Chicago is called the Windy City, which means 'the city of wind.'

At first, I thought it was named because of the strong winds coming off Lake Michigan.

However, interestingly, the origin of the nickname Windy City is not solely due to the weather.

There are explanations that it was given because 19th-century Chicago politicians were known for being talkative and boastful. Still, when you actually visit Chicago in winter, you can't help but think, "Wow, they really named it right."

When you get hit by the wind around Lake Michigan, it's a whole different level of cold. You might look at the thermometer and think, "This should be bearable," but once you step outside and the wind rushes between the buildings, you start regretting it from the moment it hits your face.

In summer, it can get quite hot, as if winter never happened. From June to August, it gets pretty hot and humid, with average high temperatures in July typically reaching the low to mid-80s Fahrenheit, around 28 degrees Celsius. When a heatwave hits, temperatures can soar into the 90s, and the humidity makes it feel even hotter.

There's a reason why Chicagoans flock to Lake Michigan in the summer. The lake, which can be so harsh in winter, becomes a paradise in summer. People swim and bike at the beach, and festivals and performances take place in Grant Park and Millennium Park. You might find yourself thinking, "Why did I complain about this city in winter?" because summer in Chicago is truly wonderful.

But once September rolls around and the cold winds start to blow, reality sets in.

Chicago's winter is serious business from December to February. The average low temperature in January can drop to around 20 degrees Fahrenheit, and when a strong cold snap hits, the situation changes completely. Especially when the Polar Vortex comes down, it's not unusual for temperatures to drop below zero Fahrenheit, and if the wind is strong, the wind chill can make it feel like it's 20 to 30 degrees below zero.

During the cold snap in 2019, temperatures in Chicago dropped to around minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit, affecting the city's functionality. At that time, news reports even mentioned it was colder than Antarctica.

So, if you bring just one winter coat from Korea and think, "This should be enough," you might be in for a rude awakening. A thick coat is important, but gloves, a hat that covers your ears, a scarf, and waterproof winter boots are truly essential. On days when the snow melts and refreezes, turning the streets into a mess, wearing sneakers can leave your socks soaked, ruining your day.

It also snows quite a bit. Chicago typically sees several feet of snow during the winter months. Snow usually falls from late autumn to early spring, and there can be one or two significant snowstorms in January and February.

However, Chicago is well-prepared for snow, as you'd expect from a city that gets a lot of it. Snowplows roam the major roads, spreading salt and clearing the snow. The problem is right in front of my house. When I wake up in the morning and open the window to find a foot of snow piled up overnight, I have to shovel before heading to work. While shoveling, I often wonder why I even have a gym membership.

In spring and summer, you also need to be cautious of thunderstorms. There are days when the sky suddenly darkens, and strong rain, thunder, and lightning pour down. In the Illinois area, including Chicago, you might encounter tornado watches or warnings, so it's best not to ignore emergency alerts on your phone.

Still, there's a reason why Chicagoans continue to live here. When spring arrives and the shores of Lake Michigan come back to life, you slowly forget the hardships of winter. And when you look at the Chicago skyline by the lake on a summer night, you think, "Yeah, this is why I live here."

Then, when January comes and you get hit by the wind off Lake Michigan, you find yourself complaining again.

But if that's the fun of living in Chicago, then it is fun.