30 Best Things To Do During Rainy Season in Seoul South Korea

If you find yourself visiting during rainy season in Korea, then expect a lot of heavy rains and high humidity levels. The amount of rainfall is about 395mm (15.5 inches)… Now that’s a lot of water!

As a matter of fact, the Korean rainy season goes until late July. During this time you’ll see tropical cyclones on the Asian continent as well as typhoons.

If you have travel plans, you’re probably thinking, “What on Earth am I going to do monsoon season in Seoul?”

I lived in South Korea for five and half years and survived many a rainy season in Seoul. I know all the fun things to do in Seoul with friends during the summer months and heavy rainfall. 

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Get Travel Insurance 

A common question I get is what do I need to travel to South Korea? One thing I always recommend is travel insurance. Life throws curveballs. Flights get canceled. You get sick. There’s a family emergency. I highly recommend using World Nomads Travel Insurance which you can book here. With the World Nomads Travel Insurance, you can expect:

1. Trip Cancelation – This benefit helps you recover non-refundable, pre-paid trip costs when you have to cancel your trip for a covered reason, including for an unexpected sickness that keeps you from traveling.
2. Emergency Medical – If you get sick with COVID-19 or another illness, you can get diagnostic tests to confirm your case and other emergency medical benefits.
3. Medical Evacuation – If you’re in an inadequate medical facility, our plans have benefits that can arrange a transfer to a hospital capable of treating your medical needs.
4. Trip Interuption – This section helps you get reimbursed for a one-way, economy-class ticket home and any pre-paid, unused portions of your trip for a covered reason.
5. Trip Delay – If your travels are delayed at least six hours by a covered event, you could get reimbursed for meals, hotels and other basic expenses.

How To Get Around 

The best way to get around Korea is by purchasing a T-Money card at any convenience store and loading it with money. You can also purchase the mobile version via Klook and get a 5,000 won top off coupon to use with your purchase.

I also recommend getting the Discover Seoul Pass so you can visit the major tourist attractions around Seoul for free or at a discounted price. It comes in increments of 24/48/72 hours. 

How To Stay Connected 

Luckily in Korea, there is wifi everywhere. Most cafes offer wifi for free and you can connect to various free spots around the city. However, if you don’t want to be reliant on that, you book an e-sim card and download it directly to your phone. 

What To Pack For Rainy Season in Seoul

I highly recommend packing as light as possible so when you inevitably buy all your favorite Korean products, there will be room in your suitcase. My favorite travel suitcase brand is Béis.

I’m obsessed with their weekender bag, carryon, and checked luggage. Use my code for $15 off your first order and 150 points toward your new account.

What To Pack for Monsoon Season Korea:

• Small Umbrella
• Reebok Sneakers
• Rain jacket
• Rain Boots
• Sandals
• Shorts/skirts
• Dresses

What to expect during rainy season in Korea?

On the bright side, the rainy period is only temporary in the Republic of Korea. For the last few years global warming has contributed to a lot of flooding at the Han River…. So in other words expect a very wet summer.

Some days it rains so much you barely see the sun. Honestly, it can be really depressing. The high temperatures do make it uncomfortable. Also, just so ya’ll are aware many Asian countries experience rain days. 

What is the driest season in Korea?

One of the things I loved about living in Korea was all the different seasons. If you’d like to visit Korea when it’s not wet season, I recommend visiting during early autumn/early October. The month of October is the perfect season to visit for fall foliage. Click here for the Ultimate Guide To Autumn in Korea.

The driest seasons in Korea are spring and autumn. It’s the perfect opportunity to see the cherry blossoms on the Korean peninsula. However, visiting during spring is when you’re also going to catch the yellow dust season. For more information, check out my Ultimate Guide to Spring in South Korea. 

Summer Weather in Korea

What is the weather like in Korea in summer? South Korea has four distinct seasons and I find the weather to be very similar to my hometown Chicago. Every month is slight different so here is a break down of the average temperatures and my own experiences.

This monthly temperature break down should give you a good idea of what to do in South Korea. However, to be honest, the summer season will usually last until September. 

June Weather in Korea

During the months of June is the best time of year to visit South Korea because of all the good weather. Early June, the weather is transitioning out of spring with higher temperatures.

The average daily high temperature is from 21°C to 27°C (70°F to 80°F) during the day. It cools down a little bit at night so be sure to wear a light jacket. The average temperatures at night are about 16°C (61°F). Late June is where you will start to see more rainfall. 

July Weather in Korea

July is my least favorite month to travel in Korea and sunny days are few and far in between. Most of Korea’s annual precipitation is during July in Seoul. This is when monsoon rains make humidity go from zero to I’m now swimming in the air. The high humidity is why I NEVER recommend anyone visit because it is so miserable.

The maximum temperatures rise to a sweltering 29°C to 30°C (84°F to 86°F). The night time temperatures range from 20°C (68°F). Recent years have seen a lot of flash floods on the Han River. In fact you’ll see a lot of rainy days until the end of July.

August Weather in Korea

August in Seoul is usually the warmest month. The summer heat in August is usually the worst. The average high is about 28°C to 31°C (82°F to 88°F). It feels like more because of the intense humidity that is brought on from July.

At night, you can expect the average temperature to be about 22°C (72°F).

Even in August, it still rains a lot. Fun fact… South Koreans are used to hot summers and they navigate it like pros. 

Typhoons in Korea

If you live in urban areas like Seoul, you’ll be fine. I’ve experienced “typhoons” in the big city and they’re honestly nothing but a bunch of hot air being blown around. 

However, coastal areas like Busan or island like Jeju, they are no joke. Make sure you stock up on appropriate items and watch the weather stations and weather forecasts religiously for updates. 

What To Do During Monsoon Season in South Korea

1. 943 King’s Cross Harry Potter Cafe

Rainy summers mean it’s a great time to go cafe hopping! Visiting Seoul’s exciting cafes are one of the most popular summertime activities because…aircon. The Harry Potter Cafe Seoul is a great retreat while it’s raining in Korea. There’s six floors of fun and the cafe takes inspiration from the films.

I absolutely love the fact its so much fun to take pictures, have a drink, and even some snacks. The coolest one there is the mini cake that looks like Harry’s from the films!

2. Samoyed Cafe in Hongdae

What should I do during rainy season in Seoul? You HAVE to check out Winter’s Village Samoyed Cafe in Seoul. Samoyeds are some of the cutest and most intelligent dogs.

These sweet pups know how to do tons of tricks and are very well behaved. I love the fact there’s a giant squad of puffy, white, teddybear-looking pups. In my not so humble opinion, there’s no better way to spend and afternoon during monsoon season in Korea.

3. Alive Museum

Another great thing to do during rainy season in Korea is to check out an indoor museum. It’s one of the best art attractions in Seoul since all the installations are fully interactive. Book your tickets to the Alive Museum here.

4. 63 Building Aquarium

The 63 Building Aquarium is one of the coolest places in Seoul because they have mermaid shows. If you want a shot similar to this one, take a photo of the mermaids while they’re performing.

After the crowds and children have dispersed, take a photo of the aquarium. You can book your tickets to the 63 Building Aquarium here.

5. Colorpool Museum

Have you ever dreamt of being balls deep? Now you can fulfill your childhood McDonald’s ball pit fantasy at this adult friendly Instagram museum in Seoul.

P.S. They clean the pit often so you can rest assured its much cleaner than the places we played in the 90s. If you find yourself bored while it’s raining in Seoul, this is a great place to spend the afternoon. Book your tickets to the Colorpool Museum aka the most Instagram worthy spot in Seoul here.

6. DIY Cell Phone Case Cafe

There’s no better way to spend a Seoul rainy season than at one of the coolest cafes in Seoul. After all, you’ll be sitting inside an air-conditioned cafe making your own personal phone case.

There are thousands of different charms, trinkets, and styles to choose from. Bonobo Cafe in Hongdae is a great DIY cell phone case cafe in Seoul. Depending on what you want on your phone case and how many add-ons is the price. It can be anywhere from 15,000 – 30,000 won.

7. Go To A Korean Hair Salon

If you’re feeling fancy I suggest visiting the Korean salon, The Days Dean in Hongdae. When I lived in Korea, I never let anyone except Dean touch my hair.

He does such a wonderful job and I was very happy every time I went. Since he’s so popular now, you can book an appointment at The Days Hair foreigner-friendly salon in advance here. 

8. Get Your Nails Done Korean Style

Asian nail art is elite. The end. Jk. But for real, I honestly prefer Korean nail salons to American ones. I’m not a big fan of American styles and much prefer the feminine nail styles of Asia.

Getting your nails done is a great way to help pass the time during rainy season in Korea. Book your appointment at the OU Nail Salon in Hongdae here.

9. Staycation at Banyan Tree

Banyan Tree Seoul is my absolute favorite luxury hotel in Korea. I think its the coolest hotel in Seoul because you literally have a relaxation pool in your room while looking at the Namsan Tower.

I had the most amazing staycation here during the pandemic and have raved about it to everyone who will listen. You can book your stay at the Seoul Banyan Tree here.

10. Nanta Cooking Musical

The best part about watching a Nanta cooking show in Seoul is you don’t need to speak Korean to understand. The story is a wacky kitchen staff tring to make their way through life.

You’ve got the hot one, the one with common sense, drama, and a whole lot of laughs. They do amazing work in the kitchen too! I’ve never seen anyone chop cabbage that fast in my life. Book a show to the Nanta Cooking Musical here.

11. MeerKat and Friends Cafe

I love exotic animals and cafes in Seoul. If you’re looking for a unique experience, then you should stop by the Meerkat and Friends Cafe. Here you can hang out with the real Timon from the Lion King and experience raccoons, a wallaby, a South African Genet, and an Arctic Fox.

Please be mindful of the animals and if they come to you be calm and gentle. If they don’t want to deal with you, then just enjoy looking and taking photos at a distance.

12. Play Disney Princess Dress Up

At Jade Mug & Yumi’s Dress Room, you’ll get a super unique experience. This cafe offers cute high tea sets, drinks, and snacks.

Playing Disney princess dress up is one of the best things to do during rainy season in Korea. Their collection includes dresses from the cartoon and live action movies including Ariel, Jasmine, Belle, Rapunzel, Anna and much more!

13. Make Cute Korean Desserts

Have you ever wanted to try and make super cute Korean desserts? If you’re vegan or vegetarian, this is the perfect activity for you. These cakes are made with rice and red bean.

Not to mention they’re super adorable and the perfect souvenir for your friends and family. Or you can just eat them yourself. Book a Korean traditional dessert class here.

14. Make Your Own Makgeolli

Have you ever wondered how Koreans make their traditional rice wines? Well, now you can make your own too. The milky, off-white and lightly sparkling rice wine has a slight viscosity that tastes slightly sweet, tangy, bitter, and astringent. Book a traditional Korean wine Makgeolli making class here.

15. Get a Facial at Whoo Spa

South Korean summers mean a lot more breakouts because I have oily skin. Experience getting glowing complexion like a Hallyu Star at Whoo Spa in Sinsa.

Trazy has an exclusive care package for facial and body care. You’ll get an amazing massage and literally feel like a new person afterwards. I’ve done this before and I would go back and do it again!

16. Make Your Own Name Stamp

Hangul is a very efficient and easy to learn alphabet. You can literally sit down for 90 minutes and learn it in an afternoon. If you want to learn quickly, check out this FREE Hangul cheat sheet

Why not make your time in Korea memorable by making a name stamp? In Korea, people don’t sign their names. They use official and registered stamps. You can book your own Korean name stamp making class here.

17. SBS MTV the Show

Kpop fans keep rejoicing because you can get close to your favorite music groups on SBS The Show. Most of the time you don’t know which groups will be performing, but granted it’s live, a treat, and a wonderful way to get all your fangirl feels out. This is one of the most popular things to do for a Hallyu fan so make sure your book your tickets in advance.

18. Grab a Brew At Art Monster

Grabbing a craft beer at Art Monster is one of my favorite things to do in Gangnam. Rainy season in Seoul doesn’t have to dampen your spirits with a place as fun as this! Art Monster is one of my favorite restaurants in Gangnam for tasty bar food and french fries!

19. Record a Kpop Song at King Studio

Wanna get down like the Kpop stars do? Or maybe even sit on the same couch as VIXX? If you like to sing try this unique experience at King Studio.

You’ll get some lessons with a vocal coach, some help from them and they won’t be judgmental of your singing voice. I loved my experience there in the sound room and had the greatest time being shown around the studio.

20. Afternoon Tea at Park Hyatt

Afternoon tea at Park Hyatt is one of the best things to do in Seoul. A rainy day in Korea doesn’t have to dampen mood. What’s really cool is there’s amazing views of the CoEx mall from the lounge.

Park Hyatt Seoul serves the most delectable afternoon tea. They even have an awesome indoor pool that overlooks the city. If you want to stay at the Seoul Park Hyatt, make your booking here.

21. Coex Library

Starfield CoEx Mall photos are the most popular and well known on social media. The library’s aesthetic placement makes for amazing pictures. Visiting the CoEx library is one of the top things to do in Seoul. There are thousands of free titles in many different languages at the library. 

Enjoying the shopping mall perfect time to spend a rainy season in South Korea. This is your one stop shop because you can spend a long time exploring. There’s plenty of restaurants, shopping, a movie theater, and an aquarium. There’s even a Pandora store where I bought my exclusive Seoul charm. 

22. Arc-N-Book Jamsil

There’s so many books in here in English and Korea. They even have little reading nooks throughout the store. I love the book tunnel and it makes for amazing aesthetic photos.

23. Chegro Bookstore (채그로)

Sadly Chegro doesn’t have many English selections, but this bookstore has an incredible aesthetic. The wooden panels, large floor to ceiling panels, and views of Seoul cannot be beat. There’s a cafe in the bookstore. You can even eat at the tasty restaurant in the same building.

24. Go to the Alice Speak Easy

Prohibition was never a thing in Seoul, but you can’t get away from this fun idea. (And let’s be real. Soju is literally Korean water.) Tucked behind an adorable antique flower shop, lays the back door into this amazing bar. The drinks are pretty pricey, but it’s totally worth the visit because all the ingredients are fresh and the alcohol is incredible. Besides, Alice in Wonderland is a theme you really can’t screw up.

25. Make Your Own Perfume

Fancy smelling like something delectable? Making your own perfume has actually become a pretty cool thing to do.

Instead of trying a million different perfumes, why not find a scent that will make you feel happy and reflect your uniqueness? With 150 different fragrance bases and 20 natural fragrances, you’ll definitely hit the jackpot when creating your own perfume.

26. Times Square Mall

This is also another fun mall. They have a Din Tai Fung (amazing Taiwanese soup dumpling place) and a Shake Shack. They have huge SPAO store that does collaborations with the biggest brands out there like Stranger Things, Harry Potter, and even Sailor Moon.

27. Norebang

A singing room is one of the best things to do during rainy season in Korea. Grab some friends or go alone.

Get some drinks and snacks and be prepared to sing all of your favorite tunes from pop to rock to Spanish. Karaoke/the singing room is one of the best things to do at night in Seoul. Plus its cheap!

28. Go To A Korean Sauna

During rainy season in Korea, I suggest relaxing at a Korean sauna. One of the best parts about living in Hanam Shitty was the Aquafield at the Starfield Mall. Nothing was quite as relaxing as spending a day in a high end jimjilbang.

29. Wild Wild Dream Musical 

Many days of rain doesn’t mean you have to get involuntarily wet. As Hilary Duff once said, “Let the rain fall down!” Although the heat will definitely be turning up at this Korean Magic Mike. Book your tickets to the Wild Wild Dream Musical here. 

30. Make Your Own Neon Sign  

If you’re stuck inside another great thing to do during rainy season in Korea is to make your own neon sign. Book your neon sign making class here.

Being indoors during rainy season doesn’t have to be a drag when there’s so many things to do in Seoul. Whether you liked theme cafes or interesting classes on making traditional paintings or perfume you’ll always hit the jackpot. Seoul is one of my favorite cities on the planet and there’s never a shortage of interesting activities!

This article contains affiliate links. This means at no extra cost to you, I make a small commission to keep Gina Bear’s Blog running.

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