Korea weather → clothing decoder
Korea's weather has four mood swings a year. Spring and fall are the 교의 (gyoui) — daytime 20°C, evening 8°C, always carry a layer. Winter hits -15°C in Seoul, -25°C in Pyeongchang. Summer 35°C with humidity 80%. 미세먼지 (fine dust, PM2.5) routinely hits 80+ in spring. 황사 (yellow dust from China) in March-April. This tool translates conditions to clothing.
Clothing recommendation
What this solves
Generic weather apps give temperature; this tool gives you the cultural context (gyoui transition, 미세먼지 thresholds, 황사 overlay) plus an outfit recommendation. Korean weather is more variable day-to-day than most countries — prepare for 15°C swing in 12 hours.
교의 (transition) rule
Spring/fall: a thin jacket is non-optional. Seoul April day might hit 22°C but evening drops to 10°C. Always carry a foldable layer. Even "warm" days end cool.
겨울 한파 (cold wave)
Seoul winter: -10 to -15°C typical, 5-15 cm snow 2-3 times. Pyeongchang: -25°C at ski resorts. Heat-tech + padded coat + gloves + earmuffs. Indoor heating strong (Cindy's at 22°C).
폭염 (heat wave)
Summer 33-38°C, humidity 75-85%. "Heat wave days" (33°C+) ~20 in Seoul. Sun + humidity + air quality = layered defense. Indoor AC strong (~22°C).
미세먼지 (fine dust) override
When PM2.5 > 80, add KF94 mask. "Do or don't go outside" advisory common Mar-May. Check 에어코리아 (Air Korea) for hourly. KF94 is the standard Korean equivalent of N95.
How to read the result
- Outfit = base + layer + accessories.
- Override = dust/rain/snow priority.
- Verdict = comfortable vs careful.
Limitations
- Micro-weather (Gangneung vs Seoul) varies — coastal regions ~5°C warmer in winter.
- Wind chill matters; -10°C with wind feels -20°C.
- Microclimates: Bukhansan ~3°C cooler than Seoul center.
- Typhoon days: skip the recommendation; stay inside.
- 미세먼지 can change hourly; check air-quality app daily.
FAQ
What is KF94 vs N95?
KF94 is Korean standard (94% filter); equivalent to N95. Available at convenience stores ₩1,000 each.
Should I buy clothes in Korea?
Layers are useful but cheap in Korea. Bring a good coat and shoes from home; buy the in-betweens.
What about indoor heating?
Korean apartments + hotels strong (22-25°C). Don't overdress indoors; you'll sweat walking between transport.
Best app for weather + air?
기상청 (KMA) for weather. 에어코리아 (Air Korea) for fine dust. Both have English versions.