Staying Warm in Korea During Winter

Here are four warm tips if you are like me and dread the cold. Staying warm in the winter is synonymous with staying happy. Nothing is worse than the sharp sting of coldness and the bitter wind in your face. After years of living in Hawaii, my family and I were deeply underprepared for the harsh Korean winter. So learn from my mistakes and take on winter before it takes over you!

Gyeongbok Palace in early January

Tip one: Buy the right coat.

My kids and I arrived in early November of last year, just as a freezing cold front blew across Korea. The month of November was miserable for us. We love being outdoors but none of us could withstand the cold. Our biggest mistake was relying coats we had naively thought would get us through winter. Luckily in just about every thrift store there are racks of both children and adult winter coats. The difference a quality coat in the winter can make is life changing. 

I would highly recommend going to the Pyeongtaek Recycling Apparel Thrift Shop (경기 평택시 오성면 강변로 1467)  just ten minutes out of the Yoon gate. You are probably going to pass right by it as it looks like a greenhouse for farming on the outside. However, inside are literally racks and racks of winter wear. If you spend the time you can find new or barely used winter coats for you and the kids. Make sure to bring won, as they charge 15,000 won per kilo. 

Tip Two: Spend time outside. 

My family and I are outdoor enthusiasts. Winter was hard for us, until we pulled on our big girl boots (literally) and went back outside. I’ve found the more exposure the easier it gets. It may mean getting five layers on just to take the dog out for a walk. But once I am outside, even if it is literally freezing, I never have regretted it. Plus, it is a great time to go and see some of those overcrowded tourist attractions. Want Gyeongbok palace almost all to yourself? Go in the dead of winter! 

Tip Three: Go where the locals go.

Staying warm in the Yuseong Hot Springs public foot bath.

Sharp winter weather is just part of life for Koreans, so there’s no need to reinvent the wheel–go where the locals go! Spas and saunas are all reasonably priced and a fantastic to plunge into Korean culture. If you are not quite ready for the sauna experience, the Yuseong hot springs public foot bath (대전광역시 유성구 봉명동) might be just the thing for you. Located in Daejeon, the Hot Springs foot spa is free to the public. The water, sourced from up to 450 meters deep, is rich in minerals. It is known for softening your feet as well as comforting any existing foot pain. Make sure to clean off your feet first before entering the foot pool area.

Tip Four: Drink warm to stay warm. 

Having a literal Tea party with this inexpensive tea!

Korea has an abundance of high end warm drinks to try, extending far beyond the prolific cafes and coffee shops. In every convenience store you can find a heated drink area. Usually located close to the front counter and resembling a miniature glass fridge in appearance. Here you can find several different hot drinks in tiny glass bottles. They have coffee, citron tea, vitamin drinks (great if you are fighting a cold) and my personal favorite, warm soy milk. If you want to go an even cheaper route don't pass on the tea section in the Korean grocery store. I recently found this brand of herbal tea at Daiso for just 2,000 won that is close in quality and taste to the expensive tea I buy online. 

Obviously these four steps are not going to be a cure for all of winter’s hardships. Winter is long and requires a bit of resilience in us all. Don't hesitate to reach out to family, friends and even professionals if it gets to be too hard. Best of luck and stay warm!