It’s too early to think of Christmas shopping for 2010 but now I know what could make good gifts for those who live in temperate countries like Korea. With all the recent reports about heavy snow and freezing temperatures in many parts of the country, giving someone such heating pads like the strawberry pair the child is holding, seem ideal and practical. Though this popular winter product may seem a little too cutesy and childish for some, I’d throw personal pride and vanity aside for the sake of warm hands. According to Yonhap, these portable and reusable heating pads can be popped into a microwave for 30 seconds to enjoy comforting heat which can last for three hours.
What I have bought from Korea before, though, is one of those electric heating pads which Koreans prefer to use to keep themselves warm in the cooler nights of spring or autumn before it makes economic sense to use the ondol. At that time, I hadn’t heard of Lee Kyo-soo’s doctoral thesis which speculates that electromagnetic waves from such appliances could cause stress and insomnia. Dad hasn’t been complaining but I guess I should check with his doctor about increased cortisol levels.
Another way Koreans are keeping warm this winter is by wearing naeboks ( learnt a new word today!). These are undergarments which have come back in fashion as comfort, environmental and financial concerns take priority over fear of looking old-fashioned and bulky and the convenience of indoor heating. More young people are open to the idea of wearing naebok, apparently, especially when the new styles look decidedly ungrand-motherly. It’s not clear though if they plan to wear red naebok for good luck for the coming Lunar New Year ( a quaint tradition in Korea, I’ve just learned as well).
Sources:
http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2914949
http://www.korea.net/news/news/newsView.asp?serial_no=20070222012&part=107&SearchDay=&page=51
http://www.korea.net/News/News/NewsView.asp?serial_no=20091214014
http://www.korea.net/News/News/newsView.asp?serial_no=20091214007
http://aidanroh.en.ecplaza.net/
