Why Koreans Korean black long padded jackets winter . why? Hello, I’m the owner of K-Healing Culture.
While scrolling through YouTube today, I came across a video where foreigners were shocked by Korea’s winter streets filled with people in black long padded jackets.
One comment said, “Why do Koreans all wear black puffers? It’s not like adult school uniforms!” Someone replied,
“Korea is so cold that you need padded jackets just to survive.” Well… that’s absolutely true. Korean winters are brutally cold.
When I was a kid, I walked over 30 minutes to elementary school, and the biting wind made my eyes water every time.
But here’s the thing: White padded jackets exist too. They’re pretty, bright, and honestly look amazing. So why black?
Another commenter nailed it: “Korean food like tteokbokki or kimchi splatters everywhere. A white puffer would be ruined in one day.
Who needs to baby a white jacket when you just want to be comfortable?” Totally agree — wearing something “comfortable” only to stress about stains defeats the purpose.
So then… why not go for beautiful red, blue, or green colorful puffers? Why stick to black?
That’s where I pause and think deeper. In my opinion, it ties into something deeply rooted in Korean subconscious: the desire not to stand out,
or what some call “collectivism” (or more softly, “conformity culture”).
(This is just my personal view, and the term “collectivism” might sound a bit negative, so feel free to see it as “pursuit of normalcy.”)
Of course, this cultural trait isn’t all bad. It fosters unity within groups and encourages mutual consideration because everyone shares similar norms.
But there are downsides too. When it turns aggressive, people judge or mock anyone who dares to be different.
If someone you don’t like shows up in a bright red puffer, you might hear: “Look at that one, always trying to stand out with red.”
Times have changed, and trends shift every 10 years or so. The feelings I had back then might not apply today.
Still, about 10 years ago when black puffers with North Face logos completely took over the streets,
I felt something uneasy. “What’s with all these identical black jackets and the same logo everywhere?”
Years have passed, that brand’s peak hype has faded a bit, but whenever a trend hits, almost everyone jumps on board without hesitation. Is it just sensitivity to fashion?
Or is there a subtle pressure whispering: “Everyone else is wearing black North Face — if I don’t, I’ll look different from the ‘normal’ crowd”?
Or even deeper: “If I wear a cheaper brand instead, will I seem inferior?” These quiet, unconscious thoughts seem to linger in the background.
What do you think? Why do you (or don’t you) choose black padded jackets in winter? Share your thoughts in the comments —
I’d love to hear from you! korean black long padded jackets winter
Koreans All Wear Black Long Padded Jackets in Winter
What do you think? Why do you (or don’t you) choose black padded jackets in winter?
And for the funniest confession: my whole family wears black puffers too… just not North Face! ㅋㅋㅋ
Share your thoughts (and your own black puffer stories) in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!