Packing for a South Korea Road Trip

Getting ready for a road trip in South Korea? I travel with my two elementary-age kids, and these are some the particular items we bring based on what’s typically available and what we like to have. We usually stay in Airbnbs because I like to one or two meals in each day. Breakfast cafes usually don’t open til 10am, and often everything on the menu is very sweet. We find it suits our travel style to wake up by 7am and eat breakfast in. I also often cook dinner in after a long day out exploring, so let’s start with the kitchen items!

Cooking

• small non-stick frying pan
• pot with strainer
• vegetable peeler
• travel spices
• small knife
• food storage containers

If you plan to self-cater, have a good look at the pictures of the kitchen where you’ll be staying. Having now done several road trips around Korea, the above list is what I bring along because those items are not always available.

Eating/Drinking

• forks or training chopsticks
• re-usable cups/straws (we keep ours in the car)
• re-usable coffee/tea flask
• plastic plates/bowls/cups for kids

Airbnbs often only have small bowls and plates. If you want larger plates, bring some along. Also, most places only have breakable items. I feel more comfortable to have a sets of plastic kids’ dishes and cups at all times.

Connecting

• extension cords
• chargers

Bathing

• quick-dry towels
• washcloths
• kids’ toothpaste

Most Airbnbs and many hotels do not include full-size towels. You will open the towel cabinet to find dozens of hand-size towels and a few washcloths. I always travel with quick-dry towels, a set for where we’re staying and a set for the beach.

Cleaning

• paper towels
• cleaner
• dish sponges
• dish soap

Some vacation rentals provide adequate cleaning supplies, while others don’t. I prefer not to have to run out to a convenience store to handle the cleaning, and as other parents know, there is always cleaning! It grosses me out a bit to use a pre-used dish sponge/cloth, so I always bring my own new ones. Sometimes the dish soap is empty and it’s a pain to run out and buy it, so I bring a small container.

Dressing

• laundry detergent
• easy-dry clothes
• layers
• waterproof jacket
• water shoes
• sandals that can get wet
• bathing suit
• hiking shoes

I try to book a place with a laundry machine, so I can pack less clothes. Each of us just travels with a small carry-on even if it’s for a month. I actually do a load almost every day to keep our bags sand-free. It is not so common to find a dryer, so bring clothes that are easy to hang dry. In the summer, humidity levels are high, and drying takes about two days per load. So you need to time your laundry with your stays. Layers and waterproof jackets for everyone are invaluable, as sandals that can get wet and dry quickly in the rainy season. Water shoes are useful for exploring rocky beaches.

Sleeping

• eye mask
• ear plugs
• sleeping mat/cot

The level of light blockage and noise-proofing will vary, although we have found most places we’ve stayed to be very quiet. Because I’m a light sleeper, I always bring an eye mask and ear plugs. If we’re planning to stay in a hanok or a Korean ondol-style room, I bring my own cot because I find it more comfortable than the floor mats. The kids are used to the floor mats and sleep really well on them. Sometimes, I try putting both kids together in a bigger bed, and if one is too squiggly, I like to have an extra camping sleep mat in the car as a backup.

Playing & Exploring

• Wide-brim hats
• Lifejackets (kid sizes)
• Small games & card sets
• Journals
• Writing & drawing kit
• Sand toys

Kids’ lifejackets are not always available in correct sizes for water activities. That, or you need to pay extra for them at water parks unless you bring one.

Driving

• snacks, trash bags
• tissues, wet wipe, sanitizer
• vomit bags, nausea medication, allergy medication
• sunscreen, bugspray
• First Aid kit
• extra masks
• pillows & blankets
• audio books, dual-jack headphones
• collection baskets/buckets
• stadium seats
• fishing poles & tackle kit
• small tent
• camping chairs
• cooler bags
• air purifier for the car
• cleaning supplies (paper towels, window cleaner)

On a road trip with kids, anything can and does happen. Above is my basic “car pack” that stays in the car all summer and is continually refreshed. Vomit bags that have a seal are one of the best investments I ever made. Kids seem to be finally growing out of the puke stage but always better to be prepared.

In addition to the basics, I like to have a small bin in the trunk for unexpected adventures like collecting shells, fishing, or just finding a great camping spot. This list doesn’t include BBQ supplies, but you could easily add those as well. There are many scenic spots in South Korea where the locals set up around sunset, do a BBQ dinner while sitting near the car, and then pack up at twilight.

Hope you can enjoy a road trip around South Korea! Any of your travel essentials that you’d add to the list?