Dive into the summer vibe! Here’s our little survival guide to stay cool (literally and figuratively) in South Korea during the Summer season!

What’s the weather like?

Generally, the heat during Summer in Korea is not a problem. Usually it ranges from 27C (80F) to 32C (90F), you’ll feel cool in Summer dresses. But the only concern you have for a trip is the monsoon, usually they hit around July - August. Where the humidity will rise significantly and let’s not forget to mention its pouring hard!

But let’s not forget why you visited South Korea in the first place, here’s a list of activities to do to make you look cool on social media!

1. Boryeong Mud Festival (July 2019)

Image Source : The Wise Traveller

The second festival we recommend you to go to! It’s never short of a celebration, and they will celebrate just about everything from fireflies and ice fishing to bullfighting and bodypainting! There’ll be plenty of mass activities inside the area of Boryeong Mud Festival, 200KM from Seoul.

This year, the festival will be held on July 21 to 30th, and it will begin in the morning with various areas to go through - some are free and some require admission fees - equipped with the likes of mud pits, mud fountains, and giant inflatable playgrounds.

Link : http://boryeongmudfestival.com

 

2. Ultra Music Festival (June 7th-9th 2019)

Image Source : Asia Live 365

For festival-goers, this is definitely the number one destination! An outdoor (EDM) electronic music festival that will be held on Everland Speedway (AMG Speedway) in Yongin, Korea, giving you an unparalleled music experience with their lineup of top superstars and DJs from around the world. Soon, it will held its eight edition of Ultra Korea and it will features including Martin Garrix, Skrillex, and Jamie Jones as its main event.

Link : https://ultrakorea.com

3. Haeundae Sand Festival in Busan (May 24th-27th 2019)

Image Source : Andrea (worldwalkabout.com)

Inspired by its beautiful white sand, the sand festival takes place at the Busan’s captivating Haeundae Beach, also a popular summer vacation spot.

Get the feel of being buried in the sand, from head to toe or hot sand bath, and its especially beneficial for health and beauty. Or stroll around the beach to find the exhibit of sand castles made from various artists from around the world.

The festival also lasts until the evening where you can catch the spectacular fireworks displays, concerts and other entertainments.

 

4. Visit Jagalchi Seafood market in Busan

Continuing in Busan, not only Haeundae Sand Festival, Busan is famous for its seafood restaurant along the coast.   

And you may find the largest seafood market in South Korea, Jagalchi Market, to find live or dried seafood. Easily accessible with public transport, it has huge varieties of sea products to be found. While outside, it’s still busy with street performances or just tourists walking by to enjoy the sea view and outdoor sea market.

Most of the people who sell fishes here are women, or called ‘Jagalchi Ajumma’ - ajumma means middle-aged married women.

 

5. Myeongdong, The Shopping Heaven

A primary shopping & dining district in Seoul and its easily accessible with public transport! Packed with brand name shops and department stores lining in the streets and alleys. You could easily find common fashion products for sale; clothes, shoes, accessories and beauty. Several famous department stores to ease your shopping lists are; Lotte Department Store, Shinsegae Department Store, Myeong-dong Migliore, Noon Square and M Plaza.

 

6. Watch Baseball game (Seoul and Busan)

 

One of the most popular sport in the country, introduced by American missionaries. Baseball gradually succeeded in gaining its importance with 10 pro teams playing. And one of the most famous stadium is Jamsil Baseball Stadium, that can house 25,000 people inside. Make sure to visit the stadium to learn more about the famous sports by youth, and not to mention its stylish baseball caps and other sporty accessories!

 

7. Discover K-Pop

Image Source : BTS (press)

Discover the South Korean music scene, so popular and gain its dominance to make a genre of Kpop around the world. There are many activities you can do to adapt to local music; visiting concerts (tickets can be purchased online via viagogo.com), another very popular activity in Korea are karaoke or also known as ‘noraebang’. You may rent a private karaoke room for your showing or enjoy singing hall together with other locals or tourists.

Link : https://www.viagogo.com/Concert-Tickets/K-Pop

8. Explore Manjanggul Cave in Jeju

 

Manjanggul Cave (만장굴) is one of the finest natural monument with lava tunnels in the world. Formed when the lava that was stored deep in the ground and spouts from the peak and then flows to the surface.

Inside of Manjanggul Cave, it has a variety of interesting structures to see including 70cm lava stalagmites and the lava tube tunnels that is open to stroll through. Although only the first kilometre of Manjanggul Cave is open to the tourists. The inside of the tunnel is sustained at the temperature of 11~21℃, creating a comfortable atmosphere. There are rare animals such as bats living in the tunnel, which makes this tunnel valuable for researchers as well. The stone pillars and stalactites are widely spread and the tunnels shows off the cave’s topographical features. The Stone Turtle is especially eye-catching because it is shaped like Jeju-do Island.

 

9. Enjoy beach in Jeju Island, Hyeopjae / Hamdeok beach

 

Summer is never complete without a trip to the beach! And Jeju Island has plenty of options to go to. Hyeopjae can be the most favourite of all with its crystal clear waters and white sands that are combined with broken shells. This long and beautiful shoreline offers a various of activities to go to; snorkelling during the high tide or camping around the beaches. If you hate the crowded beach in Busan, like Haeundae beach, Jeju is the best options for your getaway, as there are many choices you can go to!

 

10. Wearing Hanbok at Gyeongbokgung Palace

Image Source : Instagram @harutoursnap

Hanbok, is an elegant Korean traditional clothing, and you can rent it to stroll around cultural centres in Seoul to make unique memories and snap wonderful photos for your social media. Typically renting a hanbok could cost ₩27,900 (equivalent to $24 US) for a day.

But let’s not forget about South Korea’s beautiful Northern Palace or Gyeongbokgung! Built in 1395 and served as the main royal palace for a dynasty. And in the early 20th century, much of the palace was systematically destroyed by Imperial Japan. Since then, the walled palace complex is gradually being restored to its original form. Today, the palace is arguably regarded as being the most beautiful and grandest of all five palaces in Korea. While, it also houses the National Palace Museum of Korea and the National Folk Museum within the premises of the complex. Make sure you visit wearing your hanbok!

 

What is your favorite summer activity in South Korea? Let us know your thought ^^