Why I Dress Like It’s -20°C When It’s Only 5°C

There’s something you should know about me: if it’s 5°C outside, I am dressing like I’m preparing for a survival documentary.

Long padded coat. Layers. Gloves. Maybe even a scarf. I step out of the house looking like I’ve accepted my fate.

The funny part? Koreans call this “not that cold.”

Where I grew up, 25°C was normal. Even 20°C felt slightly cool. Anything close to single digits? That simply didn’t exist in my world. The air was warm, the ocean was inviting, and winter was just a word in textbooks.

Then I moved to Korea.

The first time it hit 5°C, I confidently walked outside in what I thought was enough. Within minutes, my face went numb. My hands felt like they belonged to someone else. My nose started running like it was training for a marathon. Meanwhile, people around me were casually walking by in light jackets, holding iced coffee.

I realized something important that day: temperature is relative, and so is toughness.

Koreans grow up with four seasons. Their bodies adjust. I grew up thinking “cold” meant turning on a fan at night. So yes, when the forecast says 5°C, I react like it’s -20°C. Because to me, it practically is.

Maybe one day I’ll adapt. Maybe I’ll casually say, “Oh, it’s not bad today,” while wearing a thin coat.

But until that day comes, I’ll proudly bundle up.

Island blood runs warm.

Thanks for reading Seoulful Islander!