Practical Winter Tips

Winter Weather Preparation

• Check all parking structures for soundness and ability to stand up to the weight of heavy snow

• Keep a bag of sand or salt handy 

• Stock up on necessities including bottled water and non-perishables 

• Keep cash on hand as some places may not accept cards

• Plan indoor activities in case of crowds or bad weather

• Bubble wrap your windows (costs around 20,000 won for a 3-bedroom apartment)

• Winterize your pipes to prevent freezing

• Prepare your heating system (ondol/floor heating)

• Keep emergency supplies ready

• Maintain proper ventilation while keeping warm

• Consider investing in a humidifier to combat dry skin

Winter Vehicle Preparation

• Keep a bath towel in your car, if stuck in ice, you can wedge a towel or car mat under a tire between it and the ice, creating traction to get unstuck

• Pack a car safety kit, including jumper cables, tire pressure gauge, flashlight, safety blanket, first aid kit, and hazard reflective or blinking sign

• It is getting cold, keep an extra blanket or hoodie in the car, just in case

• Consider always having enough cash won on your person at all times for a fuel or a taxi 

• Take your vehicle for routine maintenance, check your tire tread, tire pressure, oil, washer fluid, air filter, and ensure the posts of your battery are not corroded 

  
  

Weather Management

• Check weather forecasts regularly

• Be prepared for sudden temperature drops

• Plan indoor alternatives for outdoor activities

• Stay hydrated despite cold weather

• Be aware that snow and ice conditions can vary greatly by region

  
  

Build Community

• Participate in local events when possible

• Schedule time with friends and family proactively

• Connect with other community members to avoid loneliness

• Organize game nights or other social activities

• Consider hosting or attending meals with friends

• Take advantage of community recreation centers

• Head to the mall, it’s fun and indoors, keeping you warm

  
  

Support Your Mental Health 

• Schedule therapy sessions in advance

• Keep regular contact with your support system

• Create a winter wellness plan that includes regular physical activity

• Maintain social connections

• Be aware that winter can intensify feelings of culture shock or homesickness

• Maintain contact with family and friends back home

• Seasonal depression symptoms may increase during winter

• Talk to your medical provider about red light therapy

• Discuss supplements like Vitamin D, St. John’s wort, and magnesium 

• Beware of isolation tendencies and reduced social interaction affecting your mood

• Be mindful of changes in sleep patterns or energy levels

  
  

Ask for Help

• Contact mental health services directly

• Talk to your command team 

• Speak with military support services

• Reach out to community leaders

• Schedule preventative appointments before winter hits

• Don't wait until crisis point - early intervention is key

  
  

Navigating Korea During the Winter

• Use the 1330 foreigner support hotline to check if specific places are open and transportation support 

• Use NAVER Maps for real-time traffic updates

• Plan and give yourself extra time for transportation as traffic can be heavy during winter

• Be aware of increased traffic 

• Expect parking to be challenging during peak times

• Expect all paid parking locations only to accept T Money or Korean banking cards 

  

Winter Clothing and Gear

• Invest in proper winter clothing - don't try to get by with fall clothes

• Get wind-resistant clothing (especially important in Seoul)

• Consider warm, wind-resistant shoes, heavy shoes and gloves, wind-resistant jackets, and winter hats 

• Invest in thermal layers

• Affordable winter gear can be found at street stalls and dollar stores

• Stock up on hand warmers - disposable ones are readily available at convenience stores, but reusable, rechargeable versions are popular too

  
  

Winter Sports and Family Activities

• Many hiking groups remain active in winter with proper gear

• Winter light displays have become popular

• Skiing and snowboarding opportunities are available and affordable for the whole family 

• Sledding and snow tubing are also fun and affordable activities around the country

• Winter festivals celebrate the season with fishing, sledding, and ice sculptures 

  
  

City-Specific Considerations

• Seoul is particularly cold due to concrete buildings creating wind tunnels, expect an intense wind chill factor 

• Coastal areas are beautiful but very cold in winter, dress extra warm for beach visits

• Plan indoor breaks when visiting colder areas

  
  

Stay safe this winter and make memories with your friends and family. Winter in the RoK can be spectacular if you embrace the season!