What to wear in Korea during Winter: A Guide For Tropical People

1. Long Paddings

Having a long padding during winter is necessary, especially if you are not used to winters and temperatures are below 0 degrees C. For years you would see people running around the streets of Seoul, looking like the michelin man. It may not exactly be the most fashionable piece, but it is sure to help you get through the cold. You are likely to wear this the entire winter to make sure to buy good quality jackets (if you have the money, go for goose down), and choose colors that don't easily get dirty.

2. Sweaters

Underneath the long paddings or winter jackets, you can still get creative with what you want to wear! You can go for wool weaters, knitted sweaters, thick cardigans, or fleece lined hoodies.

3. Heat tech inner wear

Heattech is a game changer for us who are from the tropics. It gives you a bit more warmth without the bulk. You can choose different kinds of thermal wear, but my personal favorite is the extra warm long sleeves from uniqlo. They usually go on sale a few times during winter so be sure to watch out for that. Word of warning, be careful when sleeping with heat tech as you might overheat and wake up full of sweat.

4. Pants with fleece 

A lot of people only think about the top part of their bodies, and neglecting the lower half. If your legs feel particularly cold, it might be a good idea to get pants with fleece lining (kimo/기모). Alternatively, if you see those girls wearing short skirts and looking cosy, they might secretly be wearing leggings with fleece.

5. Hats

Hats are optional accessories to protect your head. This is especially useful during windy days, as the cold might cause headaches. Some jackets also come with hoods so you might not have to worry about this that much

6. Winter shoes/boots

It doesn't really snow that much in Seoul, so getting boots is optional. But if it does snow, this would help you get around without slipping and sliding.

7. Gloves

This is something that is quite easily overlooked, but rotect your poor fingers from frostbite by using gloves. It doesn't even have to be expensive as these are sold in many places like Daiso, street stalls, or even random stall at the subway station. Prices would range from 3,000~15,000 won. TIP: Get the ones that are capable of screen-touch for your electronic devices so you don't have to take off your gloves when you have to use your phone.

8. Facemask

Yes, we've been there and we are tired of masks. But the wind feels painful during this season and you really want something to obstruct the wind. Needless to say, wearing a mask to protect your face would be a good idea.

9. Scarves

Scarves are a great way to keep your neck warm during the winter. More recently there are also scarves that heat up. All you have to do is plug it in to a powerbank

10. Fluffy socks

This is more of an optional thing, but there's something about sleeping with fluffy socks during winter. It's just super comfortable, and you don't have to worry about cold toes

Other things to keep you warm

• • Heating vest
• • Heat packs
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