nelsonian

We leave on Dec 31st for a week at Busan. Everyone I have talked to about it and from what I have been reading it is very cold at this time of year. My daughter is living there at the moment been there since mid-October, and the temperatures are averaging a low of -5, and highs of between 1 and 5 Celsius.

We live in New Zealand where it is summer, and in the winter the temps average about 8-10 degrees. There seems to be a wind chill in Busan which lowers the temperatures.

We have jackets that we used in New York when we were there in November, so will be taking those. We won't to do lots of sight-seeing but it could be too cold to do that. My DD has said it is freezing out there Mum!!

Any tips.

29FEB

Take care of extremities: warm hats, scarves, mittens, footwear
You will survive!

colduphere

Okay this is a long shot but the wind really is important, especially in downtown areas (we have been to Busan). If you are taking the subway and your destination is between two stops, get off at the one that leaves you walking with the wind (this takes a bit of planning so hardly anyone does it).

And overdress when you first go out and then take something off if you are hot. Once you get cold it is hard to warm up.

nelsonian

Makes sense Colduphere, I think we will be using the subway a lot. I am glad we have our DD to show us around though. Problem is we don't have a lot of clothes suitable for really cold weather, like down coats or anything like that. We will definitely packing scarves, gloves etc

colduphere

Nelsonian - this is easy for me to say as we are used to very cold temperatures. But for that temperature/wind chill range I would look into bringing one very good (perhaps down) vest. If you can keep your core warm you are doing well. And a vest is wearable for slightly warmer temperatures as well.

My wife just said she wouldn't wear down, just a very good wool sweater. The point being that you don't need to buy a bunch of new clothes, just one or two warm pieces for above the waist.

MaryW

You will be able to buy suitable clothing quite easily if you find you need it. If you just go for market or Emart clothing it's usually very reasonable. Look in the general sports stores for some good but cheaper ranges There is also a lot of very expensive upmarket stuff in department and brand name stores. Since its really just for a few days and you may never need them again I'd suggest buying the cheaper things as needed.

I've not spent more than a day or so in Busan but I"m sure your daughter will know where Emart etc are.

crellston

Apart from hats gloves, layers etc , as you are from New Zealand, which is one of the biggest producers of a merino wool, you shoul be able to get hold of some Merino thermals very easily. We bough ours there an have used them all over the world as a base layer including minus 20c in the alitiplanos of Bolivia. Warm but imcredibly light. We never travel without them!.

Layering is really the best way to combat the cold.

kja

You've already gotten some great advice. FWIW, I like silk underwear -- super lightweight and comfortable. You could consider getting long johns and long-sleeved tops, not to mention socks, gloves, and a scarf. Here's one e-store that I've used (or check through amazon.com); you might find some ideas there.
http://wintersilks.blair.com

Hope you enjoy your time with your daughter and that she is enjoying her time in Busan!

nelsonian

Some good advice here, I have merino tops that I can take. DH doesn't have much in the way of warmer clothing. He needs to get some merino socks. It is summer here though so not much winter stuff around. My daughter has said that it will be difficult to buy things in my size!!!!. She is a US size 6, and bought a new swimsuit in Busan, it was an extra large!!

kja

"It is summer here though so not much winter stuff around." -- You might want to try on-line companies that ship to NZ.

MaryW

I'm an Aussie size 14 I can get clothes okay in Korea but have to swallow my pride and ask for xxl. I think for older ladies clothes it's not so hard. The young girls clothes and girls are pretty slim. As far as warm jackets go then just look for the hiking gear on the men's racks if you need to. They are quite stylish.

My husband didn't have much bother getting largish sizes. Mostly where he would need a large at home he needed to buy xl.

At home If you can get some of the possum merino socks they will be a bonus for your feet. Not cheap I know but so warm and at this time of year they might only be in tourist shops

nelsonian

kja, we leave on Dec 31st, not a lot of time. I should have thought about it earlier. Thanks Mary good to know I will be able to get something. A good idea to get the possum merino socks, there are a couple of tourist shops around here that probably sell them, I will go hunting tomorrow.

MaryW

My friend bought me some possum merino foot covers (soft slip ons for sitting around) at Auckland airport so I imagine there would be socks at the airport if you don't find them before.

This firm also does stuff

http://m.nznature.co.nz/Home

However I doubt you have time to order them but since its in NZ you might be able to ring or at least get ideas. Its pricy stuff but my little foot covers (a different make) are really lovely and snug.

I'm sure you will find suitable things in Korea but you don't want to waste too much time hunting at the expense of doing other things. Hopefully your daughter will have looked out a few likely shopping spots before you get there.

kja

I'm so spoiled! Here in the U.S., there's almost nothing I can't order on-line, with guaranteed 48-hour delivery. Sorry if my suggestions weren't realistic -- and good luck!

SeeHag

Nelsonian, I am probably too late but I just realized on the New Years thread that you are leaving and I wanted to say I hope you have a wonderful trip!

I just went through the same problem needing warm clothing for a trip we just took to Germany. California doesn't require more than a light jacket so I wound up buying a stuffable down jacket that was perfect. You should be fine!

Can't wait to hear how it goes! Enjoy seeing your daughter!

nelsonian

Just back three hours ago from our week in Busan. Had a wonderful time catching up with our DD, using up her food allowance at the Park Hyatt every day, (well two out of the three meals a day), going to watch her play each night at the Living Room Bar, and getting out and about to see some of the sites.

The first three days were very cold, I ended up buying a heavier down type coat for $ 49.95 at Home Plus. It looks like a down coat but at that price probably is just a synthetic. This coat made all the difference when we were seeing the sights. The last three days were relatively pleasant averaging about 5 degress C.Even went without a hat and gloves.

We are battling exhaustion at the moment, 24 hours of travel with very little sleep. Will try and do a proper trip report in the next few days.

SeeHag

Glad you had fun! Looking forward to a report!

kja

Welcome home! I'm glad you enjoyed your visit and look forward to hearing more.