With warm temperatures, long daylight hours and plenty of festivals, Korean summers are ideal for outdoor exploration and cultural discovery.
The warm weather, typically starting in June and lasting through early September, opens up numerous outdoor activities and events that are best enjoyed in the sunshine. From hikes in its national parks to relaxing on the beach and a mix of music and cultural festivals, summer in Korea offers something for every type of traveller.
Each month brings its own nuances. June tends to be less busy, as the spring tourism rush ends and the rains begin. July can be very wet and humid so while there are few crowds, it is wise to prepare for lots of rain.
By August, the sun is shining again and, with kids on school holidays, domestic tourism soars before tapering off as September approaches.
Read on to discover more about summer travel in Korea!
Thanks to the seasonal rain, summer is also a time when Korea’s landscapes are at their most vibrant.
Summer Weather in Korea:
Summer is the warmest season in Korea, with daily temperatures averaging 27-30°C and evenings hovering around 20-25°C. Although the cities and inland regions are humid in summer, the mountain air and coastal regions remain pleasant.
The season is also marked by rain, with July being the wettest month as the annual monsoon brings heavy downpours. Late June and early August also are prone to rain but interspersed with sunny days.
Thanks to the rain, summer is also the time when Korea’s landscapes are at their most vibrant. The sunny days of the season are ideal for trekking and rural excursions, especially in late August and September when the rain has tapered off.
Too hot? Summer is the best time to sample bingsu, a popular Korean dessert. Made of shaved ice topped with sweetened condensed milk, fruit and red beans it’s a refreshingly sweet escape from the heat.
Summer is the perfect time to visit Busan’s beaches, the trekking trails of Seoraksan National Park and Jeju’s natural wonders.
Summer destination highlights
The beautiful landscapes of Korea are further accentuated in the summer by its long days, allowing more time for exploration and discovery.
Busan, Korea’s second-largest city, turns into a bustling hub of activity in the summer. Busan is famous for its seven public beaches, with Haeundae Beach being the most renowned.
Jeju Island, renowned for its natural beauty, is another highlight in the summer months with white sand beaches complimenting the verdant green inland landscapes. Trekking Jeju’s volcanic landscapes, tea fields and hidden waterfalls are a great way to enjoy the Korean summer.
For adventure lovers, Seoraksan National Park is an ideal summer destination. The UNESCO World Heritage is bursting with dense forests of green, rushing streams and majestic waterfalls and features a range of hiking trails for all levels, from leisurely walks to challenging climbs.
From music festivals to more those celebrating more unusual aspects of Korean culture, the summer months are full of exciting festivals
Summer festivals in Korea
Andong Nakhwa-nori Festival- Andong: Loosely translating to ‘fireworks’ , the Nakhwa nori festival takes place in Andong at the end of Spring and start of Summer. The term nakhwa refers to the act of floating lanterns, while nori means play or performance, indicating the celebratory and performative nature of the event.
Boryeong Mud Festival- Boryeong: From the end of July to early August, the beach of Boryeong transforms into one of Korea’s most lively, unique festivals. Participants enjoy mud wrestling, mud slides and even mud massages, alongside live music and fireworks.
Daegu Chicmac Festival- Daegu: This modern, lively festival that combines the Korean love for fried chicken (chimaek) with beer, live music and dance parties.It usually takes place the last week of August.
Pentaport Rock Festival- Incheon: A three-day rock festival held in August, Pentaport features an impressive line up of international rock and electronic music acts.
Korea is a year-round destination, offering diverse travel experiences tailored to each season.
Spring (March to May) brings out the cherry blossoms, pleasant temperatures with clear skies and delicious fresh flavours in seasonal cuisine. Summer (June to August) offers verdant landscapes and the opportunity for soaking in the sun on Busan’s shores.
Come Autumn (Sept to Nov), the leaves begin to change, painting landscapes with vibrant foliage that form an ideal backdrop for trekking and other outdoor pursuits. Winter (Dec to Feb) transforms Korea into a snowy retreat, with mountain resorts beckoning skiiers and snowboarders to their powdery slopes.
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