When Does Winter Start In Korea Work 💯

Twelve-year-old Minjun lived in Seoul, where his science teacher had just taught him the astronomical seasons: winter begins on the winter solstice, around December 21 or 22. That evening, he proudly told his grandfather, Harabeoji, “Winter starts on December 22 this year.”

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.

He underlined the last sentence: That was November 18 this year. And I think that’s the real answer.

Then, on December 22, they stood on a bridge over the Han River in Seoul. The thermometer read minus six Celsius. “And today,” Harabeoji said, “the sun reaches its lowest point. From now, the light slowly returns. That is also winter’s beginning.”

Minjun tilted his head. “Two winters?”

“But which one is right?” Minjun asked.