Packing List
I always love the idea of packing, but when it comes to packing day it can be a bit stressful. Running around getting last minute things, where to buy certain products, and timing delivery dates to ensure it comes before your departure. To help relieve some of that stress, here is my suggested guide of what to pack, and what you can buy there! Remember, the less you pack, the more you can bring back! :)


Clothing
Clothes to Pack
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Tops / Long-Sleeves/Tank Tops (Women in South Korea don't really where low neck, sleeveless tops only for nightlife or really hot summer days)
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Jeans / Pants
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Jackets / Outerwear
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Warm Jacket
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Rain Jacket
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Casual Jacket
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Undergarments
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Socks
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Shoes (Suggestion: Only 2 pairs of shoes max)
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Comfortable, everyday shoes is go to (Lots of walking!) I brought 3 but I always leaned towards wearing whatever shoe was easiest to slip on and off and most comfortable!
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One shoes for nightlife that you're okay with getting dirty/worn out
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1 Pair of sandals for going out
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Dresses & Skirts
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Business casual outfit (for presentations)
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PJs (just a few, will go into more detail below)
What You Can Buy There
*Note: South Korean sizing is a bit smaller, so I suggest sizing up if it looks small. They are also a bit more conservative and like to cover chest/arms, and you will do a lot walking so I don't suggest bringing sandals/slippers
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Outerwear
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Pants/skirts
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business casual tops/pants
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Sweaters and hoodies
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dresses
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Lots of lightweight cover-ups
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Pajamas
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T-shirts to sleep in are relatively cheap to buy, as well as sleep shorts/pants so you can buy more if needed
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Places to Shop for Clothes - Affordable Prices
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GOTO Mall
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Bupyeong Underground Mall
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Around Hongdae
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Yongsan I'Park Mall
Documents
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Passport copies
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Visa copies
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Airbnb / place of stay documentation
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Quarantine Location Information
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Insurance copies
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copy of vaccine card
*I suggest bringing about 3 copies of everything, some places will just take your files so you will not get those copies back
Pack with You
Toiltetries
Suggestion: Bring some toiletries in travel size just in case you go to travel to other areas, or other countries (if they are open) Here are some suggestions:
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shampoo/conditioner
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body wash
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hair mask
Full Size toiletries you can bring:
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Toothpaste (2)
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You can buy in SK, but their tooth paste is a sweeter mint. They sell American toothpaste, but it is quite pricey
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Facial Products
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Face wash, serums, moisturizers, sunscreen
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If your skin is sensitive, it is good to bring these if the facial products break you out so you have products to fall back on
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As well as a sunscreen just in case the ones you buy are too white casted
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Feminine Products
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Tampons/Diva cup
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Pack With You
Medications
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Prescription Medication
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Make sure to keep it in the container it was given at the pharmacy with all info on the label.
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Pepcid
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Place to buy in bulk:
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Costco
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Amazon
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Lactaid / lactase pills
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If you are lactose in-tolerant, you should definitely stock up since many cafes do not offer dairy-free options
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Vitamins
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If you prefer pills, I suggest bringing a bottle of your preference from Costco since it may be expensive and difficult, and descriptions are in Korean
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Pack With You
Beauty/Makeup
In South Korea, residents are usually more fair, so they do not offer much darker shades so you should bring the following:
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Foundation
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Concealer
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Setting Powder
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anything tinted (sunscreen, moisturizer, cream, etc)
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Eyeshadow palette
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You could bring one or buy one! SK has a lot of options :)
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Eyeliner
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If you have oily eyelids, it may be difficult to find a liquid liner that won't wipe away in the humidity
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Eyelashes
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if you like more extravagant lashes, I suggest to bring with you as lashes in SK are more natural
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Buy in South Korea
Toiltetries
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Extra Toothbrushes (optional to bring or buy in SK)
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Body Soap
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Sunscreens (test products, many are white-cast)
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Shampoo/Conditioner
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Hair masks/treatments
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Wash cloths or loofas
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Facial Products
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SK has a lot of affordable skincare, and since you'll be there for several months definitely try it out! Be sure to research the products before buying.
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cleansing balms/oils/makeup removers
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Feminine Products
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Liners and Pads
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There is many liners and pads you can buy in SK, but they do not carry much tampon products
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Buy in South Korea
Medications
In South Korea, they offer a wide variety of vitamins, so I suggest buying it there. Some things they have are:
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Jelly Vitamin Sticks
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Supplement drinks in stick
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immunity drinks / vitamins
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Hangover drinks
Buy in South Korea
Beauty/Makeup
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Lip tints and lip products
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eyebrow pencil
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Mascara
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KISSME extra waterproof/waterproof mascara
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cushion foundation ( if you are more fair)
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Glitter makeup
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South Korea has really pretty glitter eye makeup in powder and liquid form
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Eyeshadow Palettes
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Romand, Stylenanda and Clio have pretty ones!
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Electronics
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Phone
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Computer
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Ipad/tablet
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Computer Charger
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Phone Chargers
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Portable Charger
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Converters (2-3)
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try to find converters that have many ports such as USB, USB-C ports to allow multiple devices to charge so less cubes you need to bring, and takes up less space!
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Where to buy: Amazon
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Earphones
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Watch
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Camera of preference
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if bringing a film camera, bring extra film rolls, you can buy in SK but it can be pricey, sparse, far travel
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SD card for digital camera
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Charging cords
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If some of these chargers can be used to multiple devices, I would suggest consolidating
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phone charger
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1 cord with USB port
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1 cord with USB-C port
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computer charger
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The newer Macbooks and Ipads uses the same charging cord so be sure to check if it does, just bring 1
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Ipad/tablet charger
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Portable charger
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watch charger
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Camera charger if planning to bring digital camera
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Optional:
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Wireless bluetooth mouse
Leave at home:
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Mouse pads
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wireless keyboards (they are bulky and heavy, if you are already bringing a computer. If you are planning to only bring a tablet/Ipad then I would suggest bringing a keyboard.
What you can buy there:
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mouse pads
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there are cute, cheap mouse pads you can find
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Hawaii Exclusive Gifts!
You can bring Hawaii exclusive snacks/products to give to important people you met/helped you and make small goodie bags for friends you make through classes/SNU Buddy!
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Chocolate Macadamia nuts
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medium box
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individually wrapped to put in goodie bags
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Local cookies (ex: Big island cookies)
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Box of individually wrapped so you can give out as a box or separate into goodie bags
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Hawaiian Tea/Coffee
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Tea can be taken out of boxes to given out into goodie bags (Lots of people enjoyed the tea!)
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Goodie bags (or can buy from Daiso here in SK)
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Keychains, Luggage Tag, or Stickers
