Winter Wear of SoKo

As I sit in the somewhat warm confines of the family home in Idaho, I felt a need to fire up my blog posts again. While I watch many Idaho folks walk around in t-shirts and even shorts in this 32 degree (0 degree Celsius) weather, I feel compelled to talk about the changes in my own winter wardrobe. Above you will see many of the items that I now have as part of my winter gear in Korea. You see, Korea seems to embrace the idea of playful yet functional winter wear. It is a way that you can express your inner child during the dreariest of months. I find it quite entertaining yet highly practical.
Although I have yet to "enjoy" the coldest months of January and February in the Land of the Morning Calm, I have already had a taste of what is to come on more than one occasion in December. If you look on any map you will see that South Korea is actually further north than Idaho, thus prone to some very cold and damp weather. I can now begin to understand the term bone chilling cold in an entirely new way.
With winds that can take your breath away, one must bundle up for the outdoor treks to school and to the shops on a daily basis. To help get through I have added some things to my own arsenal for warmth and convenience. So far all have been great purchases. You will see above the endless circular scarves that just wrap around your neck and ears. Accompany that with the Made in Korea lined hat with flaps that button up or down and a yarn ball that is easily locatable from space if needed.
There are also gloves and mittens of every kind imaginable. I have the more traditional junior fleece mittens complete with the yarn string attachment that can wrap around my neck for portability. Then you have the fancier bear mittens for days when you feel a little more intimidating. Of course I have gloves for those more sophisticated days but really, why be an adult when you don't have to.
I do have rabbit earmuffs of which I have yet to wear but my confidence was bolstered when seeing what looked to be a very well off business man sporting some white furry earmuffs with pride while getting into his very high end black sedan the other day in Suwon.
Of course you still see many well dressed ladies with high heels and skirts dashing from place to place and I am told they will maintain this look throughout the year. THOSE are the real risk takers in fashion I say. When high heels meet ice and move to marble or hard flooring and they still can walk or even run from place to place I give them mad props.
As for me I plan to be fully content in my Ugg boots, full on parka coat, hat, mittens, earmuffs, and whatever I need to make to work each day.
So for all my state side friends, go to your closet, find the most random winter gear you can think of to put together and head out the door in warmth and with pride. I guarantee you that someone in SoKo will out do you within five minutes. I can't wait to snap some photos of what walks in my door over the next several months. Should be quite a show.