How cold does it get in Korea during winter, and what do foreigners need to know to survive the season comfortably?

Korean winter is genuinely cold, especially if you're coming from a warmer climate. December through February temperatures in Seoul typically range from minus 10 to plus 3 Celsius, with January averaging around minus 6. The wind chill makes it feel much harsher, and dry air can drop humidity below 30 percent. Northern cities like Chuncheon, Sokcho, and anywhere in Gangwon-do can hit minus 20. The further south you go (Busan, Jeju), the milder it gets, with Busan rarely dropping below minus 5.

To survive comfortably, layering is everything. A thermal base layer (히트텍 from Uniqlo is iconic), a fleece or wool mid-layer, and a long padded jacket (롱패딩, around 200,000 won) form the standard Korean winter uniform. Add wool socks, insulated boots, gloves, a scarf, and a beanie. Heated gel insoles and hand warmers (핫팩, 1,000 won at any convenience store) make a huge difference outdoors. Indoors, Korean apartments use ondol (온돌) underfloor heating, which is wonderful and keeps homes warm even when set low to save on gas bills. Buy a humidifier (가습기) for your bedroom since dry heated air will dry out your skin and throat. Layer up with lip balm and moisturizer, drink lots of warm water, and try jjimjilbangs (24-hour saunas, 12,000 won) on the coldest days as a heated escape.