What size suitcase do I need for a trip to South Korea? A guide to choosing the right size for 2-3 day and 3-4 day trips
|
When preparing for a trip to Korea, one common concern is the capacity of your suitcase. Many people wonder if a carry-on size is sufficient for a 2-night, 3-day trip, or if a larger one is better if they plan to buy cosmetics and clothes.
For a trip to Korea, you need to consider not only the number of nights but also the amount of shopping you'll do locally, your mode of transportation, and the baggage regulations of the airline you're using.
In this article, the New Trip editorial team explains the necessary suitcase capacity for a trip to Korea, primarily focusing on 2-night, 3-day and 3-night, 4-day trips, and how to choose one without fail.
What Liters (L) Suitcase Do I Need for a Trip to Korea? Size Guidelines by Number of Nights
For a trip to Korea, the basic guideline for capacity is 30-40L for a 2-night, 3-day trip, and 40-60L for a 3-night, 4-day trip. However, if you plan to buy cosmetics or clothes, consider a slightly larger size or a model with an expansion feature.
| Trip Duration | Estimated Capacity | Size | Recommended Travel Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 nights, 3 days | 30-40L | S size | Sightseeing-focused, light luggage |
| 3 nights, 4 days | 40-60L | S-M size | Sightseeing + Shopping |
| 5 nights or more | 60L or more | M-L size | Long stay, family trip |
For a 2-night, 3-day trip to Korea
For a 2-night, 3-day trip, a carry-on size model of about 30-40L (S size) is generally sufficient. If you choose light clothing and decant skincare products into smaller containers, you can pack compactly. However, in addition to size, you also need to check the weight limit set by the airline.
On the other hand, if you plan to buy a lot of cosmetics, clothes, or food, an M size or an S size with an expansion feature would be good options even for a 2-night, 3-day trip.
For a 3-night, 4-day trip to Korea
For a 3-night, 4-day trip, an S-M size of about 40-60L is recommended. This provides enough space for clothes and toiletries, plus room for souvenirs on the way back.
If you're primarily sightseeing and have light luggage, a larger S size is good; if you want to enjoy shopping, an M size offers more peace of mind. When departing, try to keep the suitcase about 70-80% full, leaving some empty space.
For a 5-night or longer trip to Korea
For 5 nights or more, an M-L size of 60L or more is a good guideline. If you need to pack seasonal clothing, shoes, or luggage for the whole family, even more space will be necessary.
However, larger suitcases also have a heavier body weight. If you plan to travel a lot by subway or on foot, consider using one M size suitcase and a smaller bag instead of one large L size suitcase.
Tips for Choosing the Right Suitcase for Your Trip to Korea
For a trip to Korea, it's important to anticipate increased luggage due to shopping and travel between the airport, subway, and hotel. Don't decide solely on capacity; check the following four points:
1. Allow extra capacity for return luggage
When traveling to Korea, it's common to buy cosmetics, clothes, food, and miscellaneous goods, leading to more luggage on the way back.
If you plan to shop, it's crucial not to pack your suitcase to full capacity when you depart. Even for a 2-night, 3-day trip, if shopping is your focus, choosing an M size or a model with an expansion feature will ensure you have enough room.
2. Choose a lightweight model for airport and subway travel
In Korea, you'll likely travel by airport railroad, subway, and on foot. Considering transfers and getting to your hotel, a lighter suitcase is easier to handle.
A guideline is under 3kg for S size and under 4kg for M size. A lighter body allows more leeway with airline weight limits.
3. Check the performance of the casters
When returning with more luggage, the performance of the casters greatly affects the comfort of your journey.
Double casters or 360-degree rotating types make it easier to change direction in crowded station or airport passages. If you'll be moving around your hotel late at night or early in the morning, check for quietness.
On trains or sloping surfaces, a caster stopper that prevents the suitcase from moving is also convenient.
4. Check the baggage regulations of your airline
The size and weight limits for carry-on and checked baggage vary depending on the airline and fare plan. Especially with LCCs, the free baggage allowance might be strictly limited, or checked baggage might incur a fee.
An "S size" suitcase does not necessarily mean it can always be carried on. After booking, compare your suitcase's external dimensions and body weight with the regulations of your flight.
Recommended New Trip Suitcases for Your Trip to Korea
Here, we introduce New Trip models based on luggage volume and travel style. Don't just look at product names; choose based on how you plan to spend your time in Korea.
For sightseeing-focused travel with light luggage | New Trip 0701Plus
For those who want to enjoy a light 2-night, 3-day short trip, the New Trip 0701 Plus is recommended.
- Caster stopper for convenience on trains
- Lightweight design for easy carrying
It's easy to move around airports and subways, making it suitable for sightseeing-focused trips.
For enjoying cosmetics and clothing shopping | New Trip 0201
For those whose luggage tends to increase on the way back, the New Trip 0201 is suitable.
- S size is lightweight at 2.8kg
- Expansion feature for when luggage increases
- Wide range of colors to choose from
This model is an easy choice for a 3-night, 4-day trip, or for those prioritizing shopping even on a 2-night, 3-day trip.
For a lot of luggage or family travel | New Trip 0502
For family trips or long stays where storage capacity and maneuverability are important, the New Trip 0502 is recommended.
- Expansion feature to accommodate increased souvenirs
- HINOMOTO silent casters
- Large capacity to consolidate luggage for the whole family
It's easy to move even when luggage is heavy and is suitable for trips where you want to fully enjoy shopping.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
We've compiled common questions about suitcases for trips to Korea. Be sure to check them before finalizing your size.
Q1. If I'm going to Korea for 2 nights and 3 days, what is the estimated suitcase capacity I need?
An S size of about 30-40L is a good estimate.
It's sufficient if you're mainly sightseeing with light luggage, but if you plan to buy a lot of cosmetics or clothes, considering an S size with an expansion feature or an M size will provide peace of mind.
Q2. Can I go to Korea without a suitcase?
If you have light luggage for a 1-2 night trip, a backpack or duffel bag alone might be enough.
However, since souvenirs might increase on the way back, it's a good idea to bring a foldable bag just in case.
Q3. For a 3-night, 4-day trip to Korea, is an S size or M size recommended?
If you're mainly sightseeing, a larger S size is recommended; if you're primarily shopping, an M size is better.
The necessary capacity also changes depending on the season and the number of shoes you bring, so choose based on your luggage volume.
Q4. Can I carry my suitcase on board for a trip to Korea?
Yes, if it meets the external dimensions and weight specified by the airline, it can be carried on board.
Regulations vary by airline, aircraft, and fare plan, so please check the official website before boarding.
Q5. Do I need a suitcase with a stopper for a trip to Korea?
It's not essential, but it's a convenient feature if you're using airport railways or subways.
It prevents the suitcase from moving when stationary or on inclines, making it easier to manage your belongings.
Summary
For a trip to Korea, the estimated suitcase capacity is 30-40L for 2 nights and 3 days, and 40-60L for 3 nights and 4 days. However, if you plan to enjoy shopping, a slightly larger size or a model with an expansion feature will provide peace of mind.
In addition to capacity, check the body weight, caster performance, and airline baggage regulations to choose a suitcase that suits your travel style.