For most people spring is a wonderful season. For me, it’s a horrible time of sneezing, coughing and tearing up. My face is constantly pink, so at least I fit in with the cherry blossoms around me!
That being said, it is a beautiful season in Korea. Everything comes alive, and in such a short time too. Typically of Korea, all the shops, coffee shops, and cosmetic shops gear up to put seasonal things on display. Everywhere you look you are surrounded by a pink haze.
Here are some of my favorite springtime activities, and also the three remedies I have for tackling seasonal allergies in Korea.
Go for walks in Cherry Lane
I don’t think there’s really a cherry lane, but pink blossomed trees usually line the rivers. With the weather being so good it’s the perfect time to head out of the apartment and take some flowery pictures.
Visit the coffee shops
Coffee shops, plural. There are many coffee shop chains, as well as independently owned coffee shops in Korea. These all tend to have special drinks to celebrate spring. Cherry blossom shakes, teas, cookies and more can be enjoyed. It’s also very Instagramable, so be sure to snap a few pics.
Buy cherry blossom trinkets
Daiso has been at the top of my list for seasonal/themed trinkets and other things. This year they had beautiful drinking glasses, mugs and kitchen wares all themed with cherry blossoms and tulips. Shortly after they had lemon and lime themed things. Make sure to grab a pretty tumbler or cute hat to celebrate spring.
Buy Springtime cosmetics
Olive Young is my favorite store for seasonal cosmetics, just because of the big variety. You can find anti-pollen masks, lightweight moisturizer and many other things designed in the spirit of springtime. Protect your face against the changing weather, and remember to start wearing SPF when spring arrives.
How to remedy the allergies:
- Buy local honey, the pollen of the area you live in is used by the bees to produce the honey. By eating the honey, or drinking honey tea, you can slowly immunize yourself against the pollens in the area. Find local honey at your NHK Mart.
- Wear Masks. Seriously, these aren’t just for colds and the flu. Most drugstores and even Olive Young and the convenience stores will sell Pollen Protector Masks, designed to filter out small particles.
- Drink antihistamines. You can buy these over the counter at any pharmacy, just ask for Claritin or Zyrtec. If your pharmacist can’t speak English well, I would recommend you asking for 알레르기 약 (pronounced: allerghee yak/ allergy medicine)
- If all the above fails to help you find relief, buy an air purifier which does not only filter out gas and pollutants but also pollen. Air purifier prices have gone down considerably over the last years, starting from as little as 180,000Won. try finding a second hand one on the Carrot Mart app (당근). You will need to speak/type in Korean for this option, so ask a Korean friend or Co-worker to help.
Paper planes - Teach Korea 