Leave the Suitcases Empty

Almost every single list of study abroad tips you’re going to see will say some variant of “don’t overpack” and “don’t bring things you don’t wear all the time”. The truth is you’re going do it anyways, likely unintentionally, and it’s going to be okay because you’re going to make it work.

Still, I want you to be better off than I was. Which… is not too high of a bar to clear as I had to play Tetris inside of my suitcases for three days straight (I refused to buy another suitcase or pay for anything more than one extra checked bag).

If you can’t bring a suitcase empty, bring half of your largest suitcase empty, and bring things you know you won’t be bringing back (ex. shampoo, skincare, a pair of socks that have approximately three wears left, etc.). Also, try your best to not pack anything heavy unless it is an absolute necessity. I’m begging you. Seriously. Please listen to me. If you’re like me and have nothing but heavy shoes, you must pick one (1) pair of 2kg boots you can’t live without, two pairs of normal gym shoes, and call it a day.

Now, let’s talk shopping.

I am not a shopaholic, per se, but I do love me a good day of window shopping when I have a few extra coins. Shopaholic or not, though, you will come to find very quickly that Korea is the best and worst place to be in terms of consumerism. Even those with the strongest wills are destined fall victim at least once––you will see a cute keychain, and you will tell yourself you don’t need it, and you will be walking out of the store with two of them and a new t-shirt. The sooner you accept it and place ₩20,000 to the side for when that moment comes, the better.

Korea has plenty of incredible clothing brands that have something for everyone. If you don’t believe me, here are a few off the top of my head that I personally love: HIETA, IUGAMAKARAS, AAKAM, typeservice, SUNBURNPROJECT, SCULPTOR, BAD BLOOD, thisisneverthat, and Hug Your Skin.

[Note: Clothing is genderless! However if you lean towards a more androgynous or masculine style, AAKAM, BAD BLOOD, SUNBURNPROJECT, and thisisneverthat are going to be more in your favor.]

Unfortunately, I can’t give as many recommendations for bags or shoes as:

1. While I have a strong preference for leather bags, most popular Korean bag brands are made of faux-leather, and
2. I wear a US Women’s 9, which is too large for a vast majority of shoe brands I have checked out.

Still, I recommend scaling through different vintage stores or heading over to the Dongmyo Flea Market! Those are both great options if you are like me: in love with older Coach bags and have (relatively) larger feet.

Now, here are a few pictures to demonstrate how many times I have tripped and fell into different purchases knowing I lacked ample space in my suitcases:

Being realistic, no matter how well you plan, you may very well find yourself sitting on top of your suitcases to zip them shut. And that’s alright, as it happens to the best of us! But still, you will be much more thankful to your pre-departure self if you’re struggling because of items you accumulated during your semester and not things you brought from home.

My DMs on Instagram are always open if you are curious about specific areas to go shopping, questions about what you should or shouldn’t bring to Korea, or more recommendations for stores. Please don’t be afraid to reach out at any time, and thank you for reading!