Although it isn’t officially winter until December 22nd, it is starting to feel a little bit like the winters back home. The Christmas lights and decorations were set up and lit the first weekend in December, and all of the coffee shops have holiday themed beverages and Christmas songs on their playlists. In fact, Starbucks was playing Christmas music the day after Halloween (할로윈). 

It hasn’t snowed here yet, and I am not sure it will. When it was snowing back home, it was 60 degrees Fahrenheit and sunny still here. It does snow in other parts of South Korea, but it doesn’t snow much in Jinju because we are farther south. I am happy to say that I have experienced snowfall in Korea.

This past weekend, I went two hours west of Jinju to Gwangju (광주), and I saw my first snowfall of the season. I never knew how much I missed snow until then, and while I am sad it probably won’t snow in Jinju, at least I got to experience it elsewhere! I also had a lot of fun visiting a new town in Korea. We went ice skating, made our own terrariums at a cafe, went shopping downtown, and ate at a really delicious western restaurant.

This winter will be warmer than what I am used to, but I still broke down and bought a heavier coat. I left my coat back home, because I thought that my experience with tougher and much colder winters would mean that I would be fine without it. I guess I am weaker than I anticipated. But at least I match the style here now. 

Almost every single Korean person here has a long, black padded winter jacket, called 패딩 (padding). I am not sure why exactly, but hey, I will join the masses. It’s a cute jacket and it keeps me warm. 

As of right now, I am not homesick because of the upcoming holidays. We only have Christmas day and New Year’s day off from work, which might be part of the reason. I do have plans with friends on Christmas day, so I don’t think I will dwell too much on what I am missing by not being home.

Of course, I will miss my friends and family, but in my opinion this is the best year to make some changes during the holidays. This year will be filled with firsts because I am in a different country, which will help with the fact that it’s also the first Christmas without my Dad.

 

Speaking of firsts, I did receive a package from The Gatherers, which contained a bunch of gluten free goodies (which are hard to find in Korea), a mini Christmas tree, socks, cards, a gift card, Bath & Body Works candles and pictures. It was very exciting to receive my first package from home, and I appreciate the thoughtfulness that went into the gifts. 

So far, these are my thoughts about winter (겨울) and Christmas in Korea. I am sure I will share more things later. Stay safe and stay happy (행복해요)! I will see you next time. 다음봐요! And Merry Christmas! 메리 크리스마스!