February in Korea hits different. It’s that gray, biting cold that makes you question every life decision that led you outdoors. But living near Camp Humphreys doesn’t mean you’re stuck on post until spring. Here are six winter-proof ways to actually enjoy your weekend—most of them warm, all of them worth leaving the barracks (or your apartment) for.
1) Jjimjilbang: Korea’s greatest invention
If you haven’t done a Korean bathhouse yet, this is your sign. A jjimjilbang (찜질방) is part spa, part sauna, part social hangout—and it costs less than a meal at the food court.
What to expect:- Hot and cold pools, steam rooms, dry saunas
- A big common area where everyone wears matching pajamas
- Snacks (baked eggs and sikhye are the move)
- Some have sleeping rooms, PC rooms, even movie rooms
2) Get serious about Korean comfort food
Winter is when Korean food really shines. Forget the BBQ for a week and go deep on the soups and stews that Koreans actually eat when it’s freezing.
The winter lineup:- Budae-jjigae (army stew) — Pyeongtaek literally has restaurants famous for this. It was born near military bases. You’re at the source.
- Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) — One whole chicken stuffed with rice, ginseng, and garlic. It’s medicine that tastes good.
- Kalguksu (knife-cut noodle soup) — Simple, hot, cheap, perfect.
- Tteokguk — Rice cake soup. Traditionally a Lunar New Year dish, but available everywhere in winter.
3) Indoor markets and underground shopping
When it’s too cold for outdoor markets, Korea’s indoor and underground shopping areas are the play. Climate-controlled, full of food stalls, and great for killing a few hours.
Options from Humphreys:- Pyeongtaek Underground Shopping Center — Right near Pyeongtaek Station. Small but local. Good for cheap Korean snacks and random finds.
- Suwon or Seoul underground malls — Take the train up and spend the afternoon underground. Gangnam Underground Shopping Center and COEX Mall are both massive.
- Traditional indoor markets — Pyeongtaek Tonbok Market has covered sections. Go for the food, stay for the atmosphere.
4) Café-hop with purpose
Korea has more cafés per capita than almost anywhere, and winter is peak café season. But instead of just grabbing a latte, make it an activity.
Café challenge ideas:- The “new neighborhood” rule: Pick a town you haven’t visited (Asan, Cheonan, Osan) and find its highest-rated café on Naver. That’s your destination.
- The seasonal menu tour: Most Korean cafés rotate seasonal drinks. Try the strawberry or citron (yuzu) specials—they’re everywhere right now.
- The work café: Find one with good Wi-Fi and big tables. Bring a book, a laptop, or just your thoughts. Korean café culture embraces sitting for hours.
5) Take the KTX somewhere
One of the best things about Humphreys’ location is the train access. Jije Station connects you to the KTX network, and suddenly a “day trip” can mean Busan, Daejeon, or Jeonju.
Winter day trip ideas:- Jeonju (~1.5 hrs by KTX) — Famous for bibimbap and its traditional hanok village. Great food city, walkable, and the hanok village is beautiful even in winter.
- Daejeon (~45 min) — Underrated. Good food scene, the Expo Science Park, and hot springs in nearby Yuseong.
- Busan (~2.5 hrs) — Winter in Busan is milder than Pyeongtaek. Hit Jagalchi fish market, Haeundae Beach (yes, even in winter), and the famous street food in BIFF Square.
6) Movie day (the Korean way)
Going to the movies in Korea is an experience, not just an activity. The theaters are nicer, the snacks are different, and tickets are cheap compared to back home.
What’s different:- Assigned seating — Pick your exact seat when you buy online.
- Snack game: Dried squid, sweet potato chips, and beer alongside the usual popcorn.
- Formats: Many theaters offer 4DX, IMAX, ScreenX, or “comfort” recliner screens.
- CGV, Lotte Cinema, Megabox — These are the big three. All have locations reachable from Humphreys.
The bottom line
February cold is temporary. The memories of sitting in a jjimjilbang eating baked eggs, or slurping samgyetang in a tiny restaurant you found on Naver Map, or watching snow fall on Jeonju’s hanok village—those stick around.
Pick one thing from this list. Just one. That’s your weekend sorted.
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