Travelogue: Planning for my Korea Winter Trip in 2013 December

//edited 30.11.14

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//edited 29.12.13

If you're like me travelling to a cold country to experience winter for the first time, I totally understand how you feel. I was pretty lost in the beginning of what to buy and where to buy. Thankfully for my girlfriend whom has experience in travelling to cold countries, I got advises from her and went on to hunt for my apparels.

I've been to Taiwan for their winter but of course it's nothing compared to what I would be facing in another week or so. (Currently Korea is hitting almost zero or minus soon). I hope whatever that I'd be sharing would be useful for you if you are clueless like how I was in the beginning. 

As of today, Korea's at about 4degrees now. (The lowest I had in Taiwan was slightly 6-8degrees, and honestly I struggled a little to keep myself warm) I can't really take the cold so... I'm a little kiasu on this trip. I'm pretty sure my luggage would be over 10kg upon departure. 

I kind of regret not getting some winter clothes (like those awesomely pretty boots and coats and.... sigh.) in Taiwan the previous years I went (probably cause I never knew I would need em' for Korea so soon.) Nonetheless, I got most of my items shipped in from China and Korea from Qoo10. I had fun shopping for winter apparels though. 

Before I go into details of what I bought and would bring along with me... Here's my checklist to share based on what I felt like I needed/wanted. 

*Disclaimer: I bought my apparels based on my 10 days trip to Korea from 16 December 2013 to 25 December 2013. Hence, it might defer from what you might need or want.

1. Non slip boots 
2. Thermal wear aka long johns (I never wore this to Taiwan so this time it'd be the first time.)
3. Heattech inner wear
4. Fur leggings
5. Fur gloves
6. Wool tops
7. Downjacket 
8. Fleece turtle neck tops
9. Thick socks for boots
10. Sweatpants & hoodie for sleeping
11. Bio-essence Bio Spring Water or Evian Facial Spray (it works the same for me)
12. Others

Other usual stuff like towels... toiletries... I shall not go into that.

1     NON SLIP BOOTS

It was a tough choice to make while choosing this. Mainly, I was contemplating between Dr. Martens or Timberland. And eventually I made my choice with Dr. Martens.

Dr Martens 1460 Crazy Horse, 6 holes. 

For Timberland, you can check out their outlets at Changi City Point or IMM for discounted good boots too. Crocs and Winter Time do have those trendy looking of boots but I refuse to pay for the price stated. It's too expensive and... I guess we could probably get the same ones in Korea. So I'd leave on the shopping list.

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Awesome boots. Good grip and it prevented us from falling. Great buy!

2     THERMAL WEAR (LONGJOHNS)

I bought my first long john at Causeway Point when I chanced upon a sale by 'Winning' at the atrium. I paid $60 odd for a set of long johns. Honestly, it's so pricey! (I still got one because I had to.)

The sleeves are slightly short but I didn't wanted to take M just incase it becomes too bulky when I need to do my layering.

I don't really like the texture of the long john.. Somehow it feels a little itchy when I wear them but I'm not sure if it's because Singapore is too humid to wear this or it just me. I'd share how it feels when I wear it in Korea.

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I must say that even though they felt uncomfortable at first, it really does its job well. And because it was rather thin, it's pretty comfortable when I had to wear 3 layers on top of it. Worth the money I paid for.

Later on my girlfriend told me I should get more... So I decided to go for a cheaper option by searching it online and I found... IFashion Market on Qoo10 and a lot more others that sells longjohns online.

I got this in black for $21.90 with free shipping.

I got this in purple, it was under their promotion so this is a lot cheaper at $10.90 with free shipping.

I'm still waiting for the item to be shipped to me. I'd update this space when the item arrives.

//edited 14.12.13

I received my long johns a few days ago but I didn't had the time to on my computer to do this update. So here I am with the actual pictures of the long johns.

WNY-021

Though this was slightly more expensive comparing with the other one that I bought, this is definitely a alot better then the one on promotion. I paid $21.90 for this and man, I must really say for China products, it's 一分钱,一分货. (You pay peanuts, you get monkeys). You can forget about the promotion one. 

Quite thick with comfortable fur inside. I bought size M and it's slightly loose but still fits.

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This does its job well too, just that because the inner fur was pretty thick, it made layering a little tough. Slightly too thick but it still kept me warm. The only boo-boo about it is that there's alot of 'leftover' fur balls (I don't really know the correct term to describe it) that got stucked to my wool tops and was kinda irritating.

Promotion item

So this is the super cheap $10.90 long john which.. actually doesn't look like the one in the picture. (notice the collar looks slightly different.)

It's not as thick as WNY-021 and there is a significant difference on the quality of material. It may be cheap but I guess it's be better to pay a little more to get better quality long johns. I'm not sure if this would keep me warm, I'd try and let you know.

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This doesn't really keep you warm for the -0 degrees in Seoul. I wore this while I was in Jeju with 5-7 degrees, it was fine. But same like the black longjohn, the fur kept falling off and it's very irritating.

Well, if you don't mind the hassle of having to roll tapes on your clothes to get rid of the furs you could buy it for your trips cause it's really cheap compared to the winning one. 

3     HEATTECH INNER WEAR

Needless to say, everyone knows about Uniqlo's heattech clothings. You can look at their full catalogue here. Or you could just head down to Uniqlo to do your retail shopping. 

I've bought camisoles, crew neck tee and leggings before with heattech to Taiwan last year... But it doesn't really work for me. Maybe I didn't wear it correctly and I was just freezing cold when it hit 8 degrees. I still believe it works because it worked for my family. I'm still bringing it along but probably to wear it underneath many other layers.

4     FUR LEGGINGS

You can find at Winter Time plain black leggings for winter at $19.90 but I chose to venture online to get my leggings. Though it's risky because of the measurements, I went ahead with it and I'm pretty lucky so far all my buys mostly could fit me.

I was practically surfing the net everyday too look for the best deal and likewise the one with the highest positive reviews before I decided to order. After much consideration... Below are the 5 pairs I bought from a few sellers.

Mink Fur Flare Skirt Leggings

Probably one of my happiest buy was this Mink Fur Flare Skirt Leggings that I got from MD Pick on Qoo10. Shipping was $3 and the leggings was $16.99. Total I paid about $20 for this one. Though it's the most expensive legging I've bought online but it's definitely one of my favourite. The material is thick and super comfortable. I kind of regret not getting from this same seller and ventured out to others. By the way, this is shipping from Korea. Which I assume I might find similar ones over there. (And probably cheaper but it's okay, I can get more there and stock it up.)

This is how it looks on the website, and below let me show you how it looks when I got it. 

I swear this is totally worth your $20.

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This was really good, even though at -1 to -8 degrees you need a long john pants together with this but for anything that is 1-10 degrees, this works fine alone.

This next super thick fur leggings is the best buy for legging I have. I bought it from Travel In Style on Qoo10. I paid $15.40 for this with free shipping.

The picture promises a really really thick fur lining and is able to withstand winter. Though I had my doubts about it but I went ahead with it. Man, I'm glad I bought it because it's really very comfortable and no, the picture isn't lying. The thick fur is true. Below are the true pictures I took when it came.

Looks like a boring plain leggings right.

But it's really super comfortable. Everyone should just get this.

Yes, everyone should really just buy this. 

//edited 29.12.13 

I was pretty confident that this legging would be the best and yes, I still stand by it. It's good enough while I was in Seoul when the day was -1 to -3. Though when it drops to -5 and below I could feel the chills but it was bearable. It's very comfortable because of the thick fur and what I like more about it is I don't have to wear a long john pants inside. (wearing so many layers is very annoying, especially when I need the loo.) I would probably get another pair of these for my future trips. 

After getting those 2, I thought I would need more than just that since I'd be there for 10 days... I went on to look for other cheap deals. Well.. I would say... Never fall for cheap deals. It's really not that good and the sizing is a little off. 

I bought these 3 other leggings from the same seller FreeStyle from Qoo10 and they ship from China. I wouldn't say that I am super happy with my buys even though on the pictures they looks so pretty but when it came.. I was slightly disappointed with the sizing of it. 

DDK25

I bought this in Blue at $12.80 size XL (which was supposedly able to fit my because I used the same measurements as I first bought my leggings from another seller that shipped in from Korea)

Here's how it looks online.

This for me is tight fitting and the hole at the bottom is quite small. Would be hard for me to do layering.

//edited 29.12.13 

This doesn't work if I don't wear a long john. So it wasn't really helpful in Seoul. I guess this would be good for temperature 10 - 20degrees.

DDK26 

I bought this at $9.80, in the design labelled J. This is free size according to the label.

Below is how it actually looks like.

The prints are as shown

This is definitely thicker then the jeans before this.

//edited 29.12.13 

This doesn't work if I don't wear a long john. So it wasn't really helpful in Seoul. I guess this would be good for temperature 10 - 20degrees.

DDK28

I got this at $12.80 in Black and size XL.

Below is how it actually looks like.

The color is true to the picture.

It's... Not really thick at all. And this is slightly tight even thought he measurements for both DDK 25 and DDK 28 is about the same.

//edited 29.12.13 

I decided not to bring this along with me. It's too tight to do layering. Decided to sell this off.

I wouldn't get from the FreeStyle anymore even though they are cheaper and have more designs. I would definitely prefer to order from MD Pick and Travel In Style. Well, you get what you paid for. 

//edited 29.12.13 

I guess the only complain I would have is that all these leggings don't have pockets for my to keep my stuffs, and it's a little annoying. I guess jeans are better in the sense I have pockets. Hahaha but it was alright, just slightly irritated.

5     FUR GLOVES

I bought my gloves from ITONYA from Qoo10 and I chose number 5. I paid $21.90 for the gloves and $6 for the shipping. Total $27.90. 

I went to Winter Time and saw similar gloves as these and they were only $20 plus. So if you don't wish to wait, you could go there to get it instead of ordering online and paying more for the shipping fees.

Here is how it looks when I got them.

Even though it was slightly more expensive as I could get similar ones at a cheaper price in Singapore, this is still good and comfy. I'm still happy with my buy. 

//edited 29.12.13 

Sadly, pretty but useless. My fingers were literally frozen even when I was wearing them. Probably you get those those with touch screen fingertips, a compartment that you can put hand warmer heat packs and best if it's thinsulate gloves.

6     WOOL TOPS

I really enjoyed shopping for wool tops because given in Singapore I would never have a chance to wear them. I perspire way too easily and I don't even wear long sleeve in Singapore! I was totally spoilt for choice and it was a pain having to decide to settle for 5 when I like so many others. I was so tempted to get wool knitted dresses but I know I won't be able to wear them so I dropped the idea. (It shall be parked under the shopping list if it's cheaper in Korea)

Wool tops selling in those Travel Store, Winter Time and other similar chains are super expensive. A Wool top is probably $45 or more? I got mine on a average of $15-$18 with shipping.

I bought 3 wool tops from miss.dr from Qoo10 with all items on free shipping! (Buying 3 gives you free shipping)

CK2

I bought this in Liliac and the measurements fit my perfectly. Not to mention the materials were really good. And it's pretty thick. I paid $13.50 for this.

Here are the other colors for you to choose but I reckon you should take brighter colors in winter since most of the time your coats are in dull colors.

This is how it looks when I got it.

Close up of the material.

TC1

This is a slightly baggy piece, not very thick but the colors were too yummy to resist. There are tiny holes on the sweater so I don't think it helps to keep you warm. But, it's just too nice to resist. Hahahah. I got the design on the right of the picture for $15.90.

When it came, it looks just like the picture too.

It's more like an oversized swearter.

Here are the visible holes I mentioned.

Though it's not suitable for Korea.. I'm bringing it with me anyway! Hahhaa.

TO3

This is the last item I bought from the seller as above 2. I got the design in TO3 and I paid $15.90 for this too. It fits perfectly nicely and it's pretty thick too. No visible holes like TC1.

Here's the actual pictures of it.

I love the prints!

Close up material of it.

I bought some sweaters from the same seller FreeStyle from Qoo10. The material is thick so I guess it's more worth it then the leggings I got from this seller.

XY88101

Since I already had a purple one, I bought beige this time round. I paid $12.50 for this. It fitted me well just that the beige was slightly dirty. 

This is the actual picture of it.

The dirty stains aren't that visible here though.

Thick material, just slightly dirty. So.. Not too bad.

XY88167

Super cute rabbit print which is one of my happy buys too. I paid $13.40 for this in Khaki color.

This is the actual picture of it.

The printing is a little bad. Notice the half cut line in the middle?

Nonetheless, still happy with all the sweaters. But I would recommend the first seller if you want to get sweaters. But if you don't mind slight defects at a cheaper price, go ahead with the other.

//edited 29.12.13 

All the wool tops were good. Good buys!

7    DOWN JACKET

There are seriously a lot, a lot, a lot of designs of down jackets online that are really cheap compared to those in store. Of course in stores you get the guarantee from the retailer owners of their quality and you too get to try them on. I got mine from kawaiikoya and I'm pretty satisfied with it. I bought it on sale at $39.90 with shipping of $4. Total I paid $43.90.

The actual picture as below.

It fits me perfectly fine and this is shipped in from Korea too. Seller stated that it would last 0 - 10 degrees. I'd try it out and see if it's true.

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Down jacket served me well for all 10 days. Braving the snow, rain, wind and cold!

8     FLEECE TURTLE NECK TOP

I bought 2 fleece top from Uniqlo at $16.90 each.

The one of the left doesn't have heattech but the one on the right has. Both is extremely soft and comfortable.

9     THICK SOCKS

There we so many online retailers selling thick socks for winter. I ordered from Nana Online Wholesale from Qoo10. One thing I loved the most of the speed of the delivery. I got it the very next day night when I ordered it on Sunday. It was so fast! I paid $8.90.

They come in prefixed 3 pairs for women.

Really thick and comfy and just nice length for my boots.

//edited 29.12.13 

These socks were prefectly comfortable while I was in Jeju because it was only 5-7 degrees. But it doesn't work when I was in Seoul where is was on average -1 everyday. I had to use a foot warmer heat pack to keep my toes alive.

Another alternative that you can find is at Daiso. $2 socks works just as well as recommended by my girlfriend. They have super yummy colors!

Thick and yummy color just for $2!

After getting both, I think the Daiso one would be as good too. But, I shall try them both and tell you when I come back.

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Well, useless under -1. Good for 10 degrees I guess.

10     SWEAT PANTS & HOODIE

I got a pre-loved sweat pants on Carousell for $10 because brand new ones are like almost $25. I thought since it's just for sleeping purposes, I didn't need a good one. Besides, the pre-loved one was in good condition. My hoodie was previously bought from Uniqlo too but not the thick fur ones, just the normal hoodie.


11     BIO-ESSENCE BIO SPRING WATER/ EVIAN FACIAL SPRAY

Whenever I travel overseas to a colder country, I would definitely get either one of these 2 brands with me. Trust me, it works superbly well. It really prevents my face from dehydrating.

Beside Singapore is always humid and 'wet' our faces probably can't get used to the dry weather, and so I always bring this along with me and spray once at my face every 3-4 hours to make sure my face doesn't start peeling or drying up.

You can get a bundle of these at $16.90 for 2 at SaSa, Watsons or Guardians.

You can get really small bottles of these at Mustafa at $2. (My girlfriend bought one for me over there, so that's how I knew)

12     OTHERS

Here are some other essentials that I would bring along for this trip.

Daiso Compressing Bag

This is a roll on kind of zip lock bag. Most of this bags need a vacuum to do the job but if you're overseas then it would be better to get this roll on kind.

Daiso Portable Deodorizer for Shoes

Just in case long hours with the boots my foot will stink! Hahahahha! 

Heat Packs

I bought this for $10 with 10 packets in a bag. The store assistant told me that it would last me 20 hours in the pocket. So I'm not sure if it's really true.

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They work well in the day but towards the night when the temperature dips below -3 it really doesn't do much help. It would be better if you get their local heat packs because it's really a lot better then the ones we have. Plus, you don't need to carry them over! :)

Only for $2 and you get 7 heat packs. It's super cheap compared to outside. I'm not sure how well it would fair, let me tell you when I come back.

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Honestly, useless in Seoul. It only works if you stick them on your shirt and don't remove your jacket at all. Once it's exposed to the cold, it's practically useless.

My girlfriend tried to use 3 packs together at once, well... that worked. But, really? You want your pocket full of heat packs? Hahaha.

Alcon Eyedrop

Suitable for contact lenses wearers too. And they come in friendly sizes for travelling use. 

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I thought my eyes would be really dry but I didn't even had to use this! 

Retractable Measuring Tape

I always bring measuring tape with me when I go overseas, it's like a must. I'm too lazy to try out on the spot so I always measure my clothes before I buy them. (Specially important for trips to Bangkok. Hahhaha.)

Exchange rate table

Maybe to most people using calculator to calculate is easier but for me I prefer to use this 'ready-made' currency table. I either put it as the wallpaper of my phone or I just print it and make it into wallet size.

To sum it up, basically this is how you should be wearing to prepare for winter.

Credits to girlfriend for the picture taken at Winter Time store.

I hope this entry has been useful for you. I'd update more about this trip when I come back! :)

*Prices at based on the point of purchase hence it may vary.


//edited 29.12.13 

I am consolidating my itinerary, pictures and recollecting my thoughts on this trip before I embark to pen them down. Hopefully I can post soon!