Understanding how to dress appropriately for Korea’s distinct seasons is important, and knowing how to ask for advice can be very helpful. This guide provides essential Korean phrases for asking about what clothes to wear depending on the season or weather, ensuring you’re prepared for your time in Korea.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
-
Expression: 계절별 옷차림 조언 좀 해 주세요.
Pronunciation: gye-jeol-byeol ot-cha-rim jo-eon jom hae ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please give me some advice on seasonal clothing.
Basic Questions for Clothing Advice
-
Expression: 뭘 입어야 할까요?
Pronunciation: mwol ib-eo-ya hal-kka-yo?
Meaning: What should I wear? -
Expression: 이 날씨에는 어떤 옷이 좋을까요?
Pronunciation: i nal-ssi-e-neun eo-tteon os-i jo-eul-kka-yo?
Meaning: What kind of clothes would be good for this weather? -
Expression: 옷차림 추천 좀 해 주세요.
Pronunciation: ot-cha-rim chu-cheon jom hae ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please recommend an outfit. -
Expression: 내일 날씨에 맞춰서 뭘 입는 게 좋을까요?
Pronunciation: nae-il nal-ssi-e mat-chwo-seo mwol im-neun ge jo-eul-kka-yo?
Meaning: What would be good to wear according to tomorrow’s weather? -
Expression: 이 옷은 괜찮을까요?
Pronunciation: i os-eun gwaen-chan-eul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Would these clothes be okay? -
Expression: 너무 덥지 않을까요?
Pronunciation: neo-mu deop-ji an-eul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Won’t it be too hot? -
Expression: 너무 춥지 않을까요?
Pronunciation: neo-mu chup-ji an-eul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Won’t it be too cold? -
Expression: 겉옷이 필요할까요?
Pronunciation: geot-os-i pil-yo-hal-kka-yo?
Meaning: Will I need outerwear (a jacket/coat)? -
Expression: 반팔 입어도 될까요?
Pronunciation: ban-pal ib-eo-do doel-kka-yo?
Meaning: Is it okay to wear short sleeves? -
Expression: 긴팔을 입어야 할까요?
Pronunciation: gin-par-eul ib-eo-ya hal-kka-yo?
Meaning: Should I wear long sleeves?
Asking About Specific Seasons
-
Expression: 한국의 봄에는 보통 뭘 입나요?
Pronunciation: han-gug-ui bom-e-neun bo-tong mwol im-na-yo?
Meaning: What do people usually wear in spring in Korea? -
Expression: 여름에 한국 갈 건데, 어떤 옷을 가져가야 할까요?
Pronunciation: yeo-reum-e han-guk gal kkeon-de, eo-tteon os-eul ga-jyeo-ga-ya hal-kka-yo?
Meaning: I’m going to Korea in the summer, what kind of clothes should I bring? -
Expression: 가을 날씨에 적당한 옷차림은 무엇인가요?
Pronunciation: ga-eul nal-ssi-e jeok-dang-han ot-cha-rim-eun mu-eos-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: What is appropriate attire for autumn weather? -
Expression: 겨울에 서울은 많이 춥나요? 두꺼운 옷이 필요한가요?
Pronunciation: gyeo-ur-e seo-ur-eun man-i chum-na-yo? du-kkeo-un os-i pil-yo-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is Seoul very cold in winter? Do I need thick clothes? -
Expression: 봄에 입을 만한 가벼운 재킷을 추천해 주세요.
Pronunciation: bom-e ib-eul man-han ga-byeo-un jae-kis-eul chu-cheon-hae ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please recommend a light jacket suitable for spring. -
Expression: 여름 장마철에는 어떤 옷과 신발이 좋을까요?
Pronunciation: yeo-reum jang-ma-cheol-e-neun eo-tteon ot-gwa sin-bar-i jo-eul-kka-yo?
Meaning: What kind of clothes and shoes are good for the summer rainy season? -
Expression: 가을에는 스웨터가 필요한가요?
Pronunciation: ga-eul-e-neun seu-we-teo-ga pil-yo-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Do I need a sweater in autumn? -
Expression: 겨울 여행을 위해 어떤 방한용품을 챙겨야 할까요?
Pronunciation: gyeo-ul yeo-haeng-eul wi-hae eo-tteon bang-han-yong-pum-eul chaeng-gyeo-ya hal-kka-yo?
Meaning: What kind of winter gear should I pack for a winter trip? -
Expression: 환절기에는 어떻게 입는 게 좋을까요?
Pronunciation: hwan-jeol-gi-e-neun eo-tteo-ke im-neun ge jo-eul-kka-yo?
Meaning: How should I dress during the change of seasons? -
Expression: 오늘 밤은 쌀쌀할까요?
Pronunciation: o-neul bam-eun ssal-ssal-hal-kka-yo?
Meaning: Will it be chilly tonight?
Describing Weather and Needs
-
Expression: 날씨가 꽤 쌀쌀해요.
Pronunciation: nal-ssi-ga kkwae ssal-ssal-hae-yo.
Meaning: The weather is quite chilly. -
Expression: 오늘 너무 더워요.
Pronunciation: o-neul neo-mu deo-wo-yo.
Meaning: It’s too hot today. -
Expression: 저는 추위를 많이 타요.
Pronunciation: jeo-neun chu-wi-reul man-i ta-yo.
Meaning: I get cold easily. -
Expression: 저는 더위를 많이 타요.
Pronunciation: jeo-neun deo-wi-reul man-i ta-yo.
Meaning: I get hot easily. -
Expression: 따뜻한 옷이 필요해요.
Pronunciation: tta-tteut-han os-i pil-yo-hae-yo.
Meaning: I need warm clothes. -
Expression: 시원한 옷을 입고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: si-won-han os-eul ip-go sip-eo-yo.
Meaning: I want to wear cool clothes. -
Expression: 비가 올 것 같아요.
Pronunciation: bi-ga ol geot gat-a-yo.
Meaning: It looks like it’s going to rain. -
Expression: 바람이 많이 불어요.
Pronunciation: ba-ram-i man-i bur-eo-yo.
Meaning: It’s very windy. -
Expression: 실내는 난방/냉방이 잘 되나요?
Pronunciation: sil-lae-neun nan-bang/naeng-bang-i jal doe-na-yo?
Meaning: Is the heating/air conditioning good indoors? -
Expression: 겹쳐 입는 것이 좋을까요?
Pronunciation: gyeop-chyeo im-neun geos-i jo-eul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Would it be good to layer clothes?
Korean Culture Notes
Korea has four very distinct seasons (봄 – bom/spring, 여름 – yeo-reum/summer, 가을 – ga-eul/autumn, 겨울 – gyeo-ul/winter), each requiring different types of clothing. Summers are hot and humid, often with a rainy season (장마 – jang-ma), while winters are cold and dry, sometimes with snow.
Layering is common, especially during spring and autumn when temperatures can fluctuate significantly throughout the day. It’s wise to carry a light jacket or cardigan during these transitional seasons.
Koreans tend to dress quite fashionably and appropriately for the weather and occasion. While casual wear is common, dressing neatly is generally appreciated. When asking for advice, Koreans are usually happy to help, especially if you’re a visitor trying to prepare for the local climate.
Indoor heating (난방 – nan-bang) and air conditioning (냉방 – naeng-bang) are usually quite strong in Korea. Keep this in mind when dressing, as you might need to remove layers indoors during winter or feel chilly inside during summer.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: Alex (A) is planning a trip to Seoul in October and asks their Korean friend, Ji-hyun (B), for clothing advice.
-
Expression: A: 지현 씨, 저 10월에 서울 가는데, 옷을 어떻게 가져가야 할지 모르겠어요. 조언 좀 해 줄 수 있어요?
Pronunciation: Ji-hyeon ssi, jeo sib-wor-e Seo-ul ga-neun-de, os-eul eo-tteo-ke ga-jyeo-ga-ya hal-ji mo-reu-ges-seo-yo. Jo-eon jom hae jul su iss-eo-yo?
Meaning: Ji-hyun, I’m going to Seoul in October, but I’m not sure what clothes to bring. Can you give me some advice? -
Expression: B: 아, 10월이면 한국은 가을이에요. 날씨가 아주 좋아요! 낮에는 따뜻할 수 있는데 아침저녁으로는 꽤 쌀쌀해요.
Pronunciation: A, sib-wor-i-myeon han-gug-eun ga-eul-i-e-yo. Nal-ssi-ga a-ju jo-a-yo! Naj-e-neun tta-tteut-hal su iss-neun-de a-chim-jeo-nyeog-eu-ro-neun kkwae ssal-ssal-hae-yo.
Meaning: Oh, October is autumn in Korea. The weather is really nice! It can be warm during the day, but it gets quite chilly in the morning and evening. -
Expression: A: 그럼 긴팔이랑 가벼운 재킷 같은 걸 가져가면 될까요?
Pronunciation: Geu-reom gin-par-i-rang ga-byeo-un jae-kit gat-eun geol ga-jyeo-ga-myeon doel-kka-yo?
Meaning: So, should I bring things like long-sleeved shirts and a light jacket? -
Expression: B: 네, 맞아요. 긴팔 티셔츠나 셔츠, 스웨터, 그리고 가을용 재킷이나 카디건이 있으면 좋아요. 청바지나 편한 바지도 꼭 챙기시고요. 겹쳐 입는 게 가장 좋아요.
Pronunciation: Ne, maj-a-yo. Gin-pal ti-syeo-cheu-na syeo-cheu, seu-we-teo, geu-ri-go ga-eul-yong jae-kis-i-na ka-di-geon-i iss-eu-myeon jo-a-yo. Cheong-ba-ji-na pyeon-han ba-ji-do kkok chaeng-gi-si-go-yo. Gyeop-chyeo im-neun ge ga-jang jo-a-yo.
Meaning: Yes, that’s right. Long-sleeved t-shirts or shirts, sweaters, and an autumn jacket or cardigan would be good. Definitely pack jeans or comfortable pants too. Layering is the best way. -
Expression: A: 알겠어요. 신발은 운동화면 충분할까요?
Pronunciation: Al-ges-seo-yo. Sin-bar-eun un-dong-hwa-myeon chung-bun-hal-kka-yo?
Meaning: Got it. For shoes, are sneakers enough? -
Expression: B: 네, 많이 걸을 테니 편한 운동화가 제일 좋을 거예요. 혹시 비가 올 수도 있으니 작은 우산도 준비하면 좋고요.
Pronunciation: Ne, man-i geor-eul te-ni pyeon-han un-dong-hwa-ga je-il jo-eul kkeo-ye-yo. Hok-si bi-ga ol su-do iss-eu-ni jag-eun u-san-do jun-bi-ha-myeon jo-ko-yo.
Meaning: Yes, you’ll probably walk a lot, so comfortable sneakers will be best. It might rain occasionally, so preparing a small umbrella would be good too. -
Expression: A: 정말 고마워요, 지현 씨! 덕분에 옷 잘 챙겨갈 수 있겠어요.
Pronunciation: Jeong-mal go-ma-wo-yo, Ji-hyeon ssi! Deok-bun-e ot jal chaeng-gyeo-gal su iss-ges-seo-yo.
Meaning: Thank you so much, Ji-hyun! Thanks to you, I think I can pack well.
Practice Tips
Practice asking about the weather forecast for the day using 오늘 날씨 어때요? (o-neul nal-ssi eo-ttae-yo? – How’s the weather today?) and then follow up by asking what to wear! You can ask friends or even use language exchange apps~
Before traveling to Korea, check the weather forecast for your destination city and try formulating questions about appropriate clothing for that specific weather using the phrases you learned. For example, if it’s going to be 10°C, you could practice asking 10도면 많이 추운가요? 재킷 필요해요? (sip-do-myeon man-i chu-un-ga-yo? jae-kit pil-yo-hae-yo? – Is 10 degrees very cold? Do I need a jacket?).
Watch Korean dramas or vlogs focusing on daily life and pay attention to what people wear in different seasons. Try describing their outfits and guessing if they are dressed appropriately for the weather! Good luck preparing for Korea’s seasons! 파이팅! (pa-i-ting! – Fighting!/Good luck!)
