3-Country Asia Packing Guide: Korea, Hong Kong, and Taiwan

Our complete packing list for a 3-country Asia trip to South Korea, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Backpack, carry-on, and check-in essentials covered.

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We were boarding in 8 hours and had not started packing yet. This is how we travel. The challenge with a multi-country trip to South Korea, Hong Kong, and Taiwan is that the weather and plug types are all different, and you want to pack light while still being prepared for everything. We did it all in one checked bag plus carry-on and a backpack.

Here is the full list organized by bag type, plus two things to handle before you even start packing.

Before You Pack

1. Travel Insurance

Get this done first and do not wait until the day of your flight. Most providers will not let you purchase insurance for a flight that is already today. You need to buy it at least 2 days in advance to be covered for flight delays, cancellations, and medical situations.

We use Visitor Coverage because it is a platform with multiple insurance options in one place. You can compare by budget rather than being locked into one provider's package.

Compare plans on Visitor Coverage

If you are currently reading this and flying tomorrow, check if you can still purchase. If you are flying in under 24-48 hours, your window may have already closed for certain plans.

2. International Driving Permit (IDP)

Only relevant if you plan to drive in another country. We used ours for Japan and Korea.

The fastest option is an AAA branch in person. It takes under 10 minutes:

Bring your regular driver's license and a filled-out application form (printable online)
They take a passport photo on the spot
Cost: $20 application fee + $10 for the photo if you are not an AAA member. With AAA membership, the photo is essentially included.

Online option: $20 application + $10 photo, plus ships to you in about a week. The in-person option is faster if you are departing soon.

The IDP is valid for one year from the issue date. It covers most countries. Check the country list before assuming it applies everywhere.

Backpack (Carry-On Bag / Personal Item)

The backpack goes under the seat and stays with you at all times. Keep your most important items here.

Documents and access:

Passport
Priority Pass card (for lounge access from your credit card benefits)
Pen for customs declaration forms — you will thank yourself for this. Do not assume the person next to you has a spare.
Hotel address saved in your phone notes, in English. You need this for customs forms and you do not want to search for it while standing in line.

Power and connectivity:

Reusable water bottle (packed empty through security)
Portable power bank
Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station (3-in-1): charges Apple Watch, AirPods, and phone simultaneously with a single USB-C cable. Very compact. One of the most useful travel products we own.
Airalo eSIM for your destination countries (see our separate setup guide video)

Comfort for the flight:

AirPods or headphones
Sleep face mask (we bring a nicer one for long-haul flights)
Melatonin gummies for jet lag

Health and hygiene:

Disinfecting wipes for surfaces (plane tray tables, armrests)
Individual hand and face wipes for in-flight freshness
Advil or Tylenol: bring your own. Dosages in Asian pharmacies are often lower than what you are used to in the US. Same for cold medicine. If you have a brand that works for you, pack it.
NyQuil or DayQuil (small travel size) for if you get sick mid-trip
Emergency toothbrush
Feminine hygiene products
Freshening wipes

Other:

Vitamins (fish oil, vitamin C, probiotic)
Small makeup bag with the essentials
Deodorant
Face mask (N95 style) for crowded flights or if someone nearby is sick

Carry-On Luggage

Your main carry-on bag that goes in the overhead bin. Things that cannot or should not go in checked luggage.

Essential:

Hair styling tools (curling iron, flat iron): these often cannot go in checked bags. Pack a travel-size version if possible.
International power adapter: we use an Anker multi-adapter that covers Korea, Hong Kong and Malaysia/Singapore style plugs in one unit, with USB-A and USB-C ports built in. Taiwan uses the same plugs as the US, so no adapter needed there.
Laptop or tablet
Umbrella: pack this in your carry-on or backpack, not checked luggage. Getting stuck in the rain while your umbrella is being checked at baggage claim is frustrating. Taiwan especially tends to have unexpected rain.

Emergency supplies:

One to two days of backup clothes (in case of delays or lost luggage)
Extra underwear and socks
A jacket or layer (flights get cold, and layover climates vary)
Overnight hair curler or styling tools if needed

Skincare: Full skincare routine products fit in carry-on. If your lounge has a shower, this is when you will use them. Keep them accessible.

Luggage: We use Sito luggage (not sponsored). One of the features we appreciate is a built-in compartment for an AirTag. Highly recommend putting an AirTag in any bag you check.

Checked Luggage

We brought one checked bag for a trip spanning nearly a month across three countries. This is very doable with the right approach.

Use packing cubes. We resisted this for years and it was a mistake. They keep everything organized, compress your clothes, and make it significantly easier when two people are sharing one bag. One cube for pants, one for tops, one for underwear and socks.

Wrinkle releaser spray: Pack one. It eliminates the need to iron at the hotel when you pull out clothes that have been compressed for hours. We use it constantly.

The foldable duffel bag strategy: This is the move for shopping-heavy trips.

Pack the minimum clothes you need. Then bring a foldable nylon duffel bag (we found ours at Donuts in Japan, but they are available on Amazon under 130 liter options). When empty it folds into a small cube. On the way home:

All dirty laundry goes in the duffel bag
All new purchases and gifts go in the main suitcase

This means you are checking the duffel on the way back instead of trying to stuff everything into an already-full suitcase. Get a nylon one because it is washable. Always attach a name tag with your address.

Day Bag

For daily exploring, we use a Cosi (Coachi) bag. Not sponsored. The material does not wrinkle or crease even after being stuffed all day, which matters when you are going from sightseeing to dinner without going back to the hotel. Good storage capacity, looks presentable for restaurants, runs around $90-100 at outlet.

Whatever bag you choose, make sure it fits your DJI or camera gear if you are bringing any. It adds up fast.