Packing for your move to Korea with EPIK? It’s hard to know what you’ll actually need until you’re here—and by then, it might be too late (hello, sad deodorant aisle). After living and working here for a couple of years, here’s my honest list of what I wish I brought, and what I wish I left behind.
✅ Things I’m Glad I Brought (or Wish I Did)
1. Extra-Strength Tylenol Cold
Getting sick is almost guaranteed your first few weeks. New germs, new kids, new everything—your immune system will be crying. Yes, Korea has Tylenol Cold, but the version here is weak. Back home, this stuff would do the trick. Here? not so much.
At first, I avoided the going to the doctors. In korea, its very common for coworkers to visit the doctor often. I was raised on 3-hour waits at walk-in clinics, so going for a cold felt dramatic. But after one too many miserable days at work, I gave in and visited an ENT. No appointment, just Papago and a dream. Twenty minutes and $12 later, I had meds that got me back on my feet fast. Still, I wish I had packed a small stash of Tylenol Cold from home.
2. Alka-Seltzer
Drinking is part of the culture here—even if there’s no pressure to drink at work dinners (they’ve been super respectful in my experience). But let’s be honest, if you do drink, you’ll probably have some wild nights: your first Hongdae club, too much makgeolli, or just an innocent karaoke night gone rogue.
Halfway through my first year, a friend gifted me some Alka-Seltzer and it was magical. I’ve been out ever since, and I’m already planning to stock up next time I visit home. Until then, I go to the pharmacy and show them “I drank too much alcohol yesterday” on Papago. They usually have special kits prepared for those cases.
3. Deodorant
I knew deodorant was hard to find in Korea, but I didn’t realize how bad the local options were—especially for someone like me who definitely did inherit the smelly sweat gene. You can find deodorant here (Daiso, some convenience stores), but honestly they don’t work well.
I’ve had to part ways with more than one shirt thanks to ineffective formulas, and I now have a personal vendetta against Nivea for monopolizing the shelves. I use iHerb to order better stuff, but honestly? I wish I had stocked up more before coming.
4. Laundry Detergent Bars
This one’s niche but hear me out: single-use detergent bars. When I arrived, we had to quarantine for 10 days, then go straight to orientation. With no washing machine and only a few outfits left, I was stuck—until a friend gave me a little dissolvable detergent sheet. Lifesaver.
You don’t need to pack a full bottle of Tide, but bring a few bars just in case your luggage is lost or you can’t do laundry right away. Trust me, smelling like a 20-hour flight isn’t the orientation vibe you want.
5. Heat Protectant Spray
Everyone told me, “Don’t pack beauty products—Olive Young has everything.” That’s… sort of true. But heat protectant spray? Not so much. They mostly carry oil- or cream-based ones, and I really prefer a spray. I ended up waiting weeks for a decent option from Coupang.
Next time, I’m bringing my favorite one from home.
6. Heat Styling Tools
I thought I’d save space and just buy a straightener once I got here. In Canada, you can get a decent one at Winners or Walmart for $30. In Korea? The cheap ones don’t get hot enough, and the good ones are pricey. I ended up giving up and begging a friend to bring mine over.
If you’re picky about hair tools—bring them. Just make sure you pack the right power adapter (more on that next).
7. Power Adapters (Bring More Than One!)
Since I’m from Canada, all my electronics are 110V. Korea runs on 220V with C or F type plugs, so I needed step-down adapters—and more than I realized.
Eventually, I bought three: two for home, and one for work because I kept forgetting my others at home. If you’re staying long-term, save yourself the daily “where’s my adapter” stress and bring a few.
8. Streaming Stick or HDMI Cable
My apartment came with a basic TV when I first moved here, so I was glad I brought my Fire Stick. Later, my landlord upgraded us to a Genie box, so I don’t need it anymore—but at first, it was a total lifesaver when I just needed to relax with Netflix.
❌ What I Wish I Left at Home
1. Half My Wardrobe
Packing clothes for all four Korean seasons is hard enough. Add in uncertainty about school dress codes and Pinterest-worthy fashion expectations? Disaster.
Most of my “Korean aesthetic” clothes didn’t translate well. I stood out, the fits weren’t right, and—plot twist—every city has its own style. Busan fashion is nothing like Seoul, Daegu, or rural towns. Within a month, I ended up buying what felt like a whole new wardrobe anyway. A disgrace to the face that I originally had to carry two XL suitcases up five flights of stairs because my apartment has no elevator. Never again.
Disclaimer: Wear what makes you feel good. People stare anyway—so might as well wear what you love.
2. Heels
I love heels. I ignored every blog that said not to bring them. Big mistake.
Sidewalks here are brick, uneven, and ankle-murdering. I rolled mine after one block. And in clubs? The bathroom floors are wet 90% of the time. I switched to a cute pair of beat-up boots that I didn’t mind sacrificing to bathroom sludge. If you’re worried about finding stylish shoes here—don’t be. As a wide-foot girly I was sure I wouldn’t find any that fit, but there are tons of options in underground shopping centers.
3. Tampons
Somewhere, someone told me tampons were rare here. I believed them and used up precious luggage space for a year’s supply. But actually? You can find them at Olive Young, most convenience stores, or online.
If you’re not picky about brands, you’re good. And if you use pads—Korean pads are honestly great.
4. Umbrella
Unless you’re arriving in the middle of rainy season, skip packing an umbrella. You can find super cute ones here—and for cheap. Just avoid Daiso umbrellas. They collapse at the first gust of wind. Try Artbox or any nearby convenience store instead.
5. Allergy Medicine
I have brutal allergies in Canada, so I packed a Costco-sized box of Claritin. And then… didn’t need it. Korea didn’t trigger my allergies nearly as much.
Now I can just go to a pharmacy or ENT when needed. If allergies become a problem down the line, there are plenty of options here.
✈️ Final Advice
Don’t stress too much about packing. You can get almost everything you need here, and sites like Coupang, Gmarket, and iHerb are lifesavers. Pack light, focus on your essentials, and leave space for the unexpected. Teaching in Korea is an incredible adventure—don’t let overpacking weigh you down (literally or mentally).