Should I pack formal clothes for Korea?

Not unless you have business meetings. Koreans dress well for everyday life, but 'well' means neat and coordinated, not formal. Clean sneakers, fitted jeans, and a nice top work everywhere tourists go. You'll be underdressed at a business dinner and overdressed at a temple in a suit.

What size luggage for 10 days in Korea?

A carry-on works fine. You'll have laundry options (coin laundromats, hotel service, or even hand-wash in your room). Korea's trains and subways have stairs, so smaller luggage makes your life easier. If you're shopping a lot, check a bag on the way home.

Do I need a rain jacket?

Summer yes, other seasons optional. June-July is monsoon season with heavy rain. Spring and fall get occasional showers. Winter is dry. That said, umbrellas are everywhere and cheap in Korea, so if you forget one, you'll survive.

Should I bring my own towel?

No. Hotels provide towels. Jjimjilbang (bathhouses) rent them for $1-3 or you can buy cheap ones there. Hostels usually provide them or rent them. A travel towel takes up packing space you don't need to sacrifice.

What if I have large feet?

Bring your own shoes. Korean shoe sizing typically maxes out around US men's 11 or women's 9. Larger sizes exist but are harder to find. If you need shoes for a specific purpose (hiking boots, dress shoes), bring them from home.

How to Pack for South Korea

Pack layers and comfortable walking shoes for South Korea. The country has four distinct seasons, so your wardrobe depends entirely on when you visit. Koreans dress stylishly but practically, so aim for neat, well-coordinated casual clothes that work for city walking and occasional temple visits.

Check your travel dates against the seasons. Korea's seasons are dramatic. Spring (April-May) and fall (September-November) need layers: jeans, long sleeves, light jacket. Summer (June-August) is hot and humid—shorts, breathable fabrics, rain gear for monsoon season. Winter (December-February) is cold, especially in Seoul—you need a real winter coat, not just a hoodie.
Build around walking shoes. You will walk 15,000-20,000 steps per day in Korean cities. Bring broken-in sneakers or walking shoes. Seoul has hills. Busan has stairs. Your feet matter more than your outfit. Many restaurants and homes require shoe removal, so skip complicated laces if possible.
Pack one outfit that covers knees and shoulders. For temple visits and some traditional restaurants. Doesn't need to be fancy—long pants or a midi skirt, and a regular t-shirt works. Some temples provide wraps, but having your own option is easier.
Add layers for indoor temperature swings. Buildings in Korea are aggressively climate-controlled. Summer: bring a light cardigan for over-air-conditioned subways and cafes. Winter: you'll be peeling off layers indoors because the heating is intense. Dress in removable pieces.
Keep your packing list tight. Korea has excellent, affordable shopping if you need anything. Convenience stores sell basics. Every neighborhood has clothing stores. Don't overpack—you'll probably buy things there anyway. One week = one carry-on is very doable.

Should I pack formal clothes for Korea?: Not unless you have business meetings. Koreans dress well for everyday life, but 'well' means neat and coordinated, not formal. Clean sneakers, fitted jeans, and a nice top work everywhere tourists go. You'll be underdressed at a business dinner and overdressed at a temple in a suit.
What size luggage for 10 days in Korea?: A carry-on works fine. You'll have laundry options (coin laundromats, hotel service, or even hand-wash in your room). Korea's trains and subways have stairs, so smaller luggage makes your life easier. If you're shopping a lot, check a bag on the way home.
Do I need a rain jacket?: Summer yes, other seasons optional. June-July is monsoon season with heavy rain. Spring and fall get occasional showers. Winter is dry. That said, umbrellas are everywhere and cheap in Korea, so if you forget one, you'll survive.
Should I bring my own towel?: No. Hotels provide towels. Jjimjilbang (bathhouses) rent them for $1-3 or you can buy cheap ones there. Hostels usually provide them or rent them. A travel towel takes up packing space you don't need to sacrifice.
What if I have large feet?: Bring your own shoes. Korean shoe sizing typically maxes out around US men's 11 or women's 9. Larger sizes exist but are harder to find. If you need shoes for a specific purpose (hiking boots, dress shoes), bring them from home.