Experiencing winter in Illinois for the first time, I felt that while Korea also has many days below freezing, the cold here is a completely different kind.

If the cold in Korea feels sharp and biting against the face, Illinois winters have a chill that penetrates to the bone. Especially the winds coming from the Chicago area near the Great Lakes are no joke. Locals call this the "Lake Effect Wind," where the cold air blowing from Lake Michigan envelops the city. It truly feels like the tip of your nose is freezing, and every breath feels like a blade.

I live in central Illinois, a bit away from Chicago, but even so, it snows frequently from December to February.

The temperature usually hovers around minus 10 degrees, and on windy days, the wind chill can drop below minus 20 degrees. While the snow is beautiful when it falls, the problem comes afterward. When the accumulated snow melts during the day and freezes again at night, the roads become slippery, leading to many accidents. Unlike places like Seoul or Busan in Korea, where snow removal is quick, having snow tires is almost essential for driving here.

That said, not every day is a bitter cold. Occasionally, the sun shines warmly, and there are days when the snow-covered fields sparkle. On such days, it's truly nice to walk on the snowy paths and quietly enjoy a cup of coffee. Illinois has vast land and open skies, making sunsets in winter incredibly beautiful. Around 4:30 PM, the sun begins to set, and the tranquility of the red light reflecting on the snow is a feeling hard to find in Korean cities.

On the other hand, the heating methods are somewhat different from Korea, making it a bit difficult to adapt at first. In Korea, the floors are warm with boilers, but here, most places use central heating systems that deliver warmth through the air. So, while the room warms up quickly, the low humidity causes the skin to dry out quickly and lips to crack. Therefore, during winter, a humidifier and hand cream are almost survival tools. Additionally, heating costs are surprisingly high, so if you set the temperature too high, the monthly heating bill can balloon.

What's crucial for enduring Illinois winters is the clothing. It's hard to survive with just a Korean-style coat. People here usually wear long padded jackets or down coats, layering heat-tech or thick sweaters underneath. Gloves, hats, and scarves are essential, and on snowy days, waterproof boots are a must. At first, it seemed excessive, but after experiencing minus 15-degree winds, I understand why everyone dresses that way.

Still, Illinois winters have their own charm. On weekends, children build snowmen at nearby lakes or parks, and couples or families glide happily at the skating rinks. Walking near Lake Michigan in Chicago on a snowy day, the city looks like a completely different world. Even though the wind is cold and my hands are numb, the atmosphere of winter feels like a movie.

While the winter I felt in Korea was a season moving with the noise of the city, the winter here is quiet and heavy.

The strong winds, heavy snowfall, and cold create a stillness that calms the mind. Now in my 30s, I find this leisurely winter quite enjoyable. Illinois winters are certainly cold, but within them lies a unique tranquility and romance of this place.