How To Survive Seoul In Summer – A Travel Expert’s Advice
Read on to learn the top tips on how to survive visiting Seoul in summer!
Is it a good idea to visit Seoul in the summer? The answer is yes, summertime is an exciting time to visit.
The city comes alive during this month with colourful festivals and a wide range of events and activities to enjoy.
However, you should be aware of what to expect in terms of stifling temperatures, monsoon season and other factors.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about visiting Seoul in summer, from weather concerns to top festivals and the best attractions to help make the most of your trip.
Plan Your Trip With My Recommended Resources:
🚆Bus or Train: Bookaway is a great resource for tickets
🏨 Accommodation: I always use Booking.com
🚙 Rental Car: Discover Cars has the best car rental prices
❤️ Travel Insurance: I recommend using Visitors Coverage
✈️ Flights: Kiwi.com has the best prices on flights
📱eSIM: Airalo has a fantastic range of eSIMs
How To Survive Seoul In Summer
Many people may think that visiting Seoul during the summer is not a good idea, as the heat and humidity can become unbearable at times.
However, Seoul still attracts many tourists in summer despite increasingly hot weather conditions.
So let’s take a look at everything you need to know about visiting this incredible city during these hot months, starting with the weather.
The Weather In Seoul During Summer
Overall, Seoul experiences high temperatures throughout the summer. Let’s break it down with a monthly guide:
Seoul in June
June marks the beginning of summer in Seoul, and the weather gets warm and humid. The average temperature ranges from 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F), making it a pleasant time to explore the city.
However, be prepared for occasional showers and thunderstorms, especially towards the latter part of the month.
I visited Seoul in June, and the temperature was quite bearable, so, like any weather forecast for any city, it is somewhat unpredictable.
I never experienced any rain whatsoever, but as soon as I travelled to Busan, I experienced three days of heavy rain that never stopped!
Seoul in July
July is the hottest month of the year in Seoul and the start of the monsoon season.
This means you can expect heavy, frequent showers and very high humidity levels as well.
It is advisable to bring an umbrella and a light raincoat with you to stay dry during unexpected downpours.
Seoul in August
August in Seoul is another hot and humid month, and you can expect more heavy showers, especially during the first couple of weeks in the month as the monsoon season comes to an end.
Top Tips To Survive Seoul In Summer
Here are some top tips for travelling to Seoul in the summer period:
Pack Light and Breathable Clothing
Given the warm and humid weather in June, it’s best to wear light and breathable clothing such as cotton shirts, shorts, and dresses.
Don’t forget to bring a light jacket or cardigan for cooler evenings or indoor places with air conditioning.
Stay Hydrated!
With the high temperatures and humidity, it’s essential to stay hydrated throughout the day, especially considering you’ll probably be doing a lot of walking around busy Seoul.
Be sure to carry a refillable water bottle and drink plenty of fluids to stay refreshed. It may sound like obvious advice, but trust me, it can be easy to forget, especially if you’re hungover!
Plan Indoor Activities for Rainy Days
As the monsoon season takes place during summer, it’s wise to have some indoor activities planned in case of inclement weather.
Museums, art galleries, and shopping centres can offer excellent options for indoor exploration.
Almost every indoor place in Seoul has good air conditioning during the summer, which can be a nice relief from the humidity.
Book Accommodation in Advance
Summer is a popular time for tourism in Seoul, so it’s advisable to book your accommodation well in advance to secure the best rates and availability.
Whether you plan to visit Seoul for just a couple of days or a couple of weeks, it’s worth remembering that the earlier you book, the lower the price.
Hotels can be quite costly compared to other cities in South Korea, so factoring this into your budget is essential.
Embrace the Festivities!
If you’re lucky enough to be in Seoul during the festivals, be sure to participate in the local culture. Joining in lantern parades, trying traditional foods, and experiencing local customs will make your trip even more memorable.
Seoul is a very safe city with warm, friendly people, so don’t feel shy to interact! Yes, the language barrier can be an issue; most Koreans don’t have a high level of English, but don’t let this deter you.
👉 Read my South Korea 10-Day Itinerary here:
South Korea 10-Day Itinerary: An Essential Travel Guide For 2026
Top Attractions To Visit In Seoul
Seoul has so many interesting and unique attractions and neighbourhoods to explore when visiting.
Of course, during the summer season, these places are busier than usual, so plan to visit them in advance!
Here’s a quick rundown of some of the best attractions to visit in Seoul:
1. N Seoul Tower (Namsan Tower)
One of the most iconic landmarks in Seoul, N Seoul Tower offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city. You can reach the tower by hiking through Namsan Park, which could be quite a challenge on a hot summer’s day.
Alternatively, you can reach the tower by taking a cable car. During the summer, the tower is beautifully illuminated at night, creating a romantic atmosphere that makes it a popular spot for couples, both young and old.
➡️ Experience the amazing views of Seoul!
Book your ticket for the N Seoul Tower by clicking here
2. Gyeongbokgung Palace
A must-visit historical site, Gyeongbokgung Palace showcases the grandeur of traditional Korean architecture.
It’s possible to witness the changing of the guard ceremony and explore the beautiful palace grounds, which are especially picturesque during the lush greenery of summer.
You can spend a couple of hours here easily, and it should be at the top of your list when visiting the capital.
3. Han River
The Han River is the heart of Seoul, and is one of the most popular go-to spots in the entire city
It really comes alive during the summer months, especially in the evening hours, where youngsters and couples go to enjoy a picnic and/or a few beers.
You can even enjoy a leisurely Han River cruise or rent a bike to explore the scenic riverside parks.
4. Bukchon Hanok Village
Bukchon Hanok Village is a preserved neighbourhood with traditional Korean houses called hanok. Visiting here in the middle of a bustling city makes for a unique and charming experience.
I spent about an hour walking around the village, but most people stay longer, between 2-3 hours if you do a tour as well.
➡️ Visit the amazing Bukchon Hanok Village
Book a ticket for a Bukchon Hanok Village walking tour here
5. Myeongdong Shopping Street
For shopaholics and foodies, Myeongdong is a bustling shopping district with a vast array of fashion boutiques, cosmetic shops, and street food vendors.
It can be quite an overwhelming place with so many crowds, so if that’s not your cup of tea, then maybe give it a miss, but I loved it!
It is an excellent place to try out popular Korean snacks and experience the lively atmosphere of Seoul’s modern shopping culture.
I was amazed at the diverse array of foods on show. There are many street food vendors that showcase unique food items that are specific to Seoul.
Some of these snacks aren’t the healthiest in the world, but it’s definitely worth trying one or two!
👉 Read my guide to Day Trips from Seoul here:
The Top Ten Most Unmissable Day Trips From Seoul For 2026
Festivals and Events in Seoul in Summer
Summer in Seoul is a month packed full of interesting religious festivals and traditional events that are well worth checking out. Here are three of the best festivals to experience during the summer in Seoul:
🌹 Seoul Rose Festival
June is the time in Seoul when roses are in full bloom, and the city celebrates this natural beauty with the Seoul Rose Festival.
Various parks and gardens across Seoul, such as Seoul Grand Park and Olympic Park, hold special events, flower exhibitions, and cultural performances during this festival, which really highlights the beauty of Seoul.
🏮 Lotus Lantern Festival
The Lotus Lantern Festival, held in May or June (depending on the lunar calendar), is a significant cultural event in Seoul.
It celebrates the birth of Buddha with colourful lantern parades, cultural performances, and exhibitions. The main parade takes place along Jongno Street and concludes at Jogyesa Temple.
I missed the Lotus Lantern Festival during my trip in June. However, I did visit the Jogyesa Temple, and there were still hundreds of lanterns at the temple grounds, which looked impressive!
Dano Festival
The Dano Festival is a traditional Korean holiday held on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, which usually falls in June.
Visitors can experience various folk games, rituals, and performances at Gyeongbokgung Palace and other historical sites.
👉 Read my South Korea Bucket List guide here:
South Korea Bucket List 2026: 15 Incredible Places & Things To Do
Where To Stay In Seoul
There are many accommodation options in Seoul! Your choice may be limited by your budget, as hotels can get quite pricey, so here are a couple of options that I wholly recommend considering:
⭐Budget recommendation: Hotel The Designers Hongdae: I stayed at this hotel during my stay in Seoul, and it was very nice! Good location, nice, friendly staff with an easy check-in.
⭐Mid-range recommendation: Holiday Inn Express Seoul Hongdae: I also stayed at this hotel, and it was fantastic. Lovely room, great central location, great view of Hongdae and the breakfast buffet is a must.
Helpful Links For Planning Your Trip
Here are some helpful links to help plan your trip to South Korea:
🚄 Book trains, buses, ferries in South Korea – find trains from Seoul to Busan, ferries to Jeju Island and more.
🏨 Find hotels in South Korea – from budget stays in Seoul to beach hotels in Busan and more.
🍜 Join a food tour in Seoul – perfect for exploring the city’s street food and local dishes.
🌅 Book a Busan day tour – see Gamcheon Village, Jagalchi fish market, scenic Yonggungsa and more.
Seoul in Summer FAQs
Still feeling unsure about whether travelling to Seoul in summer is a good idea or not? Let’s answer some frequently asked questions about this topic:
🚎 Is it easy to get around Seoul?
Despite Seoul being a very busy metropolis, I found it to be relatively easy to get around using public transportation.
The best choice is to use Seoul’s metro underground, which consists of 23 lines and is super fast, very clean and always punctual.
Finding the best route on the metro can be confusing. I would recommend downloading an app to familiarise yourself with the different lines. ‘Subway Korea‘ and ‘Seoul Subway App‘ are the most popular apps to use.
Otherwise, Seoul has a good bus system, but of course, you have to factor in traffic jams, which are very frequent. Taxis can be very expensive in Seoul, too, so only use them if absolutely necessary.
👘 What to wear in Seoul in summer?
As mentioned previously in this post, wear light, loose clothing when visiting Seoul in summer. Loose t-shirts, shorts, linen clothing – anything that’s light and breathable (and fashionable, of course) is a good idea.
When it comes to sandals, most Koreans don’t wear them, but that doesn’t mean you can’t. The better option would be to wear comfortable trainers, as of course, you will be doing a lot of walking in Seoul.
🌸Are there cherry blossoms in summer?
Unfortunately, no, the cherry blossom season in Korea begins in late March or early April, and usually ends in May.
If you’re going to visit Seoul earlier in the year just for cherry blossoms, then be sure to head to these top viewing places in the city: Seoul Forest, Kyunghee University or Yeoduido Park.
If you really want to see the best cherry blossoms that South Korea has to offer, then Busan hosts the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival, which is the biggest cherry blossom festival that the country has.
Conclusion: Seoul In Summer
Visiting Seoul in summer offers a fantastic opportunity to explore this vibrant city in its full glory. Although the weather can be extreme at times with high temperatures and heavy rain, it is still undoubtedly worth visiting.
Whether you’re a culture enthusiast, a nature lover, or just seeking an exciting adventure, Seoul really is a cool city, and one of my favourite places I’ve ever visited.
So plan your trip, pack your bags, and get ready to immerse yourself in the captivating charm of Seoul in summer!
You may also enjoy reading these blog posts about South Korea:
➡️ Travel Tips For South Korea: A Comprehensive Guide To Safety
➡️ Ultimate Foodie Guide To Gwangjang Market: What To Eat & More
➡️ Seoul In One Day: The Ultimate Itinerary For South Korea’s Capital
➡️ Seoul vs Busan: Which South Korean City Is Better For Tourists?
➡️ BEST Food Tour in South Korea 2025: The Ultimate Foodie Guide!
➡️ 2 Days in Seoul: A Full Itinerary For South Korea’s Capital
➡️ Planning your trip? Here are my favourite resources:
🏨 Accommodation: I recommend using Booking.com
🚙 Rental Car: Use Discover Cars for the best car rental prices
❤️ Travel Insurance: I recommend using Visitors Coverage
✈️ Flights: Use Kiwi.com for the best prices on flights
