The Essential Packing Guide for English Teachers Moving to South Korea

Moving abroad to teach English in South Korea can be an exciting and life-changing adventure. Not only are you stepping into a new culture, but you’re also starting a new career chapter. One of the most important parts of preparing for your big move is figuring out what to pack. You’ll want to make sure you bring everything you need to settle comfortably into your new life while also being mindful of the items that will be hard to find or expensive to purchase once you arrive. 

Lucky for you, I’ve been living in Korea for quite some time and I think I have been able to narrow down the most essential items that you should pack for South Korea. 

1. Important Documents

The first and most crucial items to pack are your documents. You’ll need a variety of official papers to get settled in South Korea, including:

• Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date.
• Visa Grant Notice: You will need to bring a copy of your Visa Grant Notice at immigration. Make sure you have all the required paperwork, including your work contract and any documents the school or recruiter provided (this might include a housing contract as well).
• Medical Records: If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, it's a good idea to bring along relevant medical records. You will also need to complete a health check after arriving in South Korea, so having your medical history on hand can make that easier. 
• Alternative Methods of ID: Sometimes, it’s better to be safe than sorry. I brought my birth certificate, my driver’s license, and my social security card (this has been recently required to open a Korean bank account). 
• International Driver’s License or apostilled Driver’s License: If you plan on renting a car during your stay in South Korea, then having an international driver’s license might come in handy. If you plan on staying in Korea longer than a year, you can have your license apostilled at your local DMV and exchange it for a Korean license upon arrival to South Korea. 
• Emergency Contacts: Have a list of important contacts, including family members, close friends, and your school director’s contact information. 

2. Wardrobe Essentials

South Korea has four distinct seasons, so it’s important to pack clothing that will keep you comfortable throughout the year. Here’s a breakdown of what to bring:

• Clothing for the Seasons:
  • Winter: Winters in South Korea can be very cold, with temperatures often dipping below freezing, especially in cities like Seoul. You’ll want to pack a thick winter coat or down-padded jacket, scarves, hats, wool socks, gloves or mittens, warm layers, and snow boots.
  • Summer: Summers can be hot and humid, especially in July and August, so lightweight, breathable clothing such as t-shirts, shorts, and skirts will be essential. Try to go for 100% cotton or 100% linen items as those fabrics are usually more breathable. Monsoon season also happens during the summer time, so be sure to pack some type of rubbery water resistant shoes like crocs or rain boots. 
  • Spring and Fall: These transitional seasons are mild but can still be a bit chilly in the mornings and evenings, so packing sweaters, cardigans, and light jackets is a good idea.
• Work Clothes: Most English teaching positions in South Korea require business casual to casual attire. Pack a few smart outfits, including dress pants or skirts, button-up shirts, and blouses. You’ll also want a pair of comfortable shoes suitable for both work and casual outings. Once you get a feel of your school and the attire culture, you can decide how casual or how dressy you will go to work. I usually mix it during the spring, summer and fall, but stay bundled up and cozy during the winter months. 
• Comfortable Shoes: You’ll do a lot of walking in South Korea, especially in cities like Seoul, so be sure to pack a couple of comfortable pairs of shoes. Consider sneakers or flats or sandals for everyday wear, and something more formal for your work attire. Don’t forget to pack (or purchase in country) a pair of slippers or slides that you can use as your indoor shoes at work. Many schools require that both students and teachers remove their shoes before entering the classroom. 
• Undergarments and Socks: South Korea has a different sizing system, and while many stores sell Western-style clothing, it can be difficult to find your size in undergarments and socks, especially if you are bit on the curvier side. It’s a good idea to pack a good stock of these items before you leave. 

3. Electronics and Adapters

You’ll want to make sure you have the right electronics to stay connected, entertained, and productive in South Korea. Here’s what to pack:

• Laptop or Tablet: A laptop is essential for teaching and personal use, especially for lesson planning, communication with friends and family, and managing your personal finances. If you don’t already have one, consider purchasing a reliable laptop or tablet before you go. I brought my 2013 Macbook Air with me and it still works! I even got the battery replaced here in Korea and it works like new. I also brought my iPad but that’s just for gaming and streaming. 
• Smartphone: A smartphone is essential for navigating South Korea, using transportation apps, and communicating with friends, colleagues, and family back home. Make sure it’s unlocked from your carrier back home and compatible with local SIM cards.
• Adapters and Converters: South Korea uses a 220-volt system with two-pronged plugs (Type C or Type F - the same plugs as Germany). If your devices use a different plug or voltage, you’ll need a plug adapter and possibly a voltage converter to safely use your electronics. Consider packing multiple adapters, especially if you’ll need to charge multiple devices simultaneously. You buy a ton of them on Amazon. I brought like 6 of them with me. 
• External Hard Drive/USB Drives: It’s a good idea to bring an external hard drive or USB stick with copies of important files, photos, or teaching materials. Although you can store things on the cloud, it’s always good to have a backup.
• Power Bank: A portable charger or power bank is useful for keeping your devices charged while traveling around the city or during long workdays.

4. Personal Care Items

While most personal care products can be found in South Korea, you may want to bring certain items with you, particularly if you have sensitive skin or specific brand preferences.

• Toiletries: Essential toiletries like toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and deodorant can all be found in South Korea. However, if you prefer specific brands or scents, consider bringing a supply with you.
• Skincare and Beauty Products: South Korea is known for its skincare industry, and you’ll have no trouble finding a wide range of skincare products. However, if you use a specific product, bring a supply with you to avoid missing it during the first few months. If you have curly, coily, or kinky hair, be sure to stock up on hair products because it is basically impossible to find them in Korea unless you have access to the military base. 
• Medications: If you take any prescription medications, make sure to bring an adequate supply for your stay in South Korea. *IMPORTANT NOTE: There are some medications that are illegal in South Korea, regardless if you have a prescription. For a list of prohibited substances, please read this notice by the US Embassy in Korea: https://kr.usembassy.gov/services-controlled-substance/. Be sure to speak to your Teach Abroad Advisor regarding your medication.* It’s also a good idea to carry a copy of your doctor’s prescription. Over-the-counter medications such as pain relievers and cold medicines are readily available in Korea, but it’s always useful to have some on hand. If you take contraceptive pills, be sure to bring enough for your stay here. You can also visit any pharmacy and ask the pharmacist to give you the same formula, just as a Korean brand. 
• Personal Hygiene Items: Feminine hygiene products, razors, and any other personal care items you typically use should be packed. While these are available in South Korea, you might prefer a particular brand or find some items difficult to find in certain areas.

5. Teaching Materials

As an English teacher, you’ll likely need to bring some materials with you to help with lesson planning and classroom management:

• Teaching Resources: While many schools will provide textbooks and teaching aids, you might want to bring your own lesson plans, activity ideas, and materials that fit your teaching style. One of the things that I brought with me were bank notes and a few coins from other countries that I had traveled to. It was very useless when teaching children about different countries and how to count money. 
• Classroom Decorations: If you're someone who likes to personalize your classroom, consider packing small items like posters, motivational quotes, or bulletin board materials. These will help make your classroom feel more inviting.

6. Other Essentials

• Backpack or Tote Bag: A good, durable bag will come in handy for your daily commute to work, running errands, and carrying books or teaching materials.
• Travel Guidebook/Language Learning Tools: If you're not yet fluent in Korean, a phrasebook, language learning app, or dictionary will be helpful. While many Koreans speak English, learning the local language will enhance your experience and interactions.
• Cultural Gifts: It’s customary to bring small gifts for your Korean colleagues or students. Consider packing a few items from your home country as a token of appreciation for your new friends or bosses.

Final Thoughts

Moving abroad to South Korea as an English teacher is an exciting and transformative experience. By packing thoughtfully and being prepared, you can ensure that you have everything you need to make a smooth transition. The key is to strike a balance between bringing essential items from home while also leaving room for the unique and wonderful items you’ll find once you arrive.

Happy packing, and enjoy your new adventure in South Korea!