Winter in South Korea can be quite frigid, especially in the central and northern regions.
To stay warm and cozy during the upcoming winter season, here are some tips to follow:
Layer up — Start with thermal underwear as your base layer, followed by a warm sweater or fleece. Top it off with a high-quality winter coat that’s windproof, waterproof, and well-insulated. Down jackets and parkas are popular choices. Uniqlo has some great apparel to keep you warm this winter.
Keep dry — Moisture can make you feel colder. Invest in a pair of waterproof boots to keep your feet dry, and carry an umbrella to protect yourself from rain and snow. Opt for a winter coat with a water-resistant or waterproof outer layer.
Warm up indoors — When you’re indoors, take advantage of heating systems. Many cafes and restaurants have cozy fireplaces or underfloor ondul heating. Use hot packs to warm your hands and feet, and sip on hot drinks like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. Traditional Korean winter drinks like yuja tea or sikhye are also great options. Consider visiting a jjimjilbang or a sauna to warm you up.
Eat warm foods — Hot soups, stews, and spicy dishes can help warm you up from the inside out. Enjoy hearty soups like sundubu jjigae (soft tofu stew) or samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup). Spicy foods like bibimbap or kimchi jjigae can also help.
Stay active — Physical activity can help generate body heat. Go skiing or snowboarding in resorts like Yongpyong or Vivaldi Park. If you prefer indoor activities, work out at a gym or do yoga at home. A brisk walk outdoors can also be a good way to stay warm.
Embrace traditional Korean winter remedies — South Koreans have their own unique ways to stay warm. Try drinking yuja tea, a citrus drink known for its warming properties, or eating gyeran-bbang, a sweet egg bread. Korean hot packs, disposable heat packs that can be placed in your pockets or shoes, are another popular winter essential.
Whatever you do, do your best to keep warm this winter which is expected to be cold, especially in January.
