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Summer in Korea is a great season full of festivals, delicious seasonal foods, and amazing outdoor experience opportunities. But with all that excitement comes some serious heat and humidity! If you're planning a trip to Korea during the summer, you're in for a treat—but you'll also need some strategies to stay cool and comfortable. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the best tips and tricks to help you beat the Korean summer heat, so you can enjoy everything this amazing season has to offer without feeling like a water fountain in the process!
In this article:
When are the warmest months in Korea?
Korean summers typically stretch from late June to early September, with the hottest months being July and August. During this period, temperatures can climb to the mid-30s Celsius (95°F or higher), accompanied by high humidity levels. The monsoon season, known as jangma, occurs in late June through July, bringing heavy rains that add to the humidity. August, in particular, is when the summer heat reaches its peak, with long, sweltering days and warm nights. Temperatures finally start to cool down through September.
What can I expect?
Summer in Korea is a mix of vibrant energy and oppressive heat. You can expect hot and humid days, with occasional afternoon rain showers, especially during the monsoon season. The heat can be overwhelming at times, making outdoor activities exhausting if you aren’t properly prepared. We visited Korea in August 2024 and were not ready for the type of heat, we've had up to 47 Celcius in Egypt a few months before that and somehow had a harder time in Korea with 'only' 37 Celcius, probably due to the humidity levels. Streets buzz with locals and tourists alike, seeking shade, cooling beverages, and air-conditioned refuges.
Despite the heat, summer is also a season of many celebrations in Korea. Outdoor festivals, beach trips to places like Busan and Jeju Island, and vibrant night markets are common. The summer months are perfect for enjoying seasonal desserts like patbingsu (shaved ice with toppings) and cold buckwheat noodles (naengmyeon), which are widely popular during this time of year. However, it's essential to stay hydrated, take breaks in cool places, and pace yourself to avoid heat exhaustion.
Lifesaving items to enjoy your Korean summer
To fully enjoy your Korean summer without succumbing to the heat, packing the right items is crucial. Here are some must-haves:
Portable Fan: A hand-held or neck fan is a lifesaver when you're out exploring. Many locals carry these to stay cool while walking in the heat. There are a multitude of options and price points so it is a bit overwhelming and sometimes difficult to choose one, we would recommend buying these two items ahead of your trip so you have them ready from the airport onwards:
UV-Protection Umbrella: It seems a bit strange or uncommon to foreigners but UV Protection Umbrellas are a very effective way to avoid overheating. You will see locals walking around with them all the time, you can even rent some in smaller towns from the tourist information center, we had this experience in Jeonju.
Cooling Wipes: Cooling wipes can be found in drugstores like Olive Young or convenience stores and offer instant freshness and relief from the heat. Originally from Japan, they've become a staple in Korea experiencing rising temperatures due to climate change. They are normally infused with menthol or aloe vera and can be easily carried in your backpack.
Sunscreen: The sun in Korea during the summer can be intense, and the UVs are usually quite high so a minimum of an SPF30 is a must. We always go for 50 because of our fair skin and tendency to sunbrun but even if this is not your case make sure to pack some. Luckily, Korea has many amazing skincare brands you can also choose from and test, my Korean sunscreen recommendations would be:
Light and Breathable Clothing: Before you leave, consider your wardrobe choices. Opt for light and breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Loose-fitting clothing will help keep you cool allowing your skin to breathe and can significantly improve your comfort levels during your trip. You can find below examples of clothing items that are suitable for Korean summer:
