One day, I was curious and casually asked ChatGPT.

"What is the worst thing about living in Houston for a Korean?"

I expected topics like Texas property tax, traffic, or gun culture to come up.

But the answer was surprisingly simple.

"The combo of summer heat and humidity."

Ah... I nodded in agreement.

Anyone who has lived here knows exactly what that means.

Houston's summer isn't just about high temperatures. It's hot and humid, making the indoors feel a bit damp even with the air conditioning on.

Standing under the blazing sun feels like stepping into a steamer while being poked at the same time.

Korean summers are also known for their humidity, but after spending July and August in Houston, one realizes a harsh truth.

"Ah, here, air conditioning is a life-sustaining device."

Experiencing this weather brings back memories of a trip to Hong Kong in the middle of July.

I really struggled back then. The moment I stepped outside, my sunglasses fogged up, and even after walking just a few blocks, my back was soaked.

At first, I was excited to be on vacation and walked around enthusiastically, but by the afternoon, sightseeing took a backseat, and I just wanted to find a café or shopping mall to escape the heat.

Only then did I understand why they blast the air conditioning indoors in Hong Kong.

But Houston is no easy feat either. In fact, it might be worse.

In terms of temperature alone, desert areas like Phoenix, Arizona, can feel more intimidating.

While the dry heat above 104°F is certainly tough, the real issue in Houston is the humidity.

Being influenced by the Gulf of Mexico, the summer brings a surge of moisture-laden hot air.

The moment you step outside, you start sweating, but the air is so humid that the sweat doesn't evaporate coolly.

Given this situation, having a car air conditioner in Houston is a matter of survival.

As soon as you start the engine, you have to crank the air conditioning to the max and wait outside the car until the interior reaches a bearable temperature.

In downtown Houston, there's a unique space created by this climate.

It's the "Downtown Tunnels," which connect buildings underground.

You can move between several buildings without going outside, and there are various restaurants and shops inside.

While the tunnels weren't created solely because of the heat, walking through them in the summer makes you understand why they are essential.

Walking several blocks in a suit during the day can leave you drenched in sweat before you even reach your destination.

So, for those moving to or settling in Houston from Korea, I always emphasize one thing.

When looking for a home, while a nice kitchen or hardwood floors are great, the first thing to check is the condition of the air conditioning.

If an old HVAC system breaks down in the middle of summer, it can be a real disaster.

Thinking in a Korean way and trying to save on electricity by setting the air conditioning too low is also difficult.

Here, it's not just about lowering the temperature; dehumidifying the air is essential for comfortable living.

That said, it doesn't mean Houston is a difficult city to live in.

There are plenty of delicious foods, abundant job opportunities, and relatively lower housing costs compared to other major cities in the U.S.

The Korean community is well-established, making overall living convenience excellent.

However, a Korean stepping out of Houston airport for the first time in July might feel a strange sense of familiarity.

"Huh? This air feels oddly familiar..."

That's right. It's the hot and humid air I encountered on previous trips to Hong Kong or Southeast Asia.