Korean Job Discussion Forums

[naskland]

I was hoping someone in Korea could give me some advice on what clothing and shoes I should prepare to bring when I arrive in Korea this February for the SMOE/EPIK Program.

I am born and raised in Los Angeles, CA and am terrified of experiencing and surviving the real freezing cold for the first time! I don't think I own any clothes that will keep me warm enough for anything colder than California weather!

Any advice of what to look for in a winter coat and what kind of boots or other gear would be greatly appreciated! Thanks everyone!

[northway]

I tend to think that boots are a bit unnecessary, as it doesn't snow too much here, but you're going to want a lot of layers. Undershirts and sweaters, etc. Then you're going to want something to put on top of the layers that will block the wind to some degree, but that could be anything from a pea coat (plenty of people use these and are fine, including myself) to a trench coat to a heavy down winter survival coat. Warm socks (wool) are key, and I'm from New England/Montreal and I find it cold enough to necessitate long underwear in the winter here, so you will probably want to get a couple pairs of those as well (they do a great job of protecting against the wind, in particular).

Layering is really important, as you might well end up at a school that is absolutely scorching in some classrooms and freezing in others.

You'd do well to keep this Norwegian proverb in mind: there's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.

[waynehead]

Layers. I typically wear a wifebeater and a plain white t-shirt under my button down and sweater/jacket, and then a coat on top of all of that. And I wear long johns plus my boxers or briefs, and two pairs of socks. It more or less works. And tho I've never worn one before, this winter has almost brought me to the point where I'm gonna get a scarf.

[jvalmer]

I would say pack a good winter jacket. But when I see those cop shows in places like LA or Florida, I always see those suspects wearing the exact same jackets we in Canada would wear in the winter. So I'm not sure other than pack an even thicker jacket.

[naskland]

Thank you very much for the advice! I'm pretty clueless so any insight is very helpful.

[vsiddy]

Didn't want to start a new thread so I'll just piggy back this (sorry OP).

But what are good brands of winter coats available in Korea? Obviously I know North Face, but are there decent slightly cheaper alternatives?

[ulsanchris]

wool shirts. Wool both keeps you warm and cool. Merino wool is good quality and not very itchy.

[Harpeau]

Go to the Land's End website and get some thermal long underwear. Get some wool socks. (Wear a regular pair and a pair of woolies.) Get a nice warm Irish Aran Island knit sweater. Get a nice flannel wool shirt and thermal undershirt. Get a nice woolen hat. (I like the Nepali ones~ very warm!!) Get a warm wool scarf and gloves. Get a warm coat that is comfy. Remember~ layers is the key. Get some warm boots. Good luck!

[Illysook]

I was in Myeongdong Sunday and I saw some decent-ish coats at Uniclo and H&M, plus there are lots of smaller boutiques carrying nice looking coats right now. There's no need for a brand name, just do a little comparison shopping looking at the fiber content and construction and then do some try-ons to check fit. When two coats seem very comparable to one another, buy the less expensive one.

[AsiaESLbound]

You might want to check out some long underwear and at least a pair of good walking shoes if not some sort of boots with good traction. We've had ice and snow on the ground since Christmas day and it's slick out in places. And freezing cold. Schools are not well heated and I find I need my long underwear, sweaters, coat, and wool socks over a pair of white socks to keep from being too cold feeling. You can probably get much better bargains back home on gear as I clearly remember the selection and prices being much better in Illinois than in Korea. You can wear your Winter gear on the flight to save room in your luggage because it's very cool where you are going.

[northway]

[Illysook]

My classroom temperature varies without reason. Layers are best.

It's also good to have more than one winter coat. The heaviest pea coat will keep you toasty when it's super cold, but you will be really uncomfortable in that coat when it's mild out. I have several light jackets that can be worn over sweaters, then medium and heavy weight coats.

No matter what coat you choose, you will also need scarves, hats, and gloves. Keeping your head, neck, hands, and feet both warm and dry are important. Wool socks will continue to keep you dry even if they get wet. Some water resistant boots are also a good idea for inclement weather.

[OiGirl]

Layers and layers of natural fabrics!

Tights + wool socks + long johns + pants/skirt
Camisole + t-shirt + blouse + sweater

Plus a heavy coat (long enough to cover your rear!) and hat/gloves/scarf as necessary when you go outside.

If you can't find these things locally, mail-order from someone like Land's End, Eddie Bauer, or Sierra Trading Post (discounted seconds.)

[machoman]

[chellovek]

Clothing for cold weather-
A warm hat (goes on your head)
A thick coat (An outer-garment worn on the torso)
Gloves/mittens (these keep hands warm)
Scarf (long piece of fabric wrapped around the neck)
Boots with fur on the inside (keeps feet warm)
Jumper (wear this under your coat)
a couple of layers of 't-shirts' (under the jumper)

Voila! You are ready for winter!