Planning on spending your summer vacation in Korea? My summer fashion in Korea is pretty simple since summer in Seoul is very humid. This guide will give you a full break down on what to wear in Korea. You’ll know what to bring to Korea, how to dress in Korea, and what not to wear in South Korea.
Many of you have asked me throughout the years where I go shopping and how I look so good in my clothes every season even though I’m curvy. Well, this is me giving away all my tips and tricks so you can have your summer outfit Korean style.
Why should you listen to me as compared to all the other bloggers? Simple. I lived in Korea for five and a half years. Thus, I’m an expert on what to pack for summer in Korea.
Blog Posts You Might Like
- The Ultimate Guide To Summer in Korea
- What To Do During Rainy Season in Korea
- The Perfect Three Day Jeju Itinerary
- The Ultimate Four Day Busan Itinerary
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Book The Discover Seoul Pass
If you’re wondering what to see in Korea, the best way to get the most bang for your buck is to book the Discover Seoul Pass. It doubles as a TMoney card to use on public transport like subways, buses and taxis.
You can load it in any convenience store and train station. It comes in increments of 24, 48, 72, and 120 hours. The pass gives you free entrance into the best South Korea tourism attractions such as:
- Gyeongbokgung
- Changdeokgung
- Deoksugung
- Jongmyo Shrine
- National Museum of Korea
- Free hanbok rental at Hanboknam
- N Seoul Tower Hanbok culture experience center
- Seoul Bike Rental
- 63 Observatory & Aquarium (you can see a mermaid show here)
- CoEx Aquarium
- Namsangol Hanok Village
- Lotte World Adventure
- E-Land Cruise
- Seoul City Tour Bus
- SK Telecom 1 Day sim card
- FREE Ride on the AREX (fast train from Incheon Airport)
- Plus exclusive discounts!
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. Or you can also pick up a physical sim card here at Incheon International Airport.
What To Pack For Summer in Korea
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.
Travel essentials for what to pack for Korea in summer:
- Korea travel adapter – Korea uses 220V plugs. You can easily find some at Daiso for 5,000 won.
- Unlocked phone – If you don’t have an unlocked phone, you can also use this portable wifi router.
- Toothpaste – Korean toothpaste sucks PERIODT. Bring your own from home.
- Deodorant – Most Koreans don’t have the gene that makes them stink when they sweat. Bring your own deodorant because its difficult to find strong ones in Korea.
- Important documents – Bring any important medical documents in case something happens.
- Passport – This should be a given, but please don’t forget it. Make a copy of your passport and hide it in your suitcase and leave one on your fridge at home.
- Credit/Debit Cards – There are ATMs all over Korea and most places accept credit cards.
- Medication – Don’t forget your important medicine because I guarantee it will be a nightmare for you to navigate the hospital and then go to a pharmacy to try and get it.
How To Dress For Summer in Korea
I hate I even have to give this warning, but I feel as your internet big sister, I do need to address some important facts based on my experience. In Korea, the sense of modesty is different.
This means you can wear your shorts, skirts, and dresses as short as you want. Korean summer fashion usually consists of the later with blouses and t-shirts up to your neck and covering your shoulders.
Unfortunately, we still live in a world where many men are predators to women. I have been groped in public and grabbed by lecherous old men because I wore what made me feel confident and beautiful.
As a foreigners we are considered “curvier” and our clothes make us appear “too sexy.” You will be stared at if you dare to expose your chest or shoulders.
A general rule of thumb of how to dress in South Korea: if you do choose to wear anything with thin straps and cleavage, wear a t-shirt under. If you’re headed to the beach or pool, many Koreans opt to wear rash guards over their swimsuits.
Summer in Korea Essentials
- shorts
- skirts
- dresses
- tank tops (to soak up sweat)
- t-shirts
- light jackets
- blouses
- light jackets (it gets cold indoors)
- sneakers
- sandals
- swimsuits
- Reusable water bottle
What To Wear In Summer In Korea
Below are some of my favorite staple pieces I wore during summer in South Korea. Sneakers should always be your go to because you’ll be doing a lot of walking and the sidewalks can be uneven. These are essential things to bring to Korea.
- Biker Shorts – I am always wearing my favorite butterluxe biker shorts under my dresses and skirts. This is sweat wicking and helps avoid chub rub.
- Megababe Thigh Rescue – If you don’t feel like wearing shorts under (I get it can be too hot and uncomfortable) use this stick so your thighs glide instead of chafe.
- Reebok Sneakers – I’ve tested out many sneakers throughout the years and nothing is as comfortable as these memory foam ones. 10/10 recommend.
Typhoons in Korea
If you live in 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, if you live in a coastal town like Busan or island like Jeju, they are no joke. Make sure you stock up on appropriate items and watch the news religiously for updates.
Public Holidays During Summer in Korea
Be aware if you’re visiting during public Korean holidays, businesses could have different hours, be closed, or it will be crowded because everyone has off. Memorial Day and Liberation Day are the biggest summer holidays in Korea with many events and ceremonies taking place throughout the country. It’s a wonderful opportunity to experience Korean culture.
- June 6th – Memorial Day
- August 15th – Constitution Day
Summer Festivals in Korea
For a full guide of everything you can do in Korea in Summer, check out my ultimate Korea summer guide here. Many of us have holiday in summer in our home country so it’s the best time to visit Korea.
There’s so many fun activities summer festivals and activities. For quick reference, I recommend:
- Boryeong Mud Festival (보령머드축제)– This is one of the most popular mud wrestling festivals in Korea. It’s one of the most interesting cultural experiences and you will have good times galore!
- Buyeo Seodang Lotus Flower Festival – A lotus is often the symbol purity and strength in Buddhism. Growing from mud, a lotus shows that we can strive to be more. You can see over 50 types of water plants and lotus bloom. This is one of the best cultural festivals.
- Waterbomb Festival 2024 – Do you like music festivals and live performances? Are you a fan of EDM, K-pop and water cannons? It’s the perfect time to meet many young South Koreans and international visitors.
- Sinchon Watergun Festival (신촌물총축제) – This festival always takes place toward the end of July, but you can feel like a kid again and have fun experiences. It takes place in the heart of Seoul.
- Hwacheon Tomato Festival (퇴촌 토마토축제) – Have you ever wanted to get into a giant food fight? Well, this Korean summer festival has answered your wildest dreams. Fling tomatoes at random strangers to your heart’s desire.
For all the awesome cultural activities you can participate in during summer in Seoul, click here for my ultimate list of summer festivals in Korea.
What to do during summer in Seoul?
Wondering what to do during summer in Korea? You can literally wear any and all of these Korean summer outfits to any of these outdoor activities.
- Everland – This is an outdoor amusement park and I’ve been here many times. It has a zoo, roller coasters, and the Caribbean Bay Water Park.
- Lotte World – It is the biggest indoor amusement park in the world. It’s conveniently located indoors so you’ll find lots of air-conditioning.
- Aqua Field Spa Goyang/Hanam Water Park – Since I used to live on the ghetto side of Hanam, one of the only highlights was the Aqua Field and its a really nice spa. You can also experience their indoor and outdoor water park.
- Get pampered at the Whoo Spa – You will receive spa treatment using medicinal herb products from LG’s premium cosmetic brands, OHUI, Whoo, and SU:M.
- Do water sports on the Han River – You can try paddle boarding, windsurfing, and even kayaking! It’s a beautiful place to watch the sunset.
- Night Markets – The high temperatures during the day make Seoul not so fun. I recommend checking out the Dongdaemun and Namdaemun night markets.
- Korean Language Programs – Schools like Yonsei University often host an international summer program centered on cultural immersion and field trips. Yonsei International Summer School is a unique opportunity to study the Korean language and enroll in academic courses.
Summer Weather in Korea
What is the weather like during the summer months in Korea? 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.
Although it is hot, many restaurants, cafes, and public transport will be blasting the air conditioning. I usually bring a jean jacket. If you’re a fan of warm weather then you’re going to have a great time.
June Weather in Korea
During the months of June is the best time to visit South Korea because of all the good weather. Early June, the weather is transitioning out of spring with higher temperatures.
The average high will range 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 lows are about 16°C (61°F).
P.S. The best time to visit Jeju Island in South Korea is in June! Check out my Perfect Three Day Jeju Island Itinerary here if you’re planning to go.
Another one of Korea’s most popular destinations is Busan which is one of the major cities. Haeundae Beach is popping during this time of year. Click here for the perfect Four Day Itinerary To Busan.
What To Wear in June in Korea
This post is going to have various outfit inspiration for what to wear in summer in Korea. These are outfits I have actually worn and loved.
I abide by the rule of dressing for my body type and not for a Korean woman’s body type. For reference, my weight has fluctuated a lot over the years and I have worn everything from a US size 12-16.
June Summer Fashion in Korea Outfit 1
Wondering what to wear in South Korea? Summer weather in Korea honestly varies month by month. I prefer to wear high waisted pants because I suffer from the fiery inferno of chub rub if I don’t. I’m also really into crop tops as well.
For Korea in June, I like to wear ponytail hair extensions for easy and quick hairstyling. In this photo, I’m rocking the Ariana Grande inspired Miya Pony in black brown by Insert Name Here. Use my code, GINABEAR10 to get 10% off your order!
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June Summer Fashion in Korea Outfit 2
Summer in Seoul hits right in June. If you’re looking for summer Korean outfits, then just wear a tight fitting t-shirt or oversized jean jacket over your dress. Clothing in Korea is a bit more modest on the top.
I bought this dress at H&M Korea because I prefer longer dresses. When I wear my butterluxe biker shorts underneath, you can’t really see it. I also love dresses with pockets so I can put my phone inside or store my T-money card.
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June Summer Fashion in Korea Outfit 3
Korean outfits for summer will usually feature a baggy t-shirt over a tight skirt. My outfit is the opposite. I have on a tight knotted shirt with a flowy skirt, and butterluxe biker shorts under. You can find the exact beautiful floral skirt from the photo here.
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June Summer Fashion in Korea Outfit 4
A great Korean summer outfit to wear if you are inspired by the fashion is a t-shirt, short shorts, and your favorite pair of Reebok sneakers. You’ll be doing a lot of walking in Seoul, so you want to have comfortable shoes.
Korea in summer can feel hotter since its humid which is why I always recommend packing your favorite comfortable shorts too.
It’s hard to find clothes in Korea (especially bottoms) if you have any sort of bum. You’ll be able to find skirts and dresses at H&M if you do want to switch up your style.
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June Summer Fashion in Korea Outfit 5
Seoul summer weather usually inspires me to find a cool cafe and not emerge until the sun has set. If I am outside taking photos, I really love wrap skirts.
They pull together a summer Korean outfit so effortlessly. As you can see, I’m a huge fan of wearing pearls in the summer. It’s my birthstone and always looks so classic.
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July Weather in Korea
Honest to goodness, July is my least favorite month to travel in Korea. Most of Korea’s annual rainfall happens in this month.
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 to visit during this month because it is so miserable.
The average temperature during the day is a sweltering 29°C to 30°C (84°F to 86°F). Recent years have seen a lot of flooding on the Han River.
The heavy rainfall makes a lot of places flood. If you do find yourself visiting during this time, then this is my list of the best things to do during rainy season in Korea.
July Summer Fashion in Korea Outfit 1
Clothing in South Korea usually consists of skirts and cute cotton blouses or t-shirts. In this photo at Olympic Park, I’m wearing my favorite pink patterned skirt, black tank, and oversized jean jacket. I paired it with my favorite Italian horn necklace, pearl earrings, and heart shaped sunglasses.
I am almost always wearing skirts and shorts in Korea in July because it rains so much I don’t want my clothing to get wet. If water splashes on my sandals or legs, I know it will dry quickly. Fashion in Korea during summer is practical. I will most likely be wearing something along these lines until late July.
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July Summer Fashion in Korea Outfit 2
What to pack for Korea? The easy answer is Korean summer dresses. Again, I love fit and flare dresses with pockets.
If you wanted to make this particular outfit Korean style then all you would have to do is wear a fitted t-shirt under. I got this exact dress from Lauren Conrad’s summer line forever ago, but I do have similar ones in the carousel below.
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July Summer Fashion in Korea Outfit 3
Korean fashion summer edition will usually consist of tight bottoms and loose tops. I like the bodycon look of this two piece crop tank and skirt set.
If you wanted to make my outfit more Korean, you could pair it with a crop t-shirt top. I just paired mine with an oversized jean jacket.
The shoes I’m wearing are nude pumps from Jessica Simpson’s line. They look great in photos but they are the most uncomfortable shoes I have EVER worn in my life.
For that Seoul city vibe, (and so I could walk and not trip over the pavement) I’m usually wearing my reebok sneakers.
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July Summer Fashion in Korea Outfit 4
I’m all about Barbiecore summer and I’ve gotten a lot of questions about my bag. I got this in 2020 from a UK Brand called Truffle Shuffle. Sadly, the bag is no longer available, but I’m obsessed with this adorable Barbie purse by Barbiebeat.
Korean summer dress will always consist of lighter and pastel colors. It’s very rare I see someone wear a dress as dark pink as mine. If you do wear something like this, you’ll stand out in the best way possible.
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August in Korea
The summer heat in August is usually the worst. The maximum temperatures in August are usually 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. Even in early August, it still rains a lot.
August Summer Fashion Korea Outfit 1
Dress in Korea the way you would at home with some modifications. What to wear in Seoul towards the end of August gets a lot simpler. Korea in August gets a bit cooler, but due to the heavy rainy season the humidity makes it feel hotter.
Dresses in Korea aren’t usually as bright as mine. However after monsoon season in Korea comes the rainbow. I just wanted to embody it to cheer me up a bit.
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August Summer Fashion Korea Outfit 2
I truly love this pink tulle tutu look. This outfit made me feel so feminine and pretty when I wore it. I paired it with a crop tank top and oversized jean jacket.
In this photo, I’m rocking the Ariana Grande inspired Miya Pony in black brown by Insert Name Here. Use my code, GINABEAR10 to get 10% off your order!
P.S. Honey, I’m sorry for cheating on you.
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August Summer Fashion Korea Outfit 3
I think this was the most Korean outfit I’ve ever put together. Here, I’m pictured at Seoulism Cafe wearing a floral high slit skirt and matched t-shirt. I would also probably wear this outfit with a bodysuit because I don’t have to worry about all the tucking.
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Now you know what to pack to Korea in summer. I hope this post gave you a lot of summer fashion in Korea inspo.
Also, don’t forget the dress code in South Korea so you can have an enjoyable and unfettered trip. Korean clothes styles can be fun and inspirational. I took a lot of my inspo from Korea and made it my own while I was living there.
South Korea is one of the best places to spend your summer vacation! Can’t wait to see you there!
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