8 Best Tips To Survive Winter In South Korea

The time I dread the most is coming up: winter! While some people love snow, Christmas and snuggling up under the blanket in front of their favorite TV series, I’m more the girl who can never seem get warm enough and tend to avoid the season as much as possible, traveling to warmer destinations whenever I get the chance.

But even though winter is far from my preferred season, I have to admit that the magic that surrounds it is sometimes welcomed, even by me.

And if you think South Korea might looks like a winter wonderland with snow and all, you’re right but if you think the country doesn’t get cold, you’re wrong as the season, especially in the north like Seoul, can be harsh with sub-zero temperatures (-10°C) that can sometimes seem even colder when the icy wind decides to make its appearance unexpectedly. That’s why I’ve compilet this list of 8 simple tips to help you survive the chilly season in Korea and avoid turning into an icicle!

Save it for later!

1. Stock up on hot packs

These wonderful little objects that provide instant warmth are one of the most popular accessories in Korea during the cold season. They stay warm for hours and cost next to nothing ($1 each). Believe me when I say that this is the number one item you must have if you plan to get out and about and visit the city and its many attractions.

Having at least two with you will allow you to enjoy the beauty of the landscape and survive the temperatures before heading off to a nearby cafe for a hot tea of your choice or the famous sweet potato, still piping hot, that you’ll find right on the street.

How to use: Open your package, shake it and enjoy!

2. Bring your warmest clothes

It comes as no surprise, but if you’re planning to travel during the colder months, it’s a good idea to bring the warmest clothes you have. Prioritize clothes made of materials such as fleece, wool and even polyester.

Forget cotton, however, which absorbs moisture and tends to dry much more slowly than other materials.

And if you want to do as the locals do, opt for the long padded coats that are fashionable in Korea, not only because Koreans like to keep up with fashion, but also because these garments are actually the warmest, making them the perfect addition to your winter wardrobe. As someone who can’t really stand the cold, I totally understand the craze, as long padded coats wrap you from your neck to tibia in sweet, comfortable warmth.

3. Don’t forget to buy/pack the right shoes

Having wet feet after a day of exploring is probably the last thing you want, especially considering that feet and hands are generally the first parts of the body to get cold, causing the whole body to be covered in with chills if you’re not careful about the shoes you’re wearing.

Not to mention that wearing proper footwear in winter can prevent you from falling ill, which will be a real shame when you want to enjoy your vacation and not stay in bed in your hotel.

Opt for waterproof sneakers, insulated boots as well as comfortable, sturdy shoes, especially if you’re a keen walker.

4. Cozy up with a nice cup of tea/coffee in a cafe

With Korea’s strong cafe culture, you’ll have no trouble finding one to take a break and enjoy the heated interior space, while indulging in a sweet treat to reward yourself for surviving the cold temperatures outside.

The advantage: you can combine grabbing a hot drink with admiring the beautiful scenery outside, as many places offer picturesque views of your environment, whether you’re in the capital, a coastal town or a historic city.

In a few words, you’ll soon realize that cafes are not only your best allies, but also the best way to escape the winter chill in South Korea!

5. Go to a museum

Why suffer the harsh weather when you can simply choose to spend time indoors while learning more about the country’s history, culture or art. With all the advantages of indoor heating, so eagerly sought-after in winter, museums are the ideal place to educate without freezing to death.

Plus, it’s also the perfect activity, whether you’re a history nerd or not, if you think about the cost factor, as most museums in Korea are actually free!

So, what do you say? An entertaining, interesting and vital experience during the cold season, don’t you think?

6. Dress up in hanbok

Looking for a unique cultural experience during your stay in the country? Why not wear traditional clothing, also known as hanbok, and visit historic places in style?

This activity, quite popular in the warmer seasons, is absolutely doable in winter too, as long as it’s not too cold, like sub-zero temperatures, unless you don’t mind wearing a coat over your hanbok and taking it off at photo time.

Hanboks are actually a little thick, so you won’t get cold easily if the thermometer is above 5°C, for example. And for the most sensitive to cold, there are winter hanboks available with fleece materials…

I’d still recommend renting one when it’s not freezing though, as the experience will still be more pleasant.

7. Enjoy the ondol

So what is this ingenious invention called ondol? Well, it’s simply the underfloor heating system in South Korea, which you won’t soon be able to live without.

Imagine coming back to your accommodation from a day standing in the cold and wanting to sit by a fire to warm up. In Korea, where people love to sit and even eat directly on the floor, you won’t need a nice fireplace, you can just lie down directly on the floor and feel warmth emanating from the ground and warming your numb body.

I can only say that I wish I’d known this brilliant invention sooner but I’d especially wish all countries to have the same heating system. Then life in winter would be so much simpler and enjoyable!

8. Jjimjilbang

What’s another great idea when you desperately need a day of relaxation and your muscles are all tensed up from the cold? The spa of course, or Jjimjilbang as Koreans call it!

Here, you’ll enjoy a good rest, but also try out different saunas and jacuzzis, and even massages if you feel like it, while discovering an important part of Korean culture.

If that’s not the perfect idea of a self-care day, I don’t know what is!

And don’t forget that although winter can be a difficult time to travel in the country, it’s also the low season, which means few tourists and lower prices! That’s it! You’re now ready to survive winter in Korea!

The cold can be annoying enough, but what if it’s raining outside? No idea what to do if that happens while you’re visiting the coastal city of Busan? Here are 10 fun indoor activities in the city when it’s raining!