Winter is intrinsically tied to Korean traditions. The lunar calendar includes the holiday of Seollal (Lunar New Year), falling in late January or February. Families gather for charye (ancestral rituals), eat tteokguk (rice cake soup, symbolizing aging a year), and play traditional games like yutnori . Seasonal foods include hot stews ( kimchi jjigae , samgyetang —despite its summer association, it is also consumed for warmth), roasted sweet potatoes ( gun-goguma ), and hotteok (sweet pancakes). The winter landscape is celebrated in art and poetry, especially the “Four Gentlemen” (plum blossom, orchid, chrysanthemum, bamboo)—with the plum blossom symbolizing resilience.
The Winter Season in Korea: Climatic Characteristics, Cultural Practices, and Socio-Economic Impacts winter season in korea
Korea’s winter poses public health risks: hypothermia, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and increased cardiovascular stress from abrupt temperature drops. Infrastructure adaptations include heated subway seats, insulated ondol (underfloor heating) in homes, and extensive road salt/brine spraying. The fashion industry promotes functional layering (e.g., heated vests, long padded coats called long padding ). Winter is intrinsically tied to Korean traditions
The winter season in Korea (typically December to February) is a distinct meteorological and cultural period defined by cold, dry continental air masses originating from Siberia. Characterized by significant regional temperature variations and periodic heavy snowfall, Korean winter profoundly influences the nation’s energy consumption, transportation, leisure activities, and traditional customs. This paper examines the climatic mechanisms, cultural adaptations, and economic dimensions of winter in South Korea. Seasonal foods include hot stews ( kimchi jjigae