While the calendar might be optimistic, Korea’s geography is ruthless. Surrounded by water on three sides and bordered by mountains and Siberia to the north, Korea’s winter is defined by "Samhan Sibaek" (삼한사온), a traditional phrase meaning
His grandfather explained: according to the lunar calendar, winter begins around the start of Lidong (입동)—usually November 7 or 8. That’s when farmers traditionally prepared kimchi and stored root vegetables. But by the solar calendar used in schools, winter began at the solstice. And by feeling? Winter in Korea truly starts when the first Siberian wind sweeps down from Manchuria, usually in late November, turning the golden ginkgo leaves to dust overnight. when does winter start in korea
He underlined the last sentence: That was November 18 this year. And I think that’s the real answer. While the calendar might be optimistic, Korea’s geography
