Tips on How to Get Yourself Ready for Korean Winter

 

Wintertime in Korea is finally approaching, which means it’s time for us to get out our thick blankets and cozy socks! Here are a few tips to consider while getting yourself and your home ready to confront Korea’s cold and harsh winter weather.

 

Bubble Wrap

A familiar winter-weather routine seen in many typical Korean households throughout the country, bubble wrapping over one’s windows is one of the most efficient and straightforward strategies to help keep your home warm without always having to blast the heaters. This helps many keep an extra few bucks in their bank account but also helps keep the overall house temperature warmer than it would. Some pro-tips to keep in mind if one plans to do this are to watch out for damage around the surrounding walls (from taping up the bubble wrap), mold through increased humidity (which can be prevented by using a de-humidifier), and the need of constant ventilation.

Door Guard

Yet another efficient method of helping to keep all the coziness within your home is with a door guard. Small openings within the main front door of most Korean homes allow a passageway for extra unwanted breezes into the house. Door guards are super affordable and can be easily found in places such as Daiso or large-scale local markets (Emart, Homeplus, Lotte Mart, etc.). If you’re more of a DIYer than a buyer, you can also fill up tub socks with rice, use an old pair of jeans, or any old clothing. Get creative and have fun while also being able to save!

 

Heating Pads & Mats

Korea’s heating pads and mats are probably one of the most common and popular ways of staying warm in winter. Though bed heating pads are typically found more, there is another variety of heating, such as electric heating couches, chairs, and floor mats. While sold at wide price ranges, the most affordable types can be found for only 20,000 KRW to 30,000 KRW won at local markets.