It's rainy season! If you didnt know, there is a stereotype that all Koreans carry an umbrella - and for good reason! With the ever-changing weather of some Korean cities, it is imperative that one does not leave home without an umbrella! Similarly, it seems that Singapore is going through its rainy season again! 

Also, umbrellas often appear in K-Dramas - usually as a plot device for the on-screen romantic relationship.

Today, we will introduce some of the best umbrellas to bring with you everyday!

Let's get it!

To me, a good umbrella should be :

1) Small : Small enough to not be of hindrance to everyday movement

2) Lightweight : Light enough to make going around with it easy

3) Easy To Open & Close : Self-explanatory with the amount of times you would open/close in/out of sheltered areas

Let's explore some of these umbrellas and see whether they hold up!

1. Normal Umbrella

With everyone looking for portability and convenience, why on earth are we starting with the humble 'pole-like' umbrella?

Well, that's because it is still by far the most common found in Asia, with the transparent variant adding a chic feeling to any outfit one might decide to wear. It has yet to catch on in Singapore, though, but I believe that it has a lot of potential as a fashion accessory - so perhaps you can start the revolution with me!

2. Auto-Fold Umbrellas

These umbrellas are super easy to extend and retract, with a button clapse that facilitates this very function! I also find that is does its job well, with a sturdy frame to resist the pelting rain and the dreaded umbrella inside-out situation.

However, it suffers a few drawbacks, namely the heft of some umbrellas, along with the relatively large size. I think we can do better!

3. Nano 5 Fold Umbrellas

Now we're talking - a small sized (some would even say 'pocketable') umbrella that fits in a small bag or purse! It's really handy, but comes with a relative drawback - it is a little bit more annoying to extend and retract!

One of the trendiest umbrellas money can buy, it is certainly handy during this rainy season, where the rain seems to come and go all the time!

4. Inverted/Upside-Down Umbrellas

These are tricky, as they are in the middle of the first, classic umbrella, and the newer umbrellas with fancy mechanisms. We think that if you are someone that doesn't carry a bag with them, the handy (heh) hand grip is a big plus that makes it super easy to carry around!

That's it for our list of everyday umbrellas! Let us know if you own any of them, and which you prefer to bring with you outside!

Want to know about uniquely Korean products? Check out another Korean Guide by clicking here!