
Why South Koreans Brave the Cold in Slippers: The Cozy Secret Everyone's Talking About!
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Why are South Koreans rocking slippers in freezing weather? You won't believe it! Picture this: bundled-up pedestrians in thick padded jackets, yet casually strolling around in slippers. Yep, it's a thing!
A TikToker from Russia was floored when he saw folks meandering the streets in rubber slippers or Crocs amidst chilly temps, exclaiming, "This is unimaginable back home!" And let's not ignore the eyebrow-raising chatter all over Instagram, "Do these guys have special powers to keep their feet warm under there?"
So, what’s the secret behind this frosty fashion choice? Dive into the mystery as we reveal why Koreans give no chills about their cold feet!
Our first stop is the legendary "ondol"―the Korean heated floor system that turns homes into warm havens, says Han Ji-won from Hongik University. It's no surprise he doesn’t worry about cold feet while stepping out into the freezing Seoul streets just to hit the nearby convenience store.
And if you think heading out is a cold game, think again! Yoon Jeong-hwan points out that the subway in Korea turns into a sauna while their homes are toasted with warmth. Forget New York’s chilly subways—Koreans are living in a shoe-free paradise!
Now here’s a twist: high-rise apartment living fuels this slipper obsession even more! No Jae-ok chuckled about how these mega-complexes are connected to cafes and shops, making slippers the ultimate, effortless fashion statement for zipping around.
But wait, it gets even better. This trend has roots in Korean school culture. Most kids slip into indoor shoes, which means carrying around retro shoe bags instead of lunch bags. Teenagers are already pros at rocking this style, with their go-to choice: three-striped slippers inspired by the cult-favorite Adidas design.
And emerging champions in slippers for cold-months include fur-lined wonders and Crocs equipped with fuzzy interiors. Take it from the young fashionista Lee Ji-in, who’s all about styling her Crocs with creative Jibbitz beads that match any mood under the sun!
Want to delve deeper into this slipper saga? See more on our page.