MileHacker Logo
What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

Gyeongsangbuk Do, South Korea

Season-Specific Attire

Gyeongju experiences distinct seasons, so your clothing choices relate to your travel dates. Layering is often the best strategy.

Packing by Season

  • Spring (April-May): Light layers, long-sleeved shirts, light sweaters. A Light jacket for evenings.
  • Summer (June-August): Lightweight, breathable fabrics (cotton/linen). T-shirts, shorts. A Light rain jacket or umbrella for monsoon season.
  • Autumn (Sept-Nov): Medium layers, long-sleeved shirts, sweaters. A medium-weight jacket. Clear skies, comfortable days.
  • Winter (Dec-Mar): Warmest layers. Thermal base layers, heavy sweaters, thick Winter coat, hat, Gloves, Scarf.

Cultural Dress Code

South Korea does not enforce a strict dress code for tourists in general. People dress fashionably and neatly.

Temple Visit Attire

  • When visiting temples or religious sites, modest dress shows respect.
  • Cover your shoulders and knees. This applies to both men and women.
  • Avoid overly revealing clothing in sacred places.

Footwear Guide

Walking Shoes

Comfortable Walking shoes or Sneakers are highly suggested.

Supportive footwear

Hiking Footwear

Bring Hiking boots or sturdy Trail shoes for Namsan trails.

Better grip and ankle support

Winter Boots

Waterproof and insulated boots are good for warmth against snow or slush in winter.

Warmth and protection

Documents for Travel

Useful Travel Papers

Organizing and securing your documents is a top concern. Have both physical and digital copies.

  • Passport: Your main ID. Valid six months beyond your stay.
  • Visa/K-ETA: Printed/digital copies of approval. Keep accessible.
  • Travel Insurance: Policy info, emergency numbers (printed/digital).
  • International Driving Permit (IDP): Mandatory with home driver's license for driving.
  • Vaccination/Health Docs: Copy of basic medical history/prescriptions.
  • Reservations: Printed/digital copies of hotel, flight, train bookings.
  • Emergency Contacts: Physical list of family, embassy, insurance.
  • Student/Senior/Press IDs: For potential discounts at attractions.

Tech & Gadget Essentials

Power & Connectivity

Ensure your devices are powered and connected.

Power Details

  • Voltage: South Korea uses 220V, 60 Hz.
  • Plug Types: Type F (Schuko) and Type C (Europlug). A Universal travel adapter is wise.
  • Mobile Compatibility: Most modern phones work. Supports GSM and CDMA.

Staying Connected

Mobile phone usage and data options.

SIM & Wi-Fi

  • SIM Card: Buy local prepaid SIM from KT, SK Telecom, LG U+ at airports or stores.
  • ESIM: Options for compatible phones, often online purchase.
  • Portable Wi-Fi: Popular for groups, unlimited data. Rent at airports or order online.

Data Safety

Cloud Storage

Use services like Google Drive or Dropbox for photos and document copies.

External Drive

A Portable external hard drive serves as a physical media backup.

Important Apps

Navigation: KakaoMap/Naver Map. Translation: Papago. Messaging: KakaoTalk. Ride-hailing: Kakao T.

Health & Comfort Kit

Personal First Aid

Include basic items for common ailments.

First Aid Checklist

Prescription Care

Carry enough of all prescription medications.

Medication Details

  • Keep in original packaging.
  • Bring a doctor's note or prescription for customs.
  • Note should explain medication and dosage. This prevents issues.

Specific Health Needs

Altitude/Motion Sickness

  • Gyeongju has no high altitudes.
  • Motion sickness remedies are helpful for winding mountain roads.
  • Travel sickness aid for buses or car journeys.

Insect & Sun Protection

Gear for Activities

Hiking Adventures

For treks on Namsan Mountain.

Cycling Exploration

Around Bomun Lake or historical areas.

  • Comfortable active wear.
  • Small backpack for essentials.
  • Bicycles easily rented locally.
  • Rental options include standard, tandem, electric bikes.

General Sightseeing

For daily explorations and photo opportunities.

  • Comfortable daypack or small backpack.
  • Digital camera with good low-light abilities.
  • Extra batteries or power bank for camera.
  • Portable chargers for phone.

Rent or Buy Decisions

Rent Local

  • Bicycles: Easily rented in Gyeongju. No need to bring your own.
  • Portable Wi-Fi: Rent at airports for multi-device data.
  • Cars: Rentable at airports/stations with IDP.
  • SIM Cards: Buy locally for phone service.

Consider Bringing

  • Basic Hiking Attire: Bring your preferred active wear.
  • Travel Gear: General items like daypacks, water bottles.
  • Camera Equipment: Your preferred camera for photos.
  • Specialized Medications: If you have unique needs.

Other Travel Essentials

Travel Comforts

Items for longer journeys.

Restful Travel

Sustainable Travel Items

Reduce your environmental impact.

Eco-Friendly Choices

  • Reusable Water Bottle: Refill at public fountains, less plastic waste.
  • Reusable Shopping Bag: Use for purchases, reduce plastic bags.
  • Travel Utensils: Handy for street food or picnics.
  • Support Local: Choose local businesses for sustainable tourism.

Sustainable Choices

Reduce Waste

Carry a reusable water bottle and shopping bag.

Eco-friendly Products

Consider bringing personal care items.

Support Local

Choose local businesses for meals and souvenirs.

Public Transport

Use Gyeongju's bus system to move around.

Unique Local Needs

General Needs

  • No particular specialty items for Gyeongju that are hard to get locally.
  • Focus on general travel needs and comfort.
  • Most common items are easy to find. Specialized brands might be difficult.

Specific Needs

  • Specific toiletries.
  • Unique medications.
  • Specialized camera gear.
  • Rain gear for monsoon season.
  • Warm clothing for cold winters.
  • Masks for air quality.

Packing Wisdom

Pack light and use packing cubes for easy organization.

Roll clothes to save space and reduce wrinkles.