An External hard drive or USB stick as a physical backup for photos.

VPN Services

Consider a VPN like NordVPN or ExpressVPN for secure browsing, especially on public Wi-Fi.

Health & Wellness Items

First Aid & Medications

A prepared health kit addresses common travel ailments.

Essential Supplies

Pack a standard First aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers (Ibuprofen/Acetaminophen), Anti-diarrhea medication, antacids, and antihistamines.
For hikers, blister treatment (Compeed, Moleskin) is needed.
Bring a sufficient supply of all prescription medications with a doctor's note or original prescription label.

Sun & Insect Protection

Protect yourself from the sun and insects during outdoor activities.

Protective Gear

Bring High SPF sunscreen, UV-protective lip balm, a Wide-brimmed hat, and Sunglasses.
Insect repellent is essential for summer and shoulder seasons, especially when hiking (look for DEET or picaridin, e.g., Repel Lemon Eucalyptus).
While tap water is generally safe, for hiking, consider a Portable water filter or Purification tablets if refilling from natural sources.

Altitude & Motion Sickness

Altitude Sickness

Seoraksan's highest peak, Daecheongbong, is 1,708m (5,604 ft).
This altitude generally does not cause significant altitude sickness for most people.
Some sensitive individuals might experience mild effects.

Motion Sickness

Pack Motion sickness medication if you are prone to bus sickness on winding roads.
Roads to Seoraksan and within Gangwon-do can be curvy.
Consider medication if you commonly experience discomfort in vehicles.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Hiking Gear

Prepare for varied terrain and weather.

A Hiking daypack (20-30L) for water, snacks, layers.
Trekking poles for stability on steep trails.
A Headlamp or flashlight for early starts or delays.
A Water bladder or multiple water bottles for hydration.

Camping Gear

Designated camping within Seoraksan National Park is limited. Check specific park regulations.

If camping, bring standard Camping gear.
Advance booking is highly recommended for campgrounds.
Facilities at campgrounds are basic.
National Park Shelters may be available for multi-day treks. Check KNPS website.

Rent vs. Bring

Rental options for hiking gear are not typically available within or around Seoraksan National Park.

Bring your own high-quality gear.
Hiking boots, specialized clothing, Trekking poles.
Your Daypack and other Travel gear.
These items require a personal fit and are based on preference, making your own gear a better choice.

Activity-Specific Considerations

Hiking Safety

Stay on marked trails to minimize risks.
Carry sufficient water and snacks.
Inform someone of your hiking plans and expected return time.
Monitor weather forecasts regularly.

Gear Maintenance

Inspect your gear before departure for wear and tear.
Clean and dry all gear after use to maintain its integrity.
Carry a small repair kit for minor gear issues on the trail.
Understand how to properly use all specialized equipment.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security Items

These items enhance your comfort and security during travel.

Reusable Items

Contribute to sustainable travel by minimizing waste.

Eco-Friendly Essentials

A Reusable water bottle to reduce plastic waste.
A Reusable shopping bag, as plastic bags are often charged for.
A Portable cutlery set for street food or picnics.
No unique region-specific essentials for Seoraksan beyond standard hiking and travel requirements.

Packing Pro Tips

Pack Light

Avoid overpacking to ease transport and movement.

Roll Clothes

Rolling clothes saves space and minimizes wrinkles.

Packing Cubes

Organize items efficiently with packing cubes.

Versatile Items

Bring clothing that mixes and matches for multiple outfits.

Items Difficult or Expensive Locally

Specialized Gear

Specific brands of hiking gear or very large shoe sizes might be harder to find.
Certain over-the-counter medications might have different active ingredients or brand names.
If you rely on a specific medication or brand, bring a sufficient supply from home.

Other Considerations

Specific toiletries if you have sensitivities or preferences.
Specialized camera equipment or niche electronics may not be readily available.
Items tailored to your specific travel style or niche hobbies.

Final Packing Advice

Always prioritize comfort and safety for a trip to a mountainous region. Weather can change quickly, so versatile layers are always a good strategy.

Double-check all necessary documents and ensure your devices are prepared for international travel.

What to Pack & Bring

Spring April-May & Summer June-August

Clothing Recommendations

Autumn September-November & Winter December-March

Clothing Recommendations

Footwear Recommendations

Hiking

General Walking/City

Seasonal & Specific

Essential Documents

Travel Documents

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Essential Items

Photography & Apps

Recommendations

Data Backup & Security

Cloud Storage

Physical Backup

VPN Services

Health & Wellness Items

First Aid & Medications

Essential Supplies

Sun & Insect Protection

Protective Gear

Altitude & Motion Sickness

Altitude Sickness

Motion Sickness

Activity-Specific Equipment

Hiking Gear

Camping Gear

Rent vs. Bring

Activity-Specific Considerations

Hiking Safety

Gear Maintenance

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security Items

Recommended Items

Reusable Items

Eco-Friendly Essentials

Packing Pro Tips

Pack Light

Roll Clothes

Packing Cubes

Versatile Items

Items Difficult or Expensive Locally

Specialized Gear

Other Considerations

Final Packing Advice

Next Up: Getting There & Away