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korea in june | wawoojeongsa temple in yongin

Compared to the frenetic pace of cherry blossom festivals in April, and spring events in May, Korea in June is relatively quiet. It almost feels like the calm before the storm, both literal and figurative, before heavy monsoon rains begin and the hectic summer tourism season starts in earnest.

korea in june | wawoojeongsa temple in yongin

Korea in June is like the calm before the storm.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

  • what the June weather in Korea is like
  • the Seoul weather in June and other major cities and tourist hotspots, including Busan, Jeju, Gangneung and the East Coast
  • the best summer festivals to attend in Korea in June
  • what to wear and the best things to pack for a successful trip to Korea in June

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Visiting Korea in June

If you can make it to Korea in June, it’s a great time to visit with the most comfortable weather of the summer, and a lull in tourist numbers.

Summer vacations haven’t started yet in much of the world, so it’s easier to book good value accommodation in popular neighbourhoods like Myeongdong and Hongdae, festivals and attractions are a little less crowded, and you’ll avoid major queues at the airport.

korea in june | bukchon hanok village

You might even get popular streets in Bukchon Hanok Village to yourself in June.

In June, it starts to get hot and humid, but it’s still decent enough to explore without struggling too much, especially in the first 2 weeks of the month. It’s undoubtedly the best time to see places in relative comfort and peace, before the weather becomes overly oppressive in July and August.

Korea in June | Weather

June in Korea is a shoulder month, as spring transitions fully into summer. During daylight hours, average high temperatures remain relatively stable over the course of the month, only varying by a couple of degrees, from 25°C | 77°F to 27°C | 81°F.

korea in june | lotuses at semiwon

Lotuses are in full bloom in Korea from late June © Kim Jiho, Korea Tourism Organization

The Korea weather in June is somewhat comfortable for the first few weeks, since it still cools down at night to around 20°C | 60°F.

In the middle of June in Korea though, humidity levels start to rise. By the end of the month, humidity is sitting at 54%, and overall precipitation also increases. This is a small taste of what the next 2 months of summer in Korea will bring, weather-wise.

Korea Weather in June Quick Guide

City

Average Lows

Average Highs

Precipitation

Seoul

18°C | 65°F

27°C | 81°F

133-mm | 5.24-inches

Busan

19°C | 66°F

23°C | 73°F

72-mm | 2.83-inches

Jeju Island

19°C | 66°F

25°C | 77°F

181-mm | 7.13-inches

Sokcho

7°C | 45°F

23°C | 73°F

116-mm | 4.57-inches

Jeonju

18°C | 64°F

28°C | 82°F

168-mm | 6.61-inches

Gyeongju

16°C | 61°F

25°C | 76°F

54-mm | 2.13-inches

Korea in June | Seoul Weather

It’s quite hot in Seoul in June, with relatively high humidity, and a “real feel” temperature close to 30°C | 86°F. The average high temperature increases 4°C | 5°F from May, reaching up to 27°C | 81°F in June.

korea in june | rooftop of seoulism cafe

The rooftop of Seoulism Cafe has a tropical feel in summer.

It rains for about 10 days of the month, but the longest days of the year in Korea are also in June. The sun is super strong, and you’ll burn fast if you’re fair-skinned, so be sure to apply sunscreen or wear a hat before you head outdoors.

* Personal note: it seems to be getting hotter, earlier every year, so while these are historical averages, I’d prepare for the climate to potentially be a lot hotter. I’m writing this in the last week of May and it’s already reaching daytime highs of 30°C | 86°F here in Seoul. Still cool in the evenings though.

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Korea Weather in June | Busan

June is a great month to visit Busan, before temperatures climb too high and summer beach season sees crowds descend upon the city’s beaches in force.

Busan is located on the southeastern coast of Korea, so it’s one of the cooler cities of Korea in June. It has average daily high temperatures of 23°C | 73°F to 25°C | 77°F, and an average humidity of 80%. Yes, that sounds horrible, but with fresh sea breezes and a slightly lower temperature, it usually feels more comfortable than landlocked Seoul.

korea in june | haeundae beach in busan

Head to Busan beaches in June if you want to avoid this © Live Studio, Korea Tourism Organization

June is a little wet, with an average of 9 days of rain per month, totalling approximately 72-mm of precipitation, but there’s not much worry about flooding or typhoons like in the other summer months.

There’s quite a bit of cloud cover in Busan in June, but that doesn’t mean that you’re safe from UV rays. Be cautious, especially if you’re prone to burning easily.

korea in june | Oryukdo skywalk

June is a good month to explore sights like the Oryukdo Skywalk in comfort © Kim Jiho, Korea Tourism Organization

TIP  |  Short on time? Explore the best attractions in Busan with this jampacked tour to the Busan Skywalk, Gamcheon Culture Village, Songdo Cable Car, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, and more. Lunch and transport included. Check availability of this day tour to all the Busan hotspots here.

Korea Weather in June | Gangneung (East Coast)

The Korea weather in June on the East Coast beaches is typically a bit cooler than in the interior. Gangneung in June has average temperatures around 22°C | 72°F. In my experience. it can feel cooler than that, especially if it’s windy, so be prepared with some heavier weight clothing for evening hours.

korea in june | jeongdongjin beach in korea

It’s usually too cold for swimming on the East Coast of Korea in June © Kim Jiho, Korea Tourism Organization

There’s about 11 days of rain in Gangneung and area in June, and the sea temperature is a chilly 19°C | 66°F. It’s definitely too cold for swimming in Korea in June (for most people).

TIP  |  This 3 hour private taxi tour of Gangneung area sites provides incredible value at just 20,000 won per car (max 4 people). Choose between K-WAVE, Coffee City, or Gangneung History Tour to see famous sites like the BTS bus stop, Anmok Beach Coffee Street, Gyeongpo Lake, or Ohjukheon in total comfort. Check availability and select a private taxi tour here.

Korea Weather in June | Jeju Island

If you’re visiting Jeju at the beginning of June, you’ll be treated to some of the most pleasant weather of the year, with average high temperatures of 22°C | 72°F, 15% humidity, and sunny skies.

korea in june | hydrangea in jeju

Gorgeous hydrangea on Jeju Island © Lee Sang-woon, Korea Tourism Organization

As the month progresses though, temperatures increase to a still pleasant 26°C | 79°F, but humidity reaches a soaring 78% and there’s more chance of rain, wind, and cloudy skies.

Despite this, the sea temperature is still a bit cool for swimming unless you like colder water. The best time for swimming on beaches like Hamdeok is August.

korea in june | seas around jeju

The seas around Jeju are on the cooler side in June © Park Dong-cheol

It’s important to note that Jeju is one of the areas of Korea that’s most often affected by summer typhoons. Be sure to check weather reports before planning any trip to Jeju Island in the summer months.

GETTING AROUND JEJU ISLAND  |  Public transit on Jeju Island is not as efficient as in Seoul. Distances are long, and it’s a lot slower, so most visitors either take day tours, hire a taxi, rent a car, or book a private car charter.

To rent a car as a traveller to Korea, you MUST have: a book type international driver’s permit (obtained in your home country), your passport, and your driver’s license from home. Check prices here.

Korea in June | Public Holidays 2024

There is 1 major national public holidays in Korea in June 2024: Memorial Day on Thursday, June 6th.

korea in june | memorial day

Memorial day commemorates veterans who have defended Korea © Jeon Han, Korea.net / Korean Culture and Information Service (CC BY-SA 2.0)

These are days off for most Koreans, but that doesn’t mean you’ll have trouble finding things to do. All tourist sites and restaurants will be open to the public, and there’ll be a ton of special events planned, particularly for Memorial Day (현충일).

korea in june | aloft hotel myeongdong

Book hotels early if you plan to travel around public holidays in Korea in June.

If you’re planning to travel around South Korea near these dates, it’s very important that you book transport and accommodation as far in advance as possible. With 25 million people potentially traveling out of Seoul at the exact same time, trains, buses and the best hotels in the best neighbourhoods get booked up fast.

GOOD TO KNOW  |  Don’t be alarmed when you hear a siren sounding across the country, and all traffic stops on Memorial Day (June 6th). We’re not under attack! It signals a minute of silence to honour Korea’s veterans.

If you’d like to learn more about South Korea’s military past and present (since we’re technically still at war with North Korea), a day trip to the DMZ or demilitarized zone is one of the most unique experiences you can have in the world. Check availability of DMZ tours here or here.

Limited Edition Summer Tours in Korea

Summer is the perfect time to take advantage of the scorching heat with activities at water parks, beaches, and on boats. From gorgeous lotus flowers to a beach full of mud, there’s a ton of unique events and festivals designed just for the hot, hot summer months in Korea.

buyeo seodong lotus festival

Lotuses only bloom during the hot, steamy months in Korea.

Boryeong Mud Festival

The Boryeong Mud Festival is summer’s most popular festival! © Jeong Sung-joo, Korea Travel Organization

Korea in June | Best Festivals and Events

I feel like there’s a very slight pause in the hectic festival schedule in Korea in June. It’s as if people are saving their energy for the incredible variety of events coming up for the busy summer months of July and August. Not to worry though – even at its quietest months, Korea is still the Queen of festivals!

seokchon lake park norimadang in jamsil, seoul

There’s always something happening in Korea!

To see weather and festivals for other months in Korea, check the following guides:

nami island in autumn

There are events and festivals all year round in Korea.

Yongsugol Red Poppy Festival | 용수골꽃양귀비축제

Festival Dates: TBA for 2024, May 19th – June 6th last year

Address: 1632-1, Seogok-ri, Panbu-myeon, Wonju-si, Gangwon-do | 강원 원주시 판부면 용수골길 326

Red poppy fields are a bit rare in Korea, but they’re a sight to behold if you should stumble upon one. Head to the Yongsugol Red Poppy Festival in Wonju, and you can admire a never ending 41,000 square metre landscape of delicate crimson flowers.

korea in june | poppies

Poppies bloom for a brief moment in time in early summer.

If you can’t make it to Wonju, some other notable places to see poppies in Korea in June are Sangdong Lake Park in Bucheon, Hadong Bukcheon in Gyeongsangnam-do, Simhak Mountain in Paju, and Olympic Park in Seoul. I’ve also seen them scattered around the Hangang River Parks.

More details on the Yongsugol Red Poppy Festival here (only in Korean).

KOREAN FOLK VILLAGE + HAN RIVER CRUISE  |  The Han River Night Cruise is finally back! Combine a trip to the Korean Folk Village in Yongin with a night cruise on the Han River to see Korea’s past and present on the same day. Check availability of the Folk Village + Han River Cruise tour here.

Herb One Lavender Festival | 정읍 허브원 라벤더 축제

Festival Dates: TBA for 2024, May 26th – June 30th last year

Address: 188-29, Guryang1-gil, Jeongeup-si, Jeollabuk-do | 전북 정읍시 구량1길 188-29

The lavender fields at Herb One Cafe in Jeollabuk-do Province are the largest in Korea. Breathe in their heady fragrance, frolic through purple fields, and indulge in some pretty purple ice cream.

korea in june | herb one lavender festival

Lovely lavender ice cream.

We visited pretty close to the beginning of the festival, and while it was still pretty, there was a lot left to blom. I recommend visiting during the latter half of the festival dates to enjoy fuller fields of flowers… and watch out for the bees. There are a LOT of them.

More details on the Herb One Lavender Festival here (only in Korean).

Gangneung Danoje Festival 2024 | 강릉단오제

Festival Dates: June 6th – 13th, 2024

Address: 1, Danojang-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do | 강원도 강릉시 단오장길 1

After 3 long years, the UNESCO inscribed Gangneung Danoje Festival is back in Korea in June. This event has been celebrated for over 1000 years to welcome the gods and pray for a good harvest, using Confucian, Shamanistic and Buddhist rituals.

korea in june | gwanno mask dance at gangneung danoje festival

The Gangneung Danoje Festival is 1000 years old © IR Studio

Starting with the brewing of sacred liquor, and continuing with various rituals utilizing sacred objects, there’s also a Gwanno mask drama, oral narrative poetry, and Odokddegi folk songs. Events take place in various locations around Gangneung, including Daegwallyeong Ridge, and the Namdaecheon.

korea in june | gangneung danoje festival

Danoje Festival © Jeon Han, Korea.net / Korean Culture and Information Service (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Be sure to stop into the Nanjang market, which is Korea’s largest outdoor marketplace, to explore local products and handicrafts and see fun contests, games and circus performances.

More details on their website.

ALPACA WORLD, NAMI ISLAND + GANGCHON RAIL BIKE  |  See adorable alpacas, wander gorgeous Nami Island, and pedal on abandoned railway tracks at the Gangchon Rail Park all on one super-convenient day tour. All transport and admissions included. Check availability of the Alpaca World day tour here (at least 48 hours in advance).

Ultra Korea 2024 | 울트라 코리아

Festival Dates: June 7th – 9th, 2024

Address: 서울특별시 송파구 잠실동 올림픽로 25

Set to return to Korea in June, Ultra is one of the biggest outdoor electronic music festivals in the country. In its 10th year in Korea, this 2 day festival features world class DJs from around the world, including Adam Beyer, Marshmello, Martin Garrix, and more.

This festival is 19+. Check the full line-up and get tickets here.

Busan One Asia Festival 2024 | 부산 원아시아페스티벌

Festival Dates: June 8th – 9th, 2024 

Address: 344, World cup-daero, Yeonje-gu, Busan | 부산광역시 연제구 월드컵대로 344

Taking place in June in South Korea, the Busan One Asia Festival is one of the ROK’s biggest hallyu events, designed to spread K-love all over the world. It includes multiple K-pop concerts with idols, exhibitions, markets, fan meet and greets, and much, much more.

The lineup for the June 8th K-pop concert hasn’t been announced yet, but past events have featured the likes of NCT 127, Oh My Girl, Lee Chae Yeon, The Wind, and many more. Get full details here.

World DJ Festival 2024 | 월드디제이페스티벌

Festival Dates: June 15th – 16th, 2024

Address: Seoul Land | 181, Gwangmyeong-ro, Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi-do | 경기도 과천시 광명로 181 (막계동)

The World DJ Festival is back in June in Korea at a brand new venue. Groove to a wide range of EDM genres, from house to trance to hardcore, with thousands of other partiers – which I’m guessing is a whole lot more fun, then doing it solo in your living room.

More details on the World DJ Festival here.

2024 WORLD DJ FESTIVAL TICKETS  |  Grab passes for both days of the World DJ Festival, or pick and choose which day you want to attend, based on who you want to see. Grab early bird tickets.

BTS Festa | BTS 페스타

Festival Dates: TBA for 2024, June 12th – 25th last year

Address: All over Seoul

ARMY rejoice! To mark their 10th Anniversary, K-pop supergroup BTS will be taking over the entire city of Seoul in June, with incredible events, displays, celebrations, and more.

korea in june | bts festa

BTS Festa takes over Seoul in June.

During BTS Festa, major landmarks like the Some Sevit Floating Islands at Banpo Hangang Park, Dongdaemun Design Plaza, Seoul City Hall, and Namsan Tower will be bathed in purple, and an ARMY Road will be created for fans.

A new BTS digital single, called “Take Two,” will be released on Friday, June 9th.

Be sure to head to Yeouido Hangang Park on June 17th for the main events, including a fireworks show at 8:30 to 9:00PM, and a special RM hosted meet and greet in the ARMY lounge for a lucky few ARMY fan club members. I purple you!

Get full details on their website (looks like it’s still in the process of being updated).

BTS bus stop in Gangneung

The BTS bus stop is in Gangneung at Jumunjin Beach.

BTS TOURS FOR ARMY  |  Can’t make it for the Festa? Don’t worry – there are a ton of other activities and tours available especially for ARMY.

Hueree Summer Hydrangea Festival | 휴애 여름 수국축제

Festival Dates: TBA for 2024, but June 10th – July 20th last year

Address: 256, Sillyedong-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do | 제주특별자치도 서귀포시 남원읍 신례동로 256

Hueree Natural Park is located near Hallasan Mountain, and offers beautiful gardens, seasonal festivals, and a number of experiential activities. This is one of the most popular places to visit in Jeju for locals and tourists alike.

hueree natural park hydrangea festival

Gorgeous hydrangeas at Hueree Natural Park in Jeju.

During Hueree Summer Hydrangea Festival, soak in the beauty of hundreds of hydrangeas in a rainbow of colours. When you tire of the flowers (if that’s possible), try feeding baby pigs, rabbits, squirrels, and black goats, or go for a leisurely stroll through a pine forest of full of volcanic stone towers.

HUEREE NATURAL PARK DISCOUNTED TICKETS  |  Hueree is one of Jeju’s most beautiful parks, with seasonal festivals, hands-on activities, and even a hot spring to soak your feet in! Check into here.

Lotte Family Concert 2024 | 롯데패밀리 콘서트

Festival Dates: TBA for 2024, June 16th – 18th last year

Address: 424 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul | 서울 송파구 올림픽로 424 올림픽공원

The Lotte Family Concert is a yearly event, that features incredible performances from the biggest names in K-POP. The concert takes place over 3 days at the KSPO Dome in Olympic Park in Jamsil.

Performers last year included: NCT Dream, Stray Kids, aespa, STAYC, ENHYPHEN,and many more. Check the full line-up and grab tickets here.

KOREAN FOLK PERFORMANCES AT THE GUGAK CENTRE  |  Seeing a performance at the National Gugak Centre in Seoul is a must-do activity for any culture enthusiasts interested in Korean traditional folk arts. Be sure to visit the excellent free museum nearby to try out some traditional instruments yourself! Check availability and reserve tickets for a traditional performance at the National Gugak Centre.

Toechon Tomato Festival | 퇴촌 토마토축제

Festival Dates: June 14th – 16th, 2024

Address: 104-7, Ori-gil, Gwangju-si, Gyeonggi-do | 경기도 광주시 퇴촌면 오리길 104-7 일원

If you’ve ever wanted to bathe in a tub full of juicy tomatoes, you’ll get your chance at the Toechon Tomato Festival.

la tomatina spain

This pic is from the famous La Tomatina Festival in Spain, but you get the idea © flydime (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Taking place every year in Gwangju (the one near Seoul, not the one in Jeollanam-do), this festival celebrates the delicious tomato, with tomato harvesting, tomato wars and other tomato-related events.

Korea in June | What to Wear

Korea’s weather in June is a little schizophrenic. At the beginning of the month, you could get away with longer length pants and lighter weight shirts if you’re someone that’s usually cold. However, by the end of the month, I don’t know many people who aren’t struggling under the weight of the combined heat and humidity.

korea in june

You’ll definitely need shorts and t-shirts by the end of June in Korea.

Shorts, skirts, tees, and anything lighter weight work well to deal with the climate in Korea in June. Unless you want to stand out a lot (and not in a good way), I wouldn’t wander around the city streets shirtless or just wearing a tank top.

Bring along a hoodie, cardigan or light jacket for potential cooler evening temperatures and wind at the beginning of the month. It can feel downright chilly at times after the sun has gone down.

view of the sea from Hyangiram Hermitage

It can still feel a bit chilly at night in Korea in June, especially if you’re next to the sea.

There is some precipitation, but not really enough to worry about, unless you’re visiting in the last few weeks of June. This is when the bulk of rainfall happens, as we head into summer monsoon season.

It’s also helpful to have waterproof shoes, sandals, or quick-dry clothing. I wouldn’t recommend wearing a raincoat during the day, in June in Korea, as it would be quite hot and uncomfortable.

korea in june | odongdo island

An umbrella is better than a raincoat in Korea in June.

Tips for What to Wear in Korea in June

1
It's less humid at the beginning of June in Korea than at the end, so prepare accordingly. If you're visiting in the last few weeks of June, expect more rain and much higher humidity.
2
Koreans generally dress quite well. You'll stand out quite a bit if you're wearing a ``typical backpacker`` look. Wandering around shirtless or in a tank top isn't common, no matter how hot it is.
3
If you don't want to draw unwelcome attention to yourself, it's best to dress on the conservative side. For women, a low neckline will attract eyes, but a super short skirt won't (go figure).
korea in june | ikseon-dong

Ikseon-dong in Seoul is ready for the rain in June © Lee Bumsu, Korea Tourism Organization

Visiting Korea in June | Packing List

Here’s a rough guideline of items to pack for the Korea weather in June.

Korea in June | Bring from Home

  • travel documents: passport, itineraries, hotel reservations, plane tickets, travel visas, insurance
  • adaptor / plug
  • t-shirts, lightweight sweaters, hoodies, cardigans
  • lightweight pants
  • shorts, capris
  • skirts or dresses
  • swimsuit, rashguard, goggles, swimcap if you plan to brave the water or a swimming pool
  • light jacket, windbreaker or waterproof shell
  • sunglasses
  • deodorant, feminine hygiene items
  • comfortable running shoes or sandals for lots of walking (water resistant shoes are good at this time of year)
  • any special medications you need

Buy in Korea

  • umbrella if it rains
  • disposable masks
  • skincare products like sunscreen (high quality and cheap in Korea!)
korea in june | gwangalli beach

You definitely be ready for the beach by the end of June in Korea © Live Studio, Korea Tourism Organization

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Korea in June: Essential Info and FAQs

1
Is June a good time to visit Korea? If you're visiting Korea in June, you'll get the best weather of the summer. There is some humidity and it's quite hot but it's much more comfortable than July and August.
2
Is June hot in Korea? Average daily temperatures in Korea in June range from 18 to 27°C. It can still feel a little chilly at night. especially at the beginning of the month, but by the end of month, it's warm enough at night to ditch the hoodies.
3
Is Korea cold in June? Korea in June is definitely not cold. Temperatures and humidity get progressively higher over the course of the month, and by the end, it can feel very hot.
4
What to do in Korea in June? There are various culture, flower, and music festivals to go to all over Korea in June. It's still a good time for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and picnicking. It's warm enough by the end of June to hit the beach and take part in other water sports.

All ready for the perfect trip to Korea in June? What have you got planned?

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