Simple habits Koreans use to survive winter comfortably💓
Hi~! this is Choi~!✋✋
Winter in Korea can feel colder than expected.
Even when the temperature isn’t extremely low, the wind and dry air can make it feel harsher.
That’s why Koreans have developed small but effective ways to stay warm — habits that
might not be written in travel guides, but make a big difference.
Here’s how locals really get through winter in Korea.
🧥 Dress Smart, Not Just Thick
In Korea, winter outfits are all about layers.
You’ll see almost everyone wearing padded jackets, especially long ones. But what really matters is what’s underneath.
Heat-tech innerwear, sweaters, and warm socks are essentials. Instead of one heavy
layer, Koreans prefer stacking thinner clothes to trap warmth more efficiently.
🔥 Never Underestimate Ondol (Heated Floors)
One of the best things about Korean winters is ondol, the traditional floor-heating system.
Homes, cafés, and even some restaurants keep the floors warm, so people often sit or sleep directly on them.
Once you experience a heated floor on a cold night, winter suddenly feels much more bearable.
☕ Warm Drinks Are a Daily Habit
Cold drinks don’t disappear in winter, but hot beverages definitely take over.
Coffee, tea, and warm milk are everywhere. Convenience stores even sell heated drinks right off the shelf.
Holding something warm in your hands while walking outside helps more than you’d expect.
🍲 Eat Food That Warms You From the Inside
Korean winters are made for soup-based dishes.
Foods like gukbap, stews, and spicy noodles aren’t just popular — they’re practical.
Street food also plays a big role. Hot snacks like fish cake broth or freshly cooked
pancakes help fight the cold while you’re out walking.
🧤 Small Items That Make a Big Difference
Locals never leave home without a few winter essentials:
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Pocket warmers (hot packs)
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Gloves and scarves
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Thick indoor socks
These small items might seem simple, but together they make winter much easier to handle.
🌙 Know When to Go Outside — and When Not To
During the day, winter in Korea is manageable.
But once the sun goes down, temperatures drop quickly. That’s when people move
indoors — to cafés, restaurants, or home.
Koreans naturally plan their day around this rhythm, enjoying outdoor time earlier and staying cozy at night.
❄️ Final Thoughts
Staying warm in Korea isn’t about fighting the cold — it’s about adapting to it.
With the right clothes, warm food, and a few local habits, winter becomes something you can actually enjoy.
Once you start living like a local, Korean winter doesn’t feel so cold after all. ☕🔥
Thank you for reading~!
