A Guide to Summer in Korea: Get Ready For Fun

Summer in South Korea is a season of heat and humidity, some monsoons, but also a lot of fun! If you’re planning to visit Korea during the summer, be prepared to experience some wet and wild festivals, beaches to cool off, and more. From music festivals to traditional celebrations, there is plenty to make you forgot how hot it is… maybe. Although it can be hot and sticky, there are plenty of ways to beat the heat and enjoy all that this amazing country has to offer. In this guide, we’ll explore the top festivals, activities, and tips to help you make the most of your summer adventure in Korea.

Summer vacations mean more travelers visiting Korea. Will you be one of them?

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When is summer in Korea?

Summer in Korea falls from June to August… though it’s still pretty hot into September too, just so you know.

Is it your first time visiting Korea?

Check out this Epic Travel Guide To Seoul For the First Time Visitor to get prepared.

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What’s the weather like in the summer in Korea?

Summer in Korea can be pretty hot and humid and on top of that it is the rainy season, or jangma (장마). Don’t let that sway you from coming though. Korea doesn’t tend to experience the monsoon rains quite as bad as some other countries in Asia. Some years, they have been horrible and have even flooded the Han River parks but other years, they’ve only lasted a couple of weeks and just make everything that much greener and lush. There are still plenty of ways to enjoy Korea whether it’s raining or shining or something in between.

Let’s break it down by month to know what to expect when you visit Korea in the summer.

June weather in Korea

June is the start of summer in South Korea, and temperatures begin to rise to an average of 23°C to 27°C (73°F to 81°F). While the weather is warm, it can also be quite humid. June usually features beautiful sunny days and clear skies making it an ideal time to explore the country and enjoy outdoor activities before the rainy season sets in. Pack your sunscreen and get ready to soak up some sun if you’re visiting in June.

July weather in Korea

July is the height of summer in South Korea, and temperatures continue to rise with an average high of 29°C to 30°C (84°F to 86°F). While the weather can be hot and humid, there are plenty of ways to stay cool and enjoy the summer season. This is the month to visit the numerous beaches around Korea or to head into the mountains to cool off in the streams and rivers. Plan to be out and about, but also plan some indoor spots to cool off if you’re visiting in July.

August weather in Korea

August is one of the hottest and most humid months in South Korea, with temperatures averaging around 28°C to 31°C (82°F to 88°F). While the weather can be intense, you will still see people out and about and exploring from the city to the coasts. August might be the month that I recommend the least to visitors, but if that’s when you have vacation, you can still find plenty to see and do.

Dust in Korea

Dust can be an issue throughout the summer months. Be aware of the fine dust levels when you visit as yellow dust and fine dust can sweep across the country and can be unhealthy and cause various issues especially for the young, elderly, and those with asthma. Learn more about what to expect when it’s dusty in Korea and how to prepare.

Typhoons in Korea

Typhoons usually head to Korea from the south and can hit during the months of July through September. Generally, by the time the rains and wind get to Seoul, it’s not that strong. If you’ll be on Jeju Island or Busan, you’ll want to watch the weather channels vigilantly to know if any storms are headed this way.

Typhoon storms can bring high winds, flash floods and landslides. Just be aware of the weather while you’re traveling and if a typhoon is headed to Korea, stay indoors.

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What to pack for summer in Korea

What to wear? What to wear? What should I wear in the summer in Korea? Summer is hot and humid. If you’re prone to sweating, wear colors that won’t show as much. You’ll likely get caught in monsoon rains at some point, so where something that can dry quickly. There is a whole guide for what to pack when you visit Korea to check out. 

• Sandals
• Tank tops
• Shorts
• Swimsuit <– Do note that Koreans don’t tend to wear bikinis but opt for long sleeve rash guards and shorts so if you’re wearing something skimpy, you will be stared at.
• Sunglasses/Hats
• Mosquito Repellent / Sun Cream
• Electric Handheld Fan <– These have gotten wildly popular in Korea the past few summers. Want to stay cooler outside? Take around your own handheld fan.
• Sunbrella <– If you’ve never heard of it, check it out. The sun can be fierce. Don’t get caught standing out in the sun for hours without shade.
• Umbrella/Poncho <– Should you end up here when the monsoons hit, you’ll want to be prepared.

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Public holidays in the summer

Be aware of public holidays that may impact your trip. Many businesses and attractions may have different hours or are closed on these days, so it’s helpful to plan accordingly.

Here are the major public holidays to be aware during the summer in Korea:

• June 6th – Memorial Day
• July 17th – Constitution Day
• August 15th – Liberation Day

Memorial Day and Liberation Day are particularly significant, with many events and ceremonies taking place throughout the country. It’s a great opportunity to experience Korean culture and history firsthand but be prepared for large crowds at popular attractions and transportation hubs during these holidays.

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The best beaches to visit in Korea

Seoul, the capital city of South Korea, is a vibrant and exciting destination to visit any time of year, but summer can be particularly busy as more people around the world have longer vacations and look to travel and enjoy their time. For locals, you’ll find more people headed to Jeju Island, the numerous beaches around the country or out to camping sites in the mountains to cool off. Be like the locals and plan a trip to the coast to cool off.

Here are some awesome beaches that you can visit around Korea. For even more options, check out this guide to the beaches of Korea that you’ve probably never heard about… but need to.

Hanagae Beach (하나개해수욕장)

Hanagae Beach is a popular weekend getaway or daytrip from Seoul. Located on Muuido Island just out in nearby Incheon, Korea, there are dramatic tides so you can take a dip and dig for clams in the same day. Walk along the beautiful boardwalk to see the rocky seaside nearby and stop into the restaurants to cool off and eat.

• Address: San 189 beonji, Muui-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon (인천광역시 중구 무의동 산189번지 (무의동))

Jeongdongjin Beach (정동진해변)

Located on the east coast of Korea, you’ll find white sands and crystal clear blue waters at Jeongdongjin Beach. It’s an idyllic spot to enjoy the summer in Korea. What’s even better is that you can easily take a train from Seoul to Jeongdongjin Station and be at the beach in just a couple of hours. The immaculate sands and water are gorgeous. It’ll be difficult to tear yourself away from this seaside spot.

• Address:  17 Jeongdongjin Station Road, Gangdong-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do (강원도 강릉시 강동면 정동역길 17)

Surfyy Beach  (서피비치)

While the beaches above are a bit more for the family friendly and camp happy traveler, Surfyy Beach is for the young, party, and cool seeker. Surfing isn’t yet majorly popular in Korea, but it is getting there. Surfyy Beach is a surfers-only beachside where you’ll find a fun beachside bar with beanbags to lounge by day and a music hot spot by night. Get on a surf board or just enjoy the sandy vibes. Everyone is welcome. (PS While this is a surfing only beach, it’s flanked by swimming beaches on either side so you’ll get plenty of beach fun in here.)

• Address: 119 Haean-gil Hajodae, Hyeonbuk-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do (강원 양양군 현북면 하조대해안길 119 서피비치)

Chuam Beach (추암해수욕장)

Chuam Beach quickly became one of our favorite spots to visit especially when the KTX expanded the train line so there’s a train station nearby that makes it super easy to get to. Chuam Beach features nice sand, great waters, but also a suspension bridge, sculpture park, and boardwalk with restaurants and cafes. All of that to say, it’s a great daytrip or weekend away from Seoul with a variety of things to check out so you don’t have to just sit on the sand all day if you want something more.

• Address: Chuam Beach, Bukpyeong-dong, Donghae-si, Gangwon-do (강원 동해시 북평동 추암해수욕장)

Sinduri Beach (신두리해수욕장)

One of the most beautiful places I’ve been in Korea, the Sinduri seaside is on the west coast of Korea in northern Taean-gun. It’s a huge beach but it’s also backed by some gorgeous sand dunes. These are actually the only sand dunes in Korea and you can walk along a trail that takes you through a gorgeous park to see them after a sunny day on the coast. This is an epic stop.

• Address: 135 Sindu-ri Taean-gun, Chungcheongnam-do (충청남도 태안군 원북면 신두리 산 135)

Songdo Beach (송도해수욕장)

There are some majorly popular beaches down in Busan, Korea come summertime. Songdo was actually the first public beach in Korea and is a favorite leisure area for Busan locals. Enjoy soft sand, great waters for swimming but you can also take a suspension bridge above and visit a mountain park when you visit Songdo Beach too. There’s a lot in one place making this our go-to spot in Busan each summer.

• Address: 171 Songdo Haebyeon-ro, Soegu, Busan (서구 송도해변로 171)

Hamdeok Beach (함덕해수욕장)

Last, but certainly not least, if you’re wanting to see why everyone is heading to Jeju Island, then check out Hamdeok Beach for a weekend… or longer. We have used this as our go-to on Jeju Island numerous times because it’s perfect for family fun. The beach is vast during the day with tide pools that turns into water for swimming by afternoon. It’s just a gorgeous area with plenty of space for people to spread out.

• Address: 525 Johamhaean-ro, Jocheon-eub, Jeju-si, Jeju-do (제주시 조천읍 조함해안로 525)

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The best summer festivals in Korea

Summer festivals are a mix of cultural events and music festivals. You’ll find a lot of beachside spots with celebrations and water water water to help cool off.

In Korea the three hottest days of summer are referred to as sambok (삼복) or boknal (복날). Covering the span of a month, the three hottest days of the summer were traditionally a holiday for the farmers. Getting away to a nearby mountain valley or the coast to cool off before the rice harvest was the plan.
Though the hottest days of summer may not be celebrated exactly the same anymore, you can bet that everyone is dreamily looking out of the windows at work wishing they were someplace cooler.

Boryeong Mud Festival (보령머드축제)

Probably the biggest and most popular of all of the summer festivals in Korea, the Boryeong Mud Festival in Chungcheongnam-do features mud, mud, and more mud. Learn about the health benefits of the mud and then play, slip, slide, and just enjoy the muddy beachside.

• Address: Sinheuk-dong, Boryeong-si, Chungcheongnam-do (충청남도 보령시 신흑동)

Daegu Chimaec Festival (대구치맥페스티벌)

Every region has its claim to fame and it’s must eat food it seems and in Daegu, they decided to host a massive chicken and beer festival for theirs. Korean fried chicken has been touted the world over. If you want to try some of the best Korean friend chicken with some great maekju, or Korean beer, then head here and also have fun watching live performances and entertainment while you eat.

• Address: 36 Gongwonsunhwan-ro, Dalseo-gu, Daegu (대구광역시 달서구 공원순환로 36)

Semiwon Lotus Flower Festival (세미원축제)

In the summer you will start to find that flowers are even blooming and floating on the tops of the lakes in Korea and one of those beautiful places to see this is the Semiwon botanical garden. Dedicated to the lotus flower, the 180,000 square-meter park features ponds just for the beautiful floating blooms. Visit to see but also make lotus leaf tea, organic soap, or a necklace among other fun experiences come festival time.

• Address: 93 Yangsu-ro, Yangseo-myeon, Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 양평군 양서면 양수로 93)

Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival (인천 펜타포트 락페스티벌)

Just one of many awesome music festivals that happen in Korea throughout the summer, the Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival is one of the biggest festivals each year and features some of Korea’s and the world’s biggest rock acts. In the past, musicians like Weezer and Nine Inch Nails have graced the stage. Be sure to check out who is playing this year.

• Address: 350 Central-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon | 인천광역시 연수구 센트럴로 350 (송도동)-8)

Muju Firefly Festival (무주 반딧불축제)

A fun festival to end the summer with, the Mufu Firefly Festival celebrates the fireflies that flicker in the night. What a romantic and simple way to embrace the end of summer.

• Address: 326-17 Hanpungnu-ro, Muju-gun, Jeollabuk-do | 전라북도 무주군 무주읍 한풍루로 326-17 (설천면)

Waterbomb

This festival roves throughout Korea from Seoul to Gwangju then on to Incheon, Daegu, Busan, Daejeon, Suwon, Sokcho, and Jeju. Basically, wherever you are, there will be a waterbomb festival near you!

Taebaek Sunflower Festival (태백해바라기축제)

Taebaek Mountain is a popular location for a winter snow and ice festival, but in the summer it becomes home to hundreds of sunflowers. Visit in the summer to see this quintessential summer bloom.

• Address: 38-20 Guwa-oo-gil, Taebaek-si, Gangwon-do (강원도 태백시 구와우길 38-20 구와우마을)

Busan Sea Festival (부산 바다 축제)

Most tourists to Korea will head to Busan as their second must-see city especially in the summer months. If you visit at the right time though, you will also catch the sea festival which takes place across the city at top beaches like Haeundae, Gwangalli, Daedaepo, Songdo, and Songjeong. From sand sculptures to fireworks, there is a ton to enjoy during the event.

• Address: The beaches of Busan

Seoul Fringe Festival (태안 세계튤립축제)

A supercool arts and culture festival, Seoul Fringe Fest takes place in August usually and you can see and partake in various artistic events in Mapo-gu and Seodaemun-gu in popular areas like Hongdae and Yeonnam-dong among others. Find out more about this year’s events on the Seoul Fringe Festival Website.

• Address: Mapo-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 마포구)

Hansan Ramie Fabric Cultural Festival (한산모시문화제)

For something more traditional, head to Seocheon this summer to learn more about Hansan ramie fabric, a registered UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Experience weaving the traditional Korean natural fiber and try on clothing made from mosi, as it’s called in Korean.

• Address: 1089 Chungjeol-ro, Seocheon-gun, Chungcheongnam-do (충청남도 서천군 한산면 충절로 1089)
• Website: hansanmosi.kr

Sinchon Water Gun Festival (신촌물총축제)

Don’t want to head to the coast to get wet and wild? Well, you can join a massive watergun fight in the streets of Sinchon. There are live performances and artists and tons and tons of water fun. It’s… unique.

• Address: 18-63 Changcheon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 서대문구 창천동 18-63 (창천동))

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Things to do in the summer in Korea

Visit a waterpark

From large waterparks to splashpads in local parks, there is always some water to find to have fun in especially during the summer. Most of the water parks in Korea are attached to hotels so you can make a whole weekend of it or enjoy a staycation if you live in Korea.

• Caribbean Bay (캐리비안베이): At Everland Amusement Park, visit Caribbean Bay for huge fun!
  • Address: 199 Everland-ro, Pogok-eub, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기 용인시 처인구 포곡읍 에버랜드로 199)
• Lotte Water Park (롯데워터파크 김해): The Lotte Water Park in Gimhae is actually the largest water park in the country. The Polynesia theme might make you feel like you’ve gone on vacation.
  • Address: 555 Jangyu-ro, Gimhae-si, Gyeongsangnam-do (경남 김해시 장유로 555)
• Onemount Water Park (원마운트): Out in Goyang, this fun waterpark sits indoors and outdoors on the roof of a mall.
  • Address: 300 Hallyu World-ro, Ilsan Seo-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기 고양시 일산서구 한류월드로 300)
• Ocean World (오션월드): Vivaldi Parks’s Egyptian themed water park is in Hongcheon, Gangwon-do has some great views.
  • Address: 262 Hanchigol-gil, Seo-myeon, Hongcheon-gun, Gangwon-do (강원 홍천군 서면 한치골길 262)
• Sealala Water Park: This indoor waterpark in Yeongdeungpo is great if you’re in Seoul and looking for a family friendly fun spot. Especially great for families with small children.
  • Address: 164 Mullae-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (서울 영등포구 문래로 164 지하 2층)
• Seorak Waterpia (한화리조트설악워터피아): Out in Sokcho, Gangwon-do. Check out Seoraksan Mountain and then relax waterside.
  • Address: 111 Misiryeong-ro 2983 beon-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do (강원 속초시 미시령로2983번길 111)
• The Ocean Water Park (디오션 워터파크): Down in Yeosu, Jeollanam-do. You can see some great sites down there and tack this on so everyone can cool off.
  • Address: 295 Soho-ro, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do (전남 여수시 소호로 295)
• Welli Hilli Water Planet (웰리힐리파크): Head out to Heongseong in Gangwon-do for this huge waterpark with a ton of attractions.
  • Address: 451 Gowon-ro, Dullae-myeon, Heongseong-gun, Gangwon-do (강원 횡성군 둔내면 고원로 451)
• Woongjin Playdoci Waterdoci (웅진플레이도시 워터도시): This spot in Bucheon features the largest indoor water park in Korea. There’s a ton of fun here.
  • Address: 2 Jomaru-ro, Wonmi-gu, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 부천시 조마루로 2)
• Phoenix Blue Canyon Water Park (휘닉스 블루캐니언): Out in Pyeongchang, Gangwon-do that you may have heard of from the Winter Olympics. There is also summer fun to be had if you head here.
  • Address: 174 Taegi-ro, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do (강원도 평창군 봉평면 태기로 174)

Spot the sunsets

Summer is the season for spectacular sunsets in South Korea. If you’re staying in Seoul, check out this list of the best places to see the sunsets in Seoul. If you can take an adventure, head to the west coast to spot sunsets from a beautiful seaside spot. Wonder why everyone is picnicking at the Han River Parks in the summer? The breezes and the views.

Enjoy a baseball game

The KBO league baseball games are in full swing in the summer in Korea. There are nine teams in the KBO league and let me tell you, the fans are absolutely dedicated. Expect a different atmosphere than you might find in the States as there are cheerleaders, fans with bags on their heads, noise makers, and even specific songs they’ve made up for their teams. Also, they’ll be eating squid and a few other delicacies that might be a bit different than you expect. But the game itself is the same and an absolute blast to experience. 

• In Seoul, games are played at the Jamsil Baseball Stadium and Mokdong Baseball Stadium

Try Han River water sports

There are numerous water sports that you can experience on the Han River in the summer and paddle boarding is one of them. SUP has become popular in recent years. There is also kayaking and windsurfing.

Rent bikes and go for a ride

The spring is a great time to explore Seoul by bike. Rent a bike down on the Han River and see the fauna and flora come back to life, or rent the bikes in downtown Seoul to get from point A to point B as it’s not warm enough. 

Visit an aquarium

Maybe it’s raining, or you just want to feel cool while still being surrounded by water. Aquariums can’t be beat in the summer months. There are some really great aquariums all around Korea. If you’re not ready to dive into the water yourself, head to an aquarium and cool off as the fishies swim by.

Visit the Cheonggyecheon Stream

The Cheonggyecheon Stream is the perfect place to take a walk in downtown Seoul in the summer. Come summer, you’ll find many Seoulites sitting by streams in the evenings to cool off. You can too. You can walk from Gwanghwamun Square down to Gwangjang Market for lunch or dinner or go all the way out to the Han River along the stream path.

Go out at night

The days can be hot so one way to beat the heat is to wait until dark when it cools off a bit. There are some great things to do at night in Seoul. From the night markets to bus tours and Han River ferries, you can dance the night away or just enjoy the quiet atmosphere of parks with the night lights surrounding you. If hiking during the day is just too hot, you can even hike along the Seoul Fortress Wall or Suwon Fortress Wall at night as both are lit throughout the night hours.

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Summer flower hunting in Seoul

While spring cherry blossoms are what most people think of when they picture flowers in Korea, the blooms don’t stop when spring ends. In the summer, you can find lavender, daisies, and trumpet vines around Seoul and beyond.

Best places to see flowers in Seoul in the summer

Ttukseom Han River Park for trumpet vines

You’ll find trumpet vines growing along walls throughout the city, but the largest wall of them an be found from mid-June in Ttukseom Han River Park. This is a gorgeous, albeit invasive species that overtakes the wall in the park when to the furthest west in the park. You can’t miss it.

Herb Village for lavender

Herb Village is north of Seoul and is a beautiful garden that features both an indoor and outdoor area. The lavender fields here are our favorite and the closest ones to Seoul that you can find. While there are other lavender fields in Korea, they’re much further from Seoul. Take the opportunity to head to Herb Village this summer for fields of flowers and flower bibimbap for lunch.

Ganghwado Island for daisies

Take a daytrip to the nearby Ganghwado Island this summer. You can take a bus from Sinchon or Hapjeong and be out there before you know it. Mahogany Cafe is known for their dense and beautiful daisy garden. It’s beautiful and they even make a cake decorated with daisies to match. Get a picture walking amongst the flowers that Koreans say look like sunny-side up eggs. Can you see it?

Dodang Park Baekman Songi Rose Garden for roses

Just south of Seoul in Bucheon is where you should go to find the most gorgeous garden of roses. Picture roses in every color you can image spread across a couple hillsides. Blooming throughout June, it’ll be hot and humid, but those views are incredible. I’ve never seen so many roses in one place before. Mt. Dodang actually features the largest rose garden in the country. Go go go!

Best Korean food to eat in the summer

When it comes to summer staples, there are some great dishes to help you cool off in Korean cuisine. From the refreshing eats to the rejuvenating when you just don’t have the stamina anymore, there are a lot of options to dish up.

Patbingsu (팥빙수)

Pyeongyang Naengmyeon (평양냉면)

Mul Naengmyeon (물 냉면)

Kongguksu (콩국수)

Samgyetang (삼계탕)

Jangeo (장어)

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You’re ready for a trip to Korea in the spring if you ask me. Make sure you pack appropriately so you can get out and about and enjoy the flowers and weather in Seoul this spring in Korea.