Korean winters are long, dry, and much colder than many people expect—especially if you’re not used to Korea’s heating system or indoor environment.
But don’t worry!
Here are five winter items I personally use and highly recommend.
With just these five essentials, you can stay warm while keeping your heating bills under control.
Here are five winter items I personally use and highly recommend.
With just these five essentials, you can stay warm while keeping your heating bills under control.
1️⃣ Hot Water Bottle *in Korean 보온 물주머니
I bought mine back in 2018 and still use it every winter.
It may look simple, but if you fill it with hot water and keep it inside your blanket before bed,
it stays warm until the next morning — surprisingly effective!
- Reusable for years (no electricity needed — though you do need hot water!)
- Provides long-lasting, gentle warmth
- Great for saving on heating costs
Since it uses hot water, make sure to choose a safety-certified product and follow the instructions carefully.
2️⃣ Electric Blanket (Electric Heating Mat) ; * in Korean 전기장판 or 전기요
Almost every Korean household owns one.
Heating your room all night long can be expensive, so most people keep the boiler low and
use an electric blanket to stay warm while sleeping.
- Low electricity usage (affordable even with daily use)
- Easy temperature control
- Some fabrics are even machine-washable
Water-based heating mats (온수매트) stay warm longer but are heavier and more expensive,
so for first-time users or single-person households, an electric blanket or electric mat is the best option.
3️⃣ Humidifier *in Korean 가습기
Using the boiler for long hours dries out the air quickly.
If you’re not used to Korean-style heating, you may experience
dry skin, a scratchy throat, or nasal discomfort more severely.
That’s why a humidifier is almost essential during winter.
- Small ultrasonic humidifiers are perfect for studio apartments
- Mini humidifiers start around 10,000 KRW
- Choose based on your room size and preferred humidity level
Keeping your indoor humidity between 40–60% makes a huge difference in staying comfortable.
4️⃣ Draft Blocker (Door/Window Insulation Tape) *in Korean 문풍지
During Korean winters, cold air often seeps through window or door gaps — especially in older buildings.
You can’t replace the windows, but simply applying draft blockers can dramatically improve room temperature.
- Foam type, transparent tape type, and more
- Only a few thousand won
- Takes just 5-10 minutes to install
You’ll notice your room getting warmer almost immediately, and it helps improve heating efficiency too.
5️⃣ Cozy Sleep Socks *in Korean 수면양말
Unlike in many countries, Koreans live barefoot or in socks at home.
That’s fine in other seasons, but in winter the floors get cold,
so cozy sleep socks are extremely helpful.
- Keeps your feet warm and your body temperature stable
- Makes the room feel warmer even without turning up the boiler
- Available at Daiso for as little as 1,000 KRW
If your body feels warm but your feet always feel cold at night, these are a lifesaver.
Choose soft cotton socks with non-tight cuffs for comfortable sleep.
If ordering online, buying multiple pairs and sharing shipping costs with friends is a smart tip!
With just these five items, you can stay much warmer and more comfortable throughout the Korean winter — without overspending on heating.
Stay warm and healthy this winter in Korea, and let KoreaConnect help you enjoy your life here even more!
jadieboo