Summer in Korea 2026 | 43 Awesome Activities and Fun Festivals to Enjoy

Hot, humid, and sticky pretty much sums up summer in Korea. What do you do when a stroll to the convenience store feels like a marathon, but it’s the only time you can get to South Korea?

Don’t let it stop you!

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When is Summer in Korea?

Summer in South Korea is typically in the months of June, July, and August, although with the drastic change in climate these days – it’s pretty hot in the shoulder months of May and September also.

The temperature doesn’t actually change that much over the course of these months, rising only about 5°C in total from the end of May. Humidity levels however, can reach almost 100% on some days, making those extra 5°C feel like a whole lot more.

South Korea also experiences summer monsoons (장마 in Korean), so prepare for precipitation (possibly major) and perhaps a typhoon or two.

What’s the Weather like during Summer in Korea?

In Korea during summer, the comfortable climate of spring gives way to monsoon rains, high humidity, and scorching temperatures. Beaches open all over the country, portable fans make their yearly appearance, and night time activities peak as people take advantage of cooler evening temperatures.

From mid-June onwards, humidity starts to rise, and by July, it’s at almost unbearable levels. Add in (potentially) heavy monsoon rains, and searing temperatures, and it’s a wonder that anyone visits Korea in summer at all.

But they do. En masse. With Korean diaspora heading home during summer school vacations, and travellers visiting from all over the world, summer in Korea is literally heaving with people.

If you’re planning your travels to South Korea for summer, it’s wise to book flights, reserve accommodation and choose summer tours far, far in advance, since the best places, in the most convenient locations, get snatched up right away.

READ NEXT: Where to Stay in Seoul | The 7 BEST Neighbourhoods for Travellers

June Weather in Korea

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

For the first few weeks of June, it cools down a bit at night, so the days can still feel relatively comfortable.

By mid-month though, humidity levels start to rise. By the end of June, it sits at an average of 54%. It’s safe to say that 25°C | 77°F at the beginning of June feels a LOT cooler than 27°C | 81°F at the end of June.

July Weather in Korea

With high humidity, soaring temperatures, and the possibility of major precipitation, July can be a difficult month for weather in Korea. Daily highs reach 29°C | 84°F, and the nights are just a few degrees cooler.

During summer in Korea though, humidity is the biggest factor in terms of comfort. By the end of July, it can reach an average high of 91%, meaning that hot, humid days are followed by equally painful hot, humid nights.

The skies are cloudy and overcast about 50% of the time in July. This is not actually a big surprise given that it usually rains for over half the days of the month. It’s not all bad though. The rainfall can provide a very welcome respite from the hot, humid conditions of summer in Korea.

You should definitely have an arsenal of rainy day activities planned for a trip to Korea in July.

Indulging in a Korean facial, seeing a traditional Korean folk arts concert, shopping at Starfield Coex Mall or spending the day at Lotte World Aquarium and Lotte World Amusement Park are good options for a gloomy day.

August Weather in Korea

The hottest day of the Korean summer is typically around August 4th, but from then on, temperature, precipitation, and humidity start to decrease, albeit slowly. By the end of the month, the temperature has fallen to 27°C | 84°F and humidity is back down to the levels seen at the end of June.

That doesn’t mean the August weather in Korea is comfortable though. It isn’t. Overall, it’s the hottest month of summer in Korea, with an average temperature of 30°C | 86°F.

Combined with the high humidity, it can feel as hot as 35°C | 95°F or higher. This is definitely the month to take a day trip out to a beach near Seoul for some relief.

Korea Weather in Summer | Typhoons

Typhoons affect Korea from July to September. In recent years, typhoons have hit the Peninsula pretty regularly over the summer in South Korea, but few of them have been deadly. It can however, mean high winds, flash floods, landslides, and property damage – usually in the southern regions of the country.

The most damaging typhoon to hit Korea in recent history, was Typhoon Maemi in September of 2003. 117 people were killed by this storm, and high winds and floods knocked out power lines, destroyed shipyards, businesses, and much more. Overall damage was estimated in the billions of dollars.

At least one good thing came out of Typhoon Maemi though – the inspiration for Maemiseong Fortress, which has become a hotspot for taking photos on Geoje Island.

Summer in Korea | What to Wear and Pack

Lightweight and airy are the name of the game when it comes to what to wear in summer. You’ll be most comfortable in t-shirts, shorts, skirts, and dresses while wandering the scorching streets of Seoul.

Cotton is not actually the best fabric to wear for a Korean summer because it holds moisture, and well… it’s damn humid. You’ll feel much more comfortable in linens or technical fabrics designed to wick sweat.

If you’re shopping in Korea, check Uniqlo for their Airism line, which is designed specifically to deal with the hot, muggy climate.

People walk A LOT here, so comfortable sandals or light sneakers are recommended. To best deal with rain and slippery streets, I live in either Crocs type sandals or my waterproof Allbirds.

For women, sleeveless shirts, dresses, and modest tank tops are becoming more and more common, but it’s still best to dress on the conservative side if you don’t want to draw unwelcome attention. For men, going shirtless on city streets is a definite no no in Korea.

When going to the beach, water park or swimming pool, most Koreans are fully covered in rash guards… even the men. You’ll stand out a bit if you choose to wear a bikini or go shirtless, but as long as you’re comfortable, don’t mind the stares.

Public holidays during Korean Summer

Public holidays might impact your trip. While there are ALWAYS businesses open somewhere, some attractions might have special hours or be closed completely, so it’s best to confirm before heading anywhere.

Here are the major public holidays to know about for summer in Korea 2025:

• Friday, June 6th: Memorial Day
• Thursday, July 17th: Constitution Day
• Friday, August 15th: Liberation Day

While these ARE public holidays, it doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do. In fact, there’s plenty of special events happening all over Korea. This is a great chance to learn about Korea’s history and culture if you are so inclined.

What to do when it’s Too Hot and Humid: Rainy Days & Indoor Escapes

Let’s get real here for a second. Some days during a South Korean summer, it really is TOO hot, TOO humid, TOO rainy, and TOO soul-suckingly exhausting to tackle an outdoor itinerary. That’s when it’s time to head indoors for the sweet relief of air-conditioning blasting at -500°C.

If your summer trip lands smack in the middle of July in Korea, you’re almost certainly going to deal with the official Korean rainy season (jangma). We aren’t talking about light summer sprinkles here—Korea gets slammed with heavy, sudden monsoon cloudbursts that can completely derail your outdoor sightseeing plans if you aren’t prepared.

If you’re caught in a sudden downpour, you can easily escape the heat and rain by ducking inside a premier shopping complex like Starfield COEX Mall. It’s packed with endless shops, a stunning library, and plenty of dining options to keep you entertained and dry for hours.

To keep this master summer guide from getting completely bogged down in endless lists of indoor locations, I’ve mapped out my ultimate rainy-day survival strategies in a separate, dedicated article. It’s packed with the best undercover shopping complexes, stunning aquarium cafes, and indoor cultural spaces to keep you perfectly comfortable all summer long in Korea.

Complete South Korea Seasonal Survival Resources

Before diving into the outdoor activities and indoor escapes, use my dedicated monthly survival guides to map out your specific travel month. Each guide deep-dives into exact packing lists, local festival dates, and expected weather fluctuations for summer in Korea.

• June Travel: Track early monsoon shifts and rose festivals with my complete Korea in June Weather Guide.
• July Travel: Navigate peak rainy season and legendary music events using my comprehensive Korea in July Guide.
• August Travel: Survive the most intense humidity and peak summer heatwaves with my Korea in August Survival Guide.

Best Things to Do during Summer in Korea

The not-so-perfect weather is undoubtedly a factor during the Korean summer months of July and August, but there’s so many excellent activities and things to do, that it’ll be nothing more than an afterthought you have to struggle through sometimes.

Read on to learn about all the best activities, events, festivals, places to visit, and things to do in South Korea in summer.

READ NEXT: 11 Ways Locals Survive a Super-Hot, Super-Humid Summer in Seoul

Summer Activities in Korea | Go for a Swim

The second summer hits Korea, all I dream about is dunking my steaming body into a cooling body of water. Fortunately, that’s pretty easy here. From swimming pools to beaches to water parks and mountain streams, there’s plenty of options.

Hit the Beach: My Top 5 Coastal Escapes in Korea

Sun, sand, and surf. Who doesn’t want to hit a beach the second it gets hot. Fortunately, spectacular Korean beaches can be found on the west, east, and south coasts, with some of the best surrounding the country’s semi-tropical paradise island, Jeju-do.

Hanagae Beach, Muuido Island | 하나개해수욕장

Best For: A quick day trip escape from the city.

If you’re looking for a beach you can actually visit on a day trip from Seoul, your best bet’s the West Coast beaches near Incheon. My favourite of them’s Hanagae Beach on Muuido Island.

The water’s perfect for wading, and there’s a wonderful wooden walkway that’s absolutely stunning to stroll on during sunset. If you want more options closer to the capital, you can check out my guide to the best beaches near Seoul for a complete rundown.

Gyeongpo Beach, Gangneung | 경포 해수욕장

Best For: A classic weekend summer road trip.

Gyeongpo Beach on Korea’s East Coast is a perfect weekend escape during summer in Korea. It has a gorgeous 4-km stretch of white sand, stunning deep blue water, and a ton of fun activities to experience in the immediate area, making it a lovely place to spend a weekend—or two.

Anmok Beach & Gangneung Coffee Street | 안목해변

Best For: Coffee lovers and relaxed café hopping.

If you’re a coffee addict like me, Anmok Beach and Gangneung Coffee Street might be your idea of summer in Korea nirvana. It’s home to a famous strip of over 30 stunning seaside cafés with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out to cool, blue expanses. Coffee and the sea go hand in hand here, and because Anmok Beach’s super close to Gyeongpo Beach, you could easily visit both of them on the exact same afternoon trip.

Hamdeok Beach, Jeju Island | 함덕 서우봉해변

Best For: Families seeking calm waters and panoramic Jeju Island views.

There’s no doubt that Jeju Island has some of the absolute best beaches in Korea. One of my personal favourites is Hamdeok Beach, because it’s perfectly shielded from strong winds by Seoubong Mountain, has powdery white sand and super calm, shallow water that’s ideal for families.

There’s also a huge sandbar that disappears every night and reappears every morning, and Café Delmoondo sits right on the water and has wonderful views over the coast.

Wahyeon Beach, Geoje Island | 와현 모래숲해변

Best For: Escaping international crowds for a laid-back local vibe.

Gujora and Hakdong are probably the most famous beaches on Geoje Island, but my favourite was definitely laid-back Wahyeon Beach.

The water here is incredibly calm and gentle, the sand remarkably soft, and there are wonderful views stretching out across the southern sea. You’ll definitely find far more locals than international tourists at Wahyeon Beach during the peak summer months in Korea.

Splash in a refreshing mountain stream

Korea is 70% mountainous, so one of the best things to do during summer in Korea is head to a mountain valley or 계곡. This is a fun place for families and groups of friends to cool off in a super clean and refreshing natural setting.

It’s easy to find 계곡 pretty much all over the country, but if you can’t make it out of Seoul, head to Nadeul road at Gwanaksan Mountain. This trail is around 6-km long and follows various streams in the mountain valley. During summer in Korea, the downstream area is open to the public for swimming.

Cool off at a Water Park

Kids and the young at heart will love splashing around at a huge water park during summer in Korea. Many waterparks in Korea are attached to hotel resorts, so keep an eye out for all-inclusive hotel packages and promotions to save money.

I’ll rundown some of the best, most popular water parks in Korea below, but here are some of the other major ones to check out around the country.

• Sealala Water Park & Spa: Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
• Woongjin Playdoci Waterdoci: Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do (discounted tickets)
• Onemount Water Park: Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do
• Shinhwa Water Park: Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo, Jeju Island (advance tickets)
• Phoenix Blue Canyon Water Park: Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do
• Seorak Waterpia: Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
• The Ocean Water Park: Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do
• Welli Hilli Water Planet: Hoengseong, Gangwon-do (tickets and transport)

Vivaldi Park Ocean World | 비발디파크 오션월드

Address: 62, Hanchigol-gil, Hongcheon-gun, Gangwon-do | 강원도 홍천군 서면 한치골길 262

If you’re looking for an all-inclusive hotel package that’s perfect for the family, I can’t recommend Vivaldi Park and the Sono Hotels enough. They’re so much fun and such great value that I’ve booked packages at Vivaldi Park in both autumn and winter myself, and plan to visit again this summer in Korea… and then again in spring too!

Hotel packages are designed for each season, and include buffet breakfast, accommodation, amusement park rides, and weather-appropriate activities at incredible value. In autumn, we opted for the heated outdoor infinity pool, and in winter, we chose a day at Snowy Land sledding park.

During summer in Korea, of course, we’ll be heading to Ocean World (discounted admission tickets) – Vivaldi Park’s huge 99,174㎡ Egyptian themed water park for slides, pools, and total fun in the sun. Check out all-inclusive hotel packages at Vivaldi Park Resort here.

Caribbean Bay | 캐리비안베이

Address: 199, Everland-ro, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do | 경기도 용인시 처인구 포곡읍 에버랜드로 199

Want to play at the biggest indoor / outdoor water park in Korea? Head to Caribbean Bay at Everland in Yongin for huge pools, a lazy river, relaxing spas and saunas, water slides, and an artificial wave pool.

There’s gentle water slides for little ones, and for the thrillseekers, crazy slides like the Aqua Loop, which end in a terrifying 18-metre drop.

SPEND A FULL DAY AT EVERLAND  |  Everland Theme Park is located in Yongin, about an hour’s drive from Seoul. This day tour includes admission tickets + round-trip shuttle bus transportation from 3 convenient pick-up points in Seoul to make your day totally stress-free. Check availability of full day tours to Everland Theme Park here.

Gimhae Lotte Water Park | 김해롯데워터파크

Address: 555, Jangyu-ro, Gimhae-si, Gyeongsangnam-do | 경상남도 김해시 장유로 555

Lotte Water Park near Busan is one of the newest water parks to enter the summer in Korea scene. Designed around a Polynesian theme, it has some of the biggest facilities in the country, including a 135-m long outdoor wave pool, 38-m long indoor wave pool, and an incredibly long 118-m Tornado Slide.

There’s even a 389-m long zipline that takes you straight toward the wave pool!

Han River Public Pools vs. Luxury Hotel Pools

If you can’t get to a beach to cool down during summer in Korea, chilling by the pool is the next best thing. There are both public and commercial swimming pools available all over the country, but in my opinion, it’s not nearly enough to satisfy a population of this size. On peak weekends and super-hot days, they can get seriously crowded and busy, so you’ll want to plan accordingly.

In Seoul, you’ve got two completely different directions you can take depending on your budget and the exact vibe you’re looking for.

Public Swimming Pools by the Han River

If you’re looking for an affordable, lively local experience, the outdoor swimming pools located right in the Hangang Parks are a fantastic option. This year, Seoul is operating facilities across six spots: Ttukseom and Yeouido (standard swimming pools), along with Jamsil, Gwangnaru, Nanji, and Yanghwa (which are shallower water playgrounds).

The Hangang Swimming pools are open daily from June 19 through August 30, 2026, and run from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. If you want a cooler experience away from the blazing afternoon sun, Ttukseom, Yeouido, Jamsil, and Nanji are also opening for night swimming from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

Most of these locations have multiple pools tailored for different age groups, waterslides, splash zones, showers, changing rooms, and local food stalls. They’re incredibly cheap to enter and look out over beautiful skyline views, but they get completely swamped with families on weekends, so try to visit on a weekday if you want a little peace.

Local Swim Cap Rule: Keep in mind that you’ll absolutely need to wear some kind of swim cap or proper head covering to enter the water at public pools in Korea. While strict facilities demand silicone caps, adults can usually get by with just a standard baseball cap to keep the lifeguards happy.

Exclusive Luxury Hotel Pools

However, if you’re after a sophisticated, exclusive retreat to escape the chaotic summer crowds, booking a stay at one of Seoul’s premier luxury hotels is your best bet. Many of these premium properties feature stunning indoor and outdoor pools that feel like urban oases far removed from the blistering summer street heat in Korea.

• Grand Hyatt Seoul: Famous for its massive, resort-style outdoor pool deck surrounded by lush greenery right on the slopes of Namsan Mountain.
• Signiel Busan: Offers an incredible infinity pool overlooking Haeundae Beach. If you’re looking for luxury in Busan, this is one of the best.
• St. Johns Hotel (Gangneung): If you’re heading out to the east coast to escape the city, this spot features a spectacular rooftop infinity pool looking right out over the East Sea.
• Sun Cruise Resort & Yacht (Jeongdongjin): You’ve probably seen pictures of this crazy cruise ship perched precariously atop a cliff, without realizing it’s in Korea. Well, it is, and it’s located on Jeongdongjin Beach. During summer in Korea, you can enjoy their gorgeous outdoor pool, hike the seaside badabuchae-gil, and visit their on-site theme / art park.

Reserve EARLY if a staycation at a city hotel, or private pool villa near the beach is high on your list of things to do in Korea in summer.

Try some Water Sports

If the thought of just bobbing around in a super refreshing body of water is too boring for you, don’t worry. There’s a ton of water based activities and sports for athletic types to try out during summer in Korea.

It is very hot and humid though, so be sure to hydrate well and slather on protective sunscreen. Whether the sun is out or not, there are strong UV rays in these months that will burn you very quickly… especially if you’re out on the water.

Learn how to surf

There are quite a few places to learn how to surf during summer in Korea, but Surfyy Beach in Yangyang is the only one completely dedicated to surfing. This is a 1-km long private beach zone inside Hajodae Beach that has perfect waves and a super chilled out vibe, complete with bean bag chairs and lazy hammocks.

Some other popular places to learn how to ride the waves during summer in Korea are: Songjeong Beach in Busan, and Iho Tewoo Beach, Gwakji Beach, and Samyang Beach – all on Jeju Island.

READ NEXT: My Experience on the Wonderful Haeundae Sky Capsule in Busan (How to Book!)

Stand Up Paddle Boarding

SUP or Stand Up Paddle Boarding has become a popular summer sport in Korea in recent years, due to its accessibility for beginners. The calm waters of Gwangalli Beach in Busan are considered one of the best places to try out SUP yourself.

Wanna Kayak, Snorkel AND SUP?  |  Do all 3 at Jeju Island’s Hado Beach, which is known for crystal clear waters and gorgeous views out to Udo Island. Sign up for a day full of water activities on Jeju here.

Visit Asia’s Largest Wave Park

Address: 2690 Jeongwang-dong, Siheung-si

If you can’t make it out to one of the coasts for summer in Korea, head to Wave Park for an exciting day at Asia’s largest wave park!

Located just 45 minutes away from Incheon Airport and 90 minutes from Seoul, in Siheung, Wave Park has over 20 different artificial waves, ranging from knee-high beginner waves to super massive and steep waves for experienced surfers.

If you can’t surf, no worries. You can take lessons at the Surfing Academy or take part in other aquatic sports like kayaking, SUP and swimming in zones with and without waves, for the non-surfers among us.

LEGOLAND (+ Cute Alpacas or Nami Island)  |  The newly opened Legoland Korea in Gangwon-do is the 2nd largest Legoland in the world, with 7 different theme parks to explore – Lego Mini City, Building Block Street, Lego Castle, Ninja World, Pirate Coast, Mini World and Block Park. Check availability of Legoland + Alpaca World tours in Korea here.

Rafting

In winter time, crowds flock to the ski resorts of mountainous Gangwon-do, but during summer in Korea, river rafting is where it’s at. Popular areas for rafting are Naerincheon River in Inje, Donggang River in Yeongwon, and Hantangang River in Cheorwon.

The rapids are relatively gentle, but this is a great activity for the family to take part in, amongst beautiful scenery, on a hot, summer day.

Best Summer Festivals in Korea

The cherry blossom and spring flower festivals are long gone, but summer in South Korea is packed with even MORE festivals to enjoy. From epic water gun fights to huge EDM parties to mud festivals, you’ll have no trouble filling your weekends with activities.

With so many festivals to choose from, and only so many days to a summer season, you’re going to have to be selective about where you go. I’ve highlighted some of the most popular summer festivals in Korea here, but you’ll find a full round-up of events further on in this guide.

There WILL be crowds… but also a ton of fun.

Suwon Culture Night | 수원 국가유산 야행

Festival Dates: June 13th – 15th, 2025

Address: 825, Jeongjo-ro, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do | 경기도 수원시 팔달구 정조로 825

Suwon Culture Night is your chance to see the UNESCO listed Hwaseong Fortress stunningly illuminated at night, while experiencing 8 different media art and cultural activities. This is a great option for summer in Korea, because it happens in the evening when it’s just a little bit cooler.

I checked this out last year, and it was incredible! Events take place along the winding walls of Hwaseong Fortress and the surrounding area, from 6:00PM to 11:00PM each day. Check details here (Korean only).

HWASEONG FORTRESS IS A MUST-SEE  |  UNESCO listed in 1997, Hwaseong Fortress is one of Korea’s most important historical treasures. With 5.74-km of wall, 4 impressive main gates, and a number of intact defensive features like artillery towers, floodgates, and bunkers, it’s the only fully walled fortress left in Korea. See Hwaseong Fortress gorgeously lit at night or visit on a guided day tour from Seoul.

Buyeo Seodong Lotus Festival | 부여서동연꽃축제

Festival Dates: July 4th – 6th, 2025

Address: 52, Gungnam-ro, Buyeo-gun, Chungcheongnam-do | 충청남도 부여군 부여읍 궁남로 52 / 부여 궁남지 일원

Taking place during summer in Korea when lotus flowers are in full bloom, the Buyeo Seodong Lotus Festival celebrates the romance of King Mu and Princess Seonhwa.

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.

Along with Gongju, Buyeo is one of the ancient capitals of the Baekje Kingdom, and well worth a visit. I’ve been 3 times!

Boryeong Mud Festival | 보령머드축제

Festival Dates: July 25th – August 10th, 2025

Address: 897-15, Daehae-ro, Boryeong-si, Chungcheongnam-do | 충청남도 보령시 대해로 897-15 (신흑동)

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 summer.

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?

If you do plan to attend this event, book hotels in Boryeong and transport EARLY… especially if you’re going over a weekend.

BORYEONG MUD FESTIVAL  |  Public transport to Boryeong is time-consuming and requires multiple transfers. It’s much easier to join a day tour that takes you to the festival, and other sights in the area. Click for more details here.

Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival |인천 펜타포트 락페스티벌

 Festival Dates: August 1st – 3rd, 2025

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

The Pentaport Rock Festival is one of the BIGGEST live music events during happening during summer in Korea. Held in Incheon at Songdo Moonlight Festival Park, Pentaport attracts both local and international acts. Past performers have included the likes of Nine Inch Nails, Dua Lipa, Weezer, and Psy.

Tickets are sold in 1 to 3 day passes, and range in price from 80,000 to 200,000 won. They go on sale in the 2nd week of May. Check their website for details.

SEOUL PUB CRAWL  |  Water gun battle by day. Pub crawl to 4 of Hongdae’s ‘s best bars and clubs by night. Meet other travelers, get 3+ free shots, and skip the line at some of Seoul’s hottest clubs! Check details here.

Other Summer Festivals in Korea (June, July, & August)

If you can’t make it to the super-popular summer festivals, not to worry. You’ll see that there’s a lot more going on that just these. I’ve listed as many of the other festivals taking place during summer in Korea as I could find below, but trust me, there are more – so keep your eyes open!

July is the full on peak of summer, with torrid heat, rainy days, and hard to believe humidity levels.

This is a great month to head to any events involving water, or festivals taking place at night for slightly cooler temperatures. If seeing lotus flowers is top of your list, you’ll have to brave the weather to see them. July is definitely the best month for them!

If it’s even possible, August is typically even hotter than July. It’s really important to spend your time in places where you can cool off – either near water, fountains, or indoor spaces. Fortunately, there are quite a few festivals where you can do exactly that during August in South Korea.

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.

Summer in Korea | Outdoor Activities

Don’t let the jawdropping heat turn you into a shut-in. From hiking to biking to glamping, there are so many outdoor activities on offer during summer in Korea, you’ll be absolutely spoiled for choice. Pick up a portable fan and get out there!

Go camping or glamping

Whether you prefer to pitch a tent on a mountain, or relax in a luxurious caravan, spending a night in the great outdoors is super easy in Korea. Many campsites also offer full gear rental, so it’s possible even if you’re not an experienced camper.

It’s very hot during summer in Korea however, so I recommend camping or glamping where there’s a body of water available to cool off in.

Wild camping is generally allowed here, so if you’ve got your own gear, try setting up near one of Korea’s many mountain streams for swimming during the day, and marshmallow roasting at night.

In recent years, glamping sites have sprouted up around Korea like weeds, so finding one is pretty easy with a quick online search. With amenities ranging from swimming pools, to beach views, to air conditioning, your only limit will be your budget.

For peak times, like weekends and summer in Korea, you definitely need to reserve as far in advance as possible.

Go for a bike ride

Biking is one of the best ways to really experience the sights, sounds, and smells of a place, while exploring local culture. You’ll undoubtedly work up a sweat if you’re visiting during summer in Korea, but you’ll also benefit from a breeze as you pedal near majestic palaces, vibrant markets, and through winding alleyways.

Try it independently by renting a Seoul Bike, or meet up with other travelers on an all-inclusive guided bike tour of Seoul’s best sights.

Mobility issues?  |  This fun e-Bike tour takes the work out of biking around Seoul. On this tour, you’ll glide easily up and down 2 mountains to some of the city”s best viewpoints, see tranquil temples, and explore vibrant markets. Check availability of a highlights of Seoul e-Bike tour.

Hang out by the Hangang

The mighty Han River runs through the centre of Seoul, dividing the north and south areas of the city. Fortunately, it’s easily accessible from multiple neighbourhoods, and there’s a ton of stuff to do riverside.

Whether you choose to hop on a Han River cruise, picnic among locals with kimbap and chimak, pitch a tent to chill, or board a yacht – no visit to Korea in summer is complete without spending at least a little bit of time next to this iconic waterway.

There are 12 separate (but connected) Hangang Parks with green space, amenities, bike paths, restaurants, cafes, and more to explore. If you only have time to visit one of the Hangang Parks, I’d choose either Yeouido Hangang Park or Banpo Hangang Park.

One word of warning though: during summer in Korea, there can be flooding from monsoon rains, so always confirm that the Hangang Park you want to visit is open before going.

Find some shade in a Seoul park

Seoul can seem like a mass of concrete blocks, but a full quarter of the city is actually made up of vast green spaces. These parks are all (mostly) totally free to enter, have excellent amenities, and usually have several different activities available to participate in.

Aside from the Han River Parks, these are some of the best green spaces in Seoul to find some shade during summer in Korea.

• Olympic Park | 올림픽공원: 424, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 송파구 올림픽로 424 (방이동)
• Seoul Forest | 서울숲: 273, Ttukseom-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 성동구 뚝섬로 273 (성수동1가)
• Namsan Park | 남산공원: 231, Samil-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 중구 삼일대로 231
• Seokchon Lake Park | 송파나루공원: 136, Samhaksa-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 송파구 삼학사로 136
• Seoul Botanic Park | 식물원: 161, Magokdong-ro, Gangseo-gu, Seoul
• Children’s Grand Park | 서울 어린이대공원: 216, Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 광진구 능동로 216 (능동)

Hwadam Forest + Gwangmyeong Cave Tour  |  The Gwangmyeong Caves are incredibly cool in summer and also happen to be one of Korea’s 100 Must-See destinations. Hwadam Forest is known for absolutely stunning landscapes. Enjoy them both along with an ice cream making experience to help cool you off. Get full details here.

Summer in Korea | Explore at Night

Seoul is a 24 hour city year round, but in Korea in summer, this is especially true. The streets come to life and are pulsing with activity as people seek to escape the sun’s punishing rays.

Here’s a few suggestions for how you can spend some of those hot summer nights.

READ NEXT: 21 Awesome Things to do in Seoul after Sunset

See the Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain

The Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain is one of Seoul’s most famous attractions. During summer in Korea, the show runs both day and night – but head there after dark for cooler temperatures, glowing lights, and the possibility of a refreshing mist cooling you off.

Get lost at the Bamdokkaebi Night Market | 서울 밤도깨비 야시장

After a 3 year-long COVID hiatus, the Bamdokkaebi Night Market is set to take over the streets of Seoul once again. Taking place at 6 locations around the city, you can expect food trucks, unique products, and an exciting vibe, under brightly coloured tents.

Each of the Bamdokkaebi night markets have varying hours, opening days, and events, so be sure to check for more details here.

KOREAN FOOD TOUR  |  Get in ma belly! On this wonderful food tour, you’ll visit 4 different restaurants with a local guide, who will introduce you to delicious dishes, dining customs, and a drinking game or two. Join a guided food and drink tour in Seoul here.

Go for an Evening Stroll at Cheonggyecheon Stream | 청계천

If you’re among the tourist hordes visiting Korea during summer vacation, stops at Gyeongbokgung Palace, Insadong and the Bukchon Hanok Village are required travelling.

After snapping that all-important hanbok selfie, head to nearby Cheonggyecheon Stream in the evening to relax and refresh yourself. It’s an average of 3.6°C COOLER than other parts of Seoul, due to the flowing water and natural environment.

SEOUL AT NIGHT BUS TOUR  |  See the neon lights and glowing night views of Seoul on a double-decker bus. This tour includes a 30 minute stop at iconic Namsan Tower, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the entire city below you. Get discounted tickets for the Seoul City Night Bus Tour.

Go hiking after sunset

Korea is covered in mountains, so hiking is an incredibly popular hobby. Wait till after the sun sets and you can avoid potential heatstroke while watching the city’s sparkling lights come to life.

There are national parks all over the country, but if you’re staying in Seoul, make your way around the Hanyangdoseong fortress wall, or challenge yourself with a hiking / climbing adventure on Bukhansan or Gwanaksan Mountain.

Best Korean Foods for Summer

There’s different foods to go with every season in Korea, and summer is no different. These foods help to combat the high temperatures, and fortify you to deal with the exhausting humidity of a summer in Korea.

Here are the best meals to chase down in the months of June, July, and August.

Mul Naengmyun | 물냉면

Nothing refreshes me more from inside out than an icy bowl of mul naengmung. It’s a dish made up of thin noodles made from a combination of buckwheat and potato flours. They’re served in a fresh broth, and topped with slices of daikon radish, cucumber and egg.

Try an affordable and fresh version at Yooksam Naengmyun or search out famous Pyeongyang cold noodles at Woo Lae Oak, which has been open since 1946!

Other cold soups to search out in Korea during summer are: kongguksu | 콩국수 and chogye guksu | 초계국수.

Bingsu | 빙수

Comprised of a bowl of shaved ice, and topped with a broad variety of ingredients from fruit to rice cakes to red beans, bingsu is the most classic dessert to eat during a Korean summer to cool down.

What started as a humble dessert of shaved ice topped with sweetened red beans and condensed milk, can now be found in every variation known to humankind. I can’t justify paying 98,000 won for a shine muscat bingsu, so I usually head to Sulbing for their huge variety of tasty and affordable desserts.

Samgyetang | 삼계탕

Samgyetang falls under the category of iyeol chiyeol | 이열치열 foods. These are dishes that are meant to fight the fire of summer in Korea with equally hot foods. This could be spicy concoctions or hot soups with herbal ingredients like ginseng and jujube that fortify the system.

Other iyeol chiyeol foods to look out for during a Korean summer are: nakji bokkeum, jangeo, and yukgaejang.

You can try samgyetang all over the city, but Tosokchon near Gyeongbokgung Palace and Korea Samgyetang are 2 of the oldest and most famous places in Seoul. Make sure you bring a personal fan – you’ll likely have to wait in line.

Summer in Korea: Real-World Advice & Trip Planning FAQs

I originally researched, wrote & published this guide on July 11, 2022. I review & update my content for accuracy regularly. Watch out for copycats.This post was last updated on July 19, 2026. Copyright © 2022–2026 Travel-Stained. All rights reserved.