Korean Expat Community for National Disasters

Today, I want to talk about what winter is really like in Korea, especially when it comes to heating, and why it matters so much in everyday life here. For many international students, winter in Korea can be a bit surprising. When you step outside, it can be extremely cold, often below zero. But the moment you go indoors, it suddenly feels very warm. This sharp contrast between outdoor and indoor temperatures is one of the most noticeable features of winter life in Korea. To understand why this happens, it helps to look at the climate first. Korean winters are typically cold, dry, and windy. It may not snow as much as people expect, but once the temperature drops, the cold tends to last for a long time. Because of these conditions, heating is not just about comfort. It is essential for daily life. So how do people stay warm in Korea? Most homes use a traditional system called ondol, or floor heating. Instead of heating the air directly, warm water flows under the floor and heats the room from the ground up. The floor warms first, and the heat slowly spreads throughout the space. This system is closely connected to everyday habits, such as taking off shoes indoors and sitting or lying on the floor. In modern apartments and dormitories, this floor heating is usually powered by a gas boiler. When you turn on the heating, gas is being used, and this directly affects your gas bill. This is something that often surprises international students. During the winter months, gas bills can be much higher than in other seasons, especially during periods of severe cold. Because of this, many people in Korea are very conscious of how they use heating. Rather than turning it on and off frequently, they often keep it at a lower but steady temperature. People also use thick curtains, block cold air from doors and windows, or wear warm socks indoors. These everyday habits are shaped by both the climate and the cost of heating. In recent years, heating has also been discussed in connection with climate change. Gas heating depends on fossil fuels, which means it contributes to carbon dioxide emissions. When heating use increases across many households in winter, overall energy consumption rises as well. This does not mean that individuals are solely responsible for climate change, but it does show how ordinary daily practices are linked to larger environmental issues. So in Korea, winter heating is about more than just staying warm. It is closely connected to the climate, household expenses like gas bills, and broader environmental concerns. Understanding this context can make it easier for international students to adjust to winter life in Korea. If this is your first winter here, learning how heating works may be just as important as preparing for the cold outside.