發布日期:2023-01-29 17:45:45
People walk through central Seoul's Myeong-dong as heavy snowfall hit the nation, Dec. 15. / Yonhap
By Jon Dunbar
Most parts of Korea have mild, short winters, at least according to most Canadians here. But that doesn't mean that we don't feel the cold the same as everyone else. We've had a lot of experience with worse weather and know how to cope ― although sometimes we can be surprised living in a country like Korea, which isn't as winterized as our hometowns.
Canadians living in Korea were solicited for their advice on winter living here.
"There's no such thing as bad weather, just soft people," university professor Beau Leveille told The Korea Times, quoting Nike co-founder Bill Bowerman. He also recommended, "Take vitamin D to keep the sad away!"An Australian stands outside amid heavy snowfall, January 2017. Not a single Canadian who responded mentioned using umbrellas in winter. / Korea Times photo by Jon Dunbar
What to wear
The most common advice was to dress in layers. Layers make it easier to avoid overheating, because you can strip off a few items if you're uncomfortable.
"Solid advice passed down for generations in my family ― and others, I'm sure: 'Dress for the weather,' Graham J. Quirk advised. "Dress in layers, remove as needed. Base layer like long underwear or tights. Insulating layers like regular clothing or sweaters. Windbreaker or outer layer like a jacket or overcoat. Don't forget your toque, scarf and mittens or gloves!"
Some Canadians shivered through childhood, when it was considered a sign of weakness at school to zip up one's coat or wear gloves and a hat. Those behaviors can be observed among adults in Korea as well.
"It always blew my mind to hear people complain about being so cold. But then they'd be wearing an unzipped jacket, no scarf, no gloves, no boots. Sometimes you have to forego fashion for utility." Scott Carter said. "Now that I'm back in Canada I wear my winter boots to the office and change into a pair of shoes which I keep there in the closet."
"Do up the zipper on the padding," urged Anthony Kaschor, who's from Brandon, Manitoba, where the temperature currently is minus 22 degrees Celsius at the time of this writing. "Maybe it's not 'cool,' but it's like having a heated house with the door open all the time ―- I can hear my mom yell, 'Stop trying to heat the great outdoors. Close the door!'"
"Gradually adjust yourself to the colder weather," said Jennine Best from Winnipeg. "I.e., don't put on a long padding coat when it's still 10 degrees Celsius outside..."
"Layering is not only for the top of your body. It applies to the lower half too," Vasuki Thillainadarajah-Meuret said.
There's a common myth that 40 percent to 45 percent of body heat is lost through the head, but whoever came up with that probably never tested out walking around pantsless in the winter. Headwear of any kind, including caps or hoods, is useful for retaining heat, but if it's really cold, the ears must be covered.
"Always wear proper winter hats, scarves and gloves," Thillainadarajah-Meuret added.
"Wear a proper toque," said Jason Teale, also from Brandon.
"Toque is key!" Kaschor added.
Another item of stern recommendation was footwear. Good winter footwear should be insulated, waterproof and have nonslip soles.
"Socks," Barry Medd said simply.
"How about the minus-15-degrees-Celsius days where the teens are all wearing the same padding but those lovely slippers with no socks," said Patrick J. Cloutier from Ottawa, Ontario.
"How about not wear Crocs," SJ Lawson recommended.
"Don't wear dress shoes in snow and ice," added Kristina Kauss, a Winnipeger currently "enjoying the mild Korean winter weather."
"Get some good shoes/boots with good grip that can handle ice," said Jon Powelson, who is from Edmonton, Alberta, where snow piles up over winter until melting all at once sometime in April. "The constant cold to above freezing changes will change any snowfall to ice. Many back streets don't get cleaned and become hazardous streets of ice."Footprints and tire tracks are seen in the snow on an inclined road in southern Seoul's Guryong Village, January 2019. / Korea Times photo by Jon Dunbar
Walking on ice
Slipping on ice was a major concern among Canadians.
One reason Canadians recommend gloves so much is because it can be extra dangerous to walk with your hands in your pockets in case of a fall.
"A lack of salt makes for some slippery surfaces," Matthew Owen said. "Running shoes don't really cut it with a bit of snow and ice on the ground."
"When it ― rarely ― gets icy, remember to do the penguin walk to avoid falling on your butt," said Lynnea Elsasser from the small Saskatchewan town of Leader, currently facing an extreme cold warning and a temperature of minus 32 degrees.
"Slow down for snow," Mike Peacock said. "Don't speed up to get through it."
Watch out for black ice (which is actually clear). Ice on the sidewalk is more slippery than crunchy snow. A pedestrian and a car move carefully over a snow-covered road near Seoul's Namdaemun, January 2018. / Korea Times photo by Jon Dunbar
Driving in winter
Korea's road conditions can be treacherous on snow days, due to a relative lack of snow removal capability as well as temperatures hovering around freezing, which results in snow melting and then freezing quickly.
Beware that any painted road surfaces, such as white crosswalk stripes or the green floor in many indoor parking lots, become incredibly slick in wet conditions.