I recently came back from a trip to Seoul, Korea. It was my first time to experience snow and -0 temperatures. The lowest I experienced before this was around 10C in Taiwan. I didn't really know what to expect. But along the way there are some things that I learned and will share to future travellers to countries with cold climates (with the exception of VERY cold countries - e.g. Canada).
CLOTHING
1. Get a good set of base layers. (e.g. thermals)
- Good examples of these are Uniqlo's heattech line. It is your base layer that will help retain heat and at the same time wick away sweat (if any). Quick dry fabrics are also an option.
2. Sweaters, Hoodies, Jackets, etc
- Next layer will be the one you would like to wear when your inside shops or restaurants. Whenever you go inside malls, restaurants and the likes, they usually have heaters so you most probably will be removing your winter jacket. So this layer is the clothes you prefer.
3. Winter Jacket
- This layer is your outermost clothing that will protect you from the wind, snow and cold. Options are Down jackets, Down parkas and the likes. Get one that is water resistant because you never know when it will suddenly rain or sudden snow fall. This will also help in keeping you warm while walking outside.
4. Pants
- Other than the warmers you have as base layers, I suggest you get pants that are also wind blockers. Sometimes, the warmers are not enough and when cold winds blow, you will definitely feel it.
5. Socks
- Get your self socks that are suitable for cold climates. My suggestions is get the fleece lined ones to insulate the heat to prevent your hands from freezing.
6. Shoes
- Winter boots are the best bet here. They offer coverage, warmth, and prevent you from slipping from ice patches on the street. But if your mostly indoors, any shoe will do.
7. Gloves
- Try to find something with fleece lining for heat retention and outer lining that is wind proof and water proof. This helps when playing with snow or just plain walking outside. Prevents freezing hands. Preferably get the one with touch screen compatible so you don't have to remove the gloves when you need to use your phone.
SKIN CARE
- Because of the cold weather, the air will most likely be dry. This in turn will cause dry skin. Protect your skin before going out with moisturisers, hand creams, moisturising aloe gels and the likes. Don't forget to also apply moisturisers on your face and lip balm for the lips to prevent wind burn. Dry skin hurts.
ACCESSORIES
1. Face Mask - helps your nose and lips from freezing. Also keeps cheeks warm. Added benefit of air filtration from pollution and/or someone near you who has colds. It is also fashionable in Korea to wear one.
2. Neck Warmer - Keeps your neck warm and you could pull it up to also cover your mouth, cheeks and nose.
3. Scarf - Same as the neck warmer.
4. Bonnet - Prevents your head from getting cold. And if you pull it down more, also covers your ears.
5. Hand warmer - Small packets that could be held to keep your hands warm for a number of hours. You could also place these inside your shoes.
6. Umbrella - For the sudden downpour. Although, these are readily available at convenient stores at around 6000 won for the disposable transparent ones.
These are just some tips based on my experience. Other thing that I did was I ate street foods that are spicy or street foods dipped in hot soup, they give hot soup with it. You could also buy warm drinks from convenient stores or vending machines and keep them in your pockets while holding them then eventually drink it to warm you up more.
If you have other tips leave them in the comments below. Would like to learn more!
