The spring flowers of May and relatively comfortable weather of June are but a distant memory in Korea in July.
This is the peak of summer in all its hot, humid, monsoon glory. If you’re not used to this type of searing heat, July can be a difficult time to travel to South Korea – but it’s also a month packed full of incredible festivals, activities, and stunning places to go.
There are perfect days in Korea in July too!
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- what the weather is like during July in Korea
- the Seoul weather in July and other major cities and tourist hotspots, including Busan, Gangneung, and Jeju Island
- the best summer festivals to attend around the country in July
- what to wear and the best things to pack for a successful trip to Korea in July
*Any purchases made through affiliate links here help run this site. Support my blog here.
In this guide
- 1 Visiting Korea in July
- 2 Korea in July | Weather
- 3 Korea Weather in July Quick Guide
- 4 Planning a trip to Korea?
- 5 Korea in July | Typhoons
- 6 Limited Edition Summer Tours in Korea
- 7 July in Korea | Best Festivals and Events
- 7.1 Hueree Summer Hydrangea Festival | 휴애 여름 수국축제
- 7.2 Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival 2024 | 부천 국제판타스틱영화제
- 7.3 Semiwon Lotus Flower Festival 2024 | 세미원
- 7.4 Pocheon Herb Island Lavender Festival 2024 | 포천 허브아일랜드 라벤더 페스티벌
- 7.5 Garden of Morning Calm Rose of Sharon Festival | 아침고요수목원 무궁화 축제
- 7.6 2024 Daegu Chimak Festival | 대구치맥페스티벌
- 7.7 Buyeo Seodong Lotus Festival | 부여서동연꽃축제
- 7.8 Boryeong Mud Festival 2024 | 보령머드축제
- 7.9 Taebaek Sunflower Festival | 태백해바라기축제
- 7.10 WATERBOMB 2024 | 워터밤
- 7.11 Bongwha Sweetfish Festival 2024 | 봉화은어축제
- 8 Korea in July | What to Wear
- 9 Visiting Korea in July | Packing List
Visiting Korea in July
The July weather in Korea is challenging. There’s no getting around that fact. But Koreans don’t let the heat, humidity, and rain stop them from getting out and enjoying all the country has to offer, and you shouldn’t either.
Equip yourself with a personal fan, strong SPF, and an umbrella and hit the streets. Because some of South Korea’s best festivals happen in July, huge water parks open around the country, and there are gorgeous beaches to enjoy on every single coast.
There are picture perfect beaches to enjoy in Korea in July.
Despite the less than ideal weather, July in Korea is still a busy time for travel, with summer vacations starting around the world and diaspora headed back for a taste of home.
If you’re planning your visit to Korea in July, it’s wise to book day tours and accommodation in Seoul as early as possible… especially if you’re on a limited budget.
Korea in July | Weather
The Korea weather in July is hot, sticky, and downright uncomfortable. The average high temperatures range in the high 20s°C | low 80s°F, and there are definitely days in the low 30s°C | high 80s°F and higher. I’m sad to say that I’m writing this in the last weeks of June, and we’ve already hit 33°C | 91°F a couple times.
Does she look hot? The humidity at Oedo Botania was intense, but we survived.
However, it’s not the high temperatures that make this month a test of endurance. It’s the incredible humidity. July is the most humid month of the year, with an average humidity of nearly 80%. Make sure to stay hydrated, take breaks, and wear sunscreen to avoid heat exhaustion. Prepare to sweat. A lot!
Korea Weather in July Quick Guide
City | Average Lows | Average Highs | Precipitation |
Seoul | 22°C | 71°F | 29°C | 84°F | 395-mm | 15.55-inches |
Busan | 23°C | 73°F | 26°C | 78°F | 233-mm | 3.82-inches |
Jeju Island | 23°C | 74°F | 29°C | 84°F | 240-mm | 9.45-inches |
Sokcho | 20°C | 68°F | 26°C | 79°F | 247-mm | 9.72-inches |
Jeonju | 22°C | 72°F | 30°C | 86°F | 300-mm | 11.81-inches |
Gyeongju | 21°C | 69°F | 27°C | 81°F | 205-mm | 8.07-inches |
Korea in July | Seoul Weather
The Seoul weather in July feels very hot and muggy. The average temperature in Seoul increases just a couple degrees over the course of the month, from 27°C | 81°F to 29°C | 84°F, but you can also expect at least a few days in the mid-30s°C | 90s°F.
It stays quite warm at night – so much so that even breezes feel hot. There’s little to cool things off, except for the summer rains, which bring a much needed respite from the high humidity that’s characteristic of Korea in July.
The Seoul weather in July is hot, hot, hot!
July in Seoul is usually the month with the most rain and cloud cover, totalling nearly 400-mm of precipitation by month-end. Despite the grey skies though, the UV index is at its highest. Make sure to use sunscreen, wear a hat, or carry a parasol, as you’ll burn very easily without realizing it.
Check out my tips on how we Seoulites survive the hot and humid conditions.
*Personal note: It’s July 2nd, and we’ve officially entered the monsoon or rainy season. We’ve had a day or two of heavy rain, but also some perfectly sunny days, so it looks to be a mix of rain and clear days this year. Whether it’s dry or wet however, it’s sure to be hot and humid, so stay hydrated and be sure to take breaks!
Planning a trip to Korea?
Connect with other travellers | Ask and get answers to all your travel questions | Learn about all the best things to do in Korea | Join our Korea Travel Planning + Guide Facebook Group now.
South Korea Travel Essentials
Hotels and Other Accommodation
Wifi, SIM Cards, and Portable Wifi
4G unlimited data SIM card | Portable and Pocket 4G WiFi
Airport Transfers and Luggage Delivery
AREX Incheon Airport Express Train
K Airport Limousine Bus from Incheon Airport
Incheon Airport to Seoul Private Transfers
Gimhae Airport to Busan Private Airport Transfers
Car Rentals (International Drivers Permit required)
Luggage Delivery To / From Hotel or Airport
Tours, Admission Tickets, and Things to Do
Get Your Guide | Klook | Trazy | Viator | Fever
Money-Saving Transit and Transport Passes
Visit Busan Pass with FREE admission to 31 attractions + 77 discounted
Wowpass, Prepaid Debit Card for Cashless Payment in Korea (includes T-money Card)
Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tours
Seoul City Hop-on Hop-off Tour Bus Day | Seoul Night View Course
Travel Visas
Travel requirements, visas, and passport photos for a trip to South Korea
Korea Weather in July | Busan
Busan is located on the southeastern coast of Korea, so it’s slightly cooler than landlocked Seoul in July. It has average daily temperatures of 25°C | 77°F to 29°C | 84°F. In Busan, the Korea weather in July is quite wet, with an average of 13 days of rain, totalling approximately 200-mm of precipitation.
Haeundae is one of the busiest beaches come July in Korea © Live Studio, Korea Tourism Organization
If it’s not raining, July in Korea is definitely the month to relax at one of the city’s many beaches, get out on a sightseeing cruise of Busan’s harbour. or enjoy incredible views at the top of Busan Haeundae x the Sky.
SHORT ON TIME? | Explore the best attractions in Busan on this jam packed 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 July | Gangneung (East Coast)
The Korea weather in July on the East Coast beaches is slightly cooler than in the interior. Gangneung in July has average daily temperatures ranging from 25°C | 77°F to 28°C | 82°F, with an average humidity of 82%.
It can fall to as low as 20°C | 68°F at night time. If it’s windy, it can feel a bit chilly, so prepare with a light windbreaker or hoodie if you’re prone to feeling cold.
When it stops raining on the East Coast, it’s gorgeous. This is Anmok Beach.
Gangneung is similar to the rest of Korea in July weather-wise, with about 15 days of rain, constant cloud cover, and a high UV index. Precipitation totals an average of around 235-mm, over the course of the month, but if it’s a particularly wet season, there can be as much as 400-mm of rain.
GANGNEUNG HOTSPOTS TOUR | The perfect East Coast day tour from Seoul, with stops at the immersive digital Arte Museum, the BTS bus stop at Jumunjin Beach, traditional markets, and more. Check full info here.
Korea Weather in July | Jeju Island
In July, Jeju has average high temperatures of 26°C | 79°F to 30°C | 86°F, but it can feel a lot hotter. With humidity levels reaching 78%, Jeju has a “real feel” temperature hovering around 35°C | 95°F. There’s about 12 days of rain on Jeju Island in July, totalling around 240-mm of precipitation.
Hamdeok Beach in Jeju has a unique sandbar, volcanic rock, and turquoise seas.
When it’s not raining, the sea is a wonderful 25°C | 77°F that’s perfect for swimming. However, heat exhaustion and sunstroke are real possibilities, so be sure to stay in the shade as much as possible, drink lots of water, and slather on that sunscreen if you’re at the beach.
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 July | Typhoons
July to September is typhoon season in South Korea. Typhoons have affected us pretty regularly over the last few years, but few of them have been deadly. It can however, mean high winds, flash floods, mudslides, and property damage – particularly in the southern regions of the country.
Typhoons can cause flooding, mudslides and property damage © 울진군청 (KOGL Type 1)
If a typhoon should hit Korea in July, it’s best to stay indoors, shut the windows tight and avoid places where there could be flooding or mudslides.
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.
Lotus flowers bloom in the July in Korea.
- In the SOOP BTS Tour | March 22nd – June 30th, 2024
- Jeju Gimnyeong Yacht Cruise | March 20th – July 14th, 2024
- World DJ Festival | June 15th – 16th, 2024
- Korean Summer Camp | July 1st – 19th, 2024 (application deadline May 15th)
- 2024 Korean Language Summer Camp | July 8th – 26th, 2024 (application deadline May 1st)
- 2024 K-Pop Summer Camp | August 5th – 23rd, 2024 (application deadline May 1st)
- Jarasum Namdo Flower Festival + Nami Island + Alpaca Ranch | TBA for 2024, May 26th – July 1st last year
- Club Nine Water Park Day Tour | TBA for 2024, June 1st – September 28th last year
- SBS M&C Overnight Sunrise EDM Party on Nine Beach in Donghae | 2024 TBA, June 3rd – August 26th last year
- Lotte Family K-Pop Concert | TBA for 2024, June 16th – 18th last year
- Buyeo Lotus Flower Festival + Jeonju Hanok Villlage | TBA for 2024, July 10th – 28th last year
- Boryeong Mud Festival, Daecheon Beach + Suspension Bridge | TBA for 2024, July 21st – August 4th last year
- Boryeong Mud Festival | TBA for 2024, July 21st – August 26th last year
Mud, mud, mud! © Kim Jiho, Korea Tourism Organization
July in Korea | Best Festivals and Events
From serene lotuses, to a massive water gun battle on the streets of Seoul, there are a number of incredibly popular festivals happening in Korea in July. Check out these guides if you’re visiting in other months.
There’s always something amazing to do in Korea.
- Korea in January: The Coldest Month of the Year
- Korea in February: The Final Month of Winter
- Korea in March: First Signs of Spring
- Korea in April: Chasing Cherry Blossoms
- Korea in May: In Full Bloom
- Korea in June: The Best Month of Summer
- Korea in August: Summer Vacation for EVERYONE!
- Korea in September: Autumn Relief
- Korea in October: Full on Fall Foliage
- Korea in November: Autumn to Winter Transition
- Korea in December: Christmas Lights Galore
There are excellent events happening all the time in Korea.
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 has 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.
Gorgeous hydrangeas at Hueree Natural Park in Jeju.
During the Hueree Summer Hydrangea Festival, immerse yourself in a rainbow of hydrangeas as far as the eye can see. You can also 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 details here.
Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival 2024 | 부천 국제판타스틱영화제
Festival Dates: July 7th – 14th, 2024
Address: 210, Gilju-ro, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do | 경기도 부천시 길주로 210 (중동)
If your idea of fun on a steamy July night in Korea is getting scared out of your wits, then the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BiFan) is for you. It’s all about Asian horror, thriller, mystery and fantasy films. (Don’t show this trailer to your kids!)
The last BIFAN festival featured 257 films from 47 countries. Get more details here.
Semiwon Lotus Flower Festival 2024 | 세미원
Festival Dates: all of July and August 2024
Address: 93, Yangsu-ro, Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do | 경기도 양평군 양서면 양수로 93All
Water lilies, including lotus flowers bloom beautifully during summer in Korea. The Semiwon is a picturesque spot located near Dumulmeori, where the heads of the Bukhan and Namhan Rivers meet.
See lotuses at the Semiwon near Dumulmeori © Kim Jiho, Korea Tourism Organization
At the Semiwon, you can wander through the serene garden, surrounded by hundreds of different types of water lilies. If you’re looking for more activity at the festival, try your hand at making handkerchiefs and fans out of lotus leaves.
Pocheon Herb Island Lavender Festival 2024 | 포천 허브아일랜드 라벤더 페스티벌
Festival Dates: all of July and August, 2024
Address: 35, Cheongsin-ro 947beon-gil, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do | 경기도 포천시 신북면 청신로947번길 35 (신북면)
Aromatic lavender blooms across South Korea in July. Breathe in its ultra soothing scent at the Pocheon Herb Island Lavender Festival, which takes place all summer long. This is the largest herbal botanical garden in Korea, with over 250 different kinds of herbs and plants, so there’s plenty to see and do.
Breathe in the soothing scent of lavender in Korea in July.
Take pictures at flowery photo zones, make natural soap and cosmetics, or take a break from the heat inside the air-conditioned Herb Garden Museum.
More details here.
ALL-IN-ONE POCHEON DAY TOUR | Play high-tech military survival games, see the filming location of the Korean drama “Legend from the Sea,” at the Pocheon Art Valley, and of course, smell lavender at Herb Island on this easy day tour from Seoul. Check availability and prices here.
Garden of Morning Calm Rose of Sharon Festival | 아침고요수목원 무궁화 축제
Festival Dates: all of July 2024
Address: 432, Sumogwon-ro, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do | 경기도 가평군 상면 수목원로 432 (상면)
Hydrangea and the Rose of Sharon bloom in Korea in July, and the Garden of Morning Calm is one of the best places near Seoul to see these gorgeous summer flowers.
Gawking at 250 varieties of Korea’s national flower – the Mugunghwa (Rose of Sharon) at the garden juuuust might make you forget the heat.
The Mugunghwa might be associated with this creepy doll forever now.
In combination with places like Nami Island, Alpaca World, and the Gangchon Rail Bike, the Garden of Morning Calm is one of the most popular day tours from Seoul, and one well worth taking.
TIP | If you don’t have a car, the easiest, most affordable way to see the Garden of Morning Calm and other nearby locations, without wasting tons of time on public transit, is on an all-inclusive tour. Customize a day trip, including round-trip transport, to the Garden of Morning Calm and surrounding area here.
2024 Daegu Chimak Festival | 대구치맥페스티벌
Festival Dates: July 3rd – 7th, 2024
Address: 7, Gongwonsunhwan-ro, Dalseo-gu, Daegu | 대구 달서구 공원순환로 7 두류공원야구장
Could Korean fried chicken washed down with an ice cold beer be the best food and drink combo in history? I think it’s possible – especially in the steamy hot weather of July in Korea.
Fried chicken and beer might be the perfect combo © Kim Jiho, Korea Tourism Organization
You can test out the theory yourself at the Daegu Chimac Festival, while dancing your heart out, chicken wing in one hand, beer in the other.
PS: If you didn’t know already – CHI = Chicken and MAK = Maekju (the Korean word for beer)
Details here.
Buyeo Seodong Lotus Festival | 부여서동연꽃축제
Festival Dates: TBA for 2024, July 13th – 16th last year
Address: 52, Gungnam-ro, Buyeo-gun, Chungcheongnam-do | 충청남도 부여군 부여읍 궁남로 52 / 부여 궁남지 일원
Buyeo is one of the former capitals of the Baekje Kingdom, along with Gongju City. Both cities are worth a visit, but head to Buyeo during July in Korea, when lotus flowers are in full bloom for summer. The Buyeo Seodong Lotus Festival celebrates the romance of King Mu and Princess Seonhwa.
See lotuses AND a historical love story in Buyeo in July.
Festival events include performances of this historical love story, as well as hands-on programs like lotus flower origami classes, soap making, candle-making sessions, and a LED lantern exhibition.
More details here (Korean only).
BUYEO LOTUS FESTIVAL + JEONJU HANOK VILLAGE | Enjoy the traditional side of Korea with the sight of thousands of red lotus flowers in Buyeo, and over 800 hanok houses in Jeonju Hanok Village. Check details here.
Boryeong Mud Festival 2024 | 보령머드축제
Festival Dates: July 19th – August 4th, 2024
Address: 897-15, Daehae-ro, Boryeong-si, Chungcheongnam-do | 충청남도 보령시 대해로 897-15 (신흑동)
Every year, thousands of people flock to Daecheon Beach in Chuncheongnam-do to coat themselves in nutrient-rich Boryeong mud by day, and party to K-pop and EDM at night. I mean, you can’t really argue with festival events like giant mud baths, mud mazes, mud painting, and mud slides, can you?
Prepare to get dirty at the Boryeong Mud Festival © Jeong Sung-joo, Korea Travel Organization
I’m gonna go out on a limb here, and say that this is probably THE most popular and famous festival for international visitors to Korea in July. Join a day tour here.
STAY NEAR DAECHEON BEACH | This is one of summer’s most popular festivals, drawing people from all over Korea. If you plan to stay overnight on a weekend, and want to stay near the festival site, book hotels early. They WILL get fully booked up. Check availability, reviews, and prices of hotels in Boryeong here:
Taebaek Sunflower Festival | 태백해바라기축제
Festival Dates: TBA for 2024, July 21st – August 15th last year
Address: 38-33, Guwau-gil, Taebaek-si, Gangwon-do | 강원도 태백시 구와우길 38-33 (황지동)
Wanna get lost in a sea of bright yellow sunflowers? Well you can do it easily at the Taebaek Sunflower Festival in Guwau Village. It’s the largest sunflower patch in all of Korea.
Sunflowers appear in Korea in July.
Get more details here (Korean only).
WATERBOMB 2024 | 워터밤
Festival Dates in 2024: Seoul – July 5th – 7th | Jeju – July 13th | Daegu – July 20th | Busan – July 27th
The WATERBOMB Festivals start in Seoul at the end of June, and make their way around the country from there. There are 9 events planned for summer in Korea 2024.
All of the WATERBOMB events feature live performances from K-POP stars and DJs, a tropical lounge, and massive exploding water cannons. However, the highlight of WATERBOMB is defintiely a crazy water gun battle where you fight along your favourite celebs.
WATERBOMB is a 19+ event, that’s definitely not suitable for young children, as you can see from the video (don’t watch if flashing lights bother you). Check the line-up and get tickets here.
Bongwha Sweetfish Festival 2024 | 봉화은어축제
Festival Dates: July 27th – August 4th, 2024
Address: Naeseongcheon Stream area in Bonghwa-eup | 경상북도 봉화군 봉화읍 내성리 506
Sweetfish are plentiful in Korea in July and August, and the most delicious can be found on the banks of the Nakdonggang and Seomjingang Rivers, near Bonghwa in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province.
Wade into the refreshing river water and try catching these slippery creatures with traditional nets, or even with your bare hands at the Bonghwa Sweetfish Festival. Cap off the day by grilling up your fresh catch on a charcoal bbq.
Details here.
Korea in July | What to Wear
To best try to survive Korea’s weather in July, lightweight clothing that wicks sweat is the name of the game. Breezy linens, technical fabrics, and clothing lines like Uniqlo’s Airism are made specifically to deal with a hot, muggy climate.
It’s best to wear lightweight clothing and sandals or flip flops in Korea in July.
Since there’s also potentially a ton of rain in Korea in July, waterproof running shoes or quick-dry clothing could be useful. If you choose to wear sandals or flip-flops, choose ones with a good grip. A lot of streets in Korea become very slippery in the rain.
Tips for What to Wear in Korea in July
I don’t understand how some of these crazy people are wearing jeans in summer.
Visiting Korea in July | Packing List
Here’s a rough guideline of items to pack for the Korea weather in July.
Bring from Home
- travel documents: passport, itineraries, hotel reservations, plane tickets, travel visas, insurance
- international driver’s license if you plan to rent a car
- adaptor / plug
- lightweight t-shirts, tank tops
- shorts, skirts, capris
- summery dresses
- thin windbreaker or shell, light hoodie or cardigan
- swimsuits, rash guards, board shorts
- sunglasses
- deodorant, feminine hygiene items
- comfortable running shoes or sandals with good grip for lots of walking (waterproof shoes are good at this time of year)
- any special prescription medications you need
- allergy medications if you’re sensitive to pollen and dust
- eyeglasses, contact lenses
Buy in Korea
- umbrella if it rains / parasol
- personal fan
- disposable air pollution masks
- batteries / charging cables (super cheap at Daiso)
- skincare products like sunscreen (high quality and cheap in Korea!)
- eyeglasses and contact lenses can be purchased just by walking into a store (a free eye test will be provided)
- birth control can be purchased over the counter, without a prescription (but all brands may not be available)
Sunsets are stunning on the West Coast in summer ⓒ Jeong Jong-ho, Korea Tourism Organization
Did this article help you? Writers (and moms especially) need caffeine!
Help support my small business with a cup of coffee.
Korea in July: Essential Info and FAQs
All ready for the perfect trip to Korea in July? What have you got planned?
lexklein
Hi Shelley! This brought back such intense memories of my trip to Seoul in July/August, 2016! Can’t believe it’s been that long. It really was super hot and humid, but I loved it so much anyway. Your “little” Naia is growing up so much! Hope you are all doing well.
shelley
Wow! It was already that long ago eh? Time really is going by way too fast! If anything, it’s been getting hotter and more humid in recent years They’re going to have to air condition the whole country soon haha.