Sohan means "lesser cold," yet in Korea it is in fact the coldest time of year. As the saying goes, "Daehan froze to death visiting Sohan's house."
Sohan, around January 6, brings—despite its name—the most biting cold of the year on the Korean peninsula.
Strong northwest winds blow and rivers and earth freeze solid. People of old stocked ample firewood and provisions against the Sohan cold.
To endure the cold, people enjoyed hot broths and foods like dongchimi (radish water kimchi). They cut back on chores and nourished the body to get through winter.
Bundle up and heat against the peak cold snap
Nourish the body with hot broths
Watch for falls on icy roads
Manage indoor dryness
Adjacent terms:
Lesser Cold is the 23th of the 24 solar terms, falling around around January 6. Named "lesser cold," yet truly the coldest term. "The Sohan cold comes even on loan."
Sohan means "lesser cold," yet in Korea it is in fact the coldest time of year. As the saying goes, "Daehan froze to death visiting Sohan's house."
Bundle up and heat against the peak cold snap Nourish the body with hot broths Watch for falls on icy roads Manage indoor dryness