Introduction
Having lived in Korea for a while now, there's still one thing I can't quite get used to: Korean summer. Unlike summers in Germany, where temperatures might reach 30 degrees during the day in direct sunlight, it's rarely humid there and cools down dramatically to around 15 degrees at night. What I didn't appreciate enough while living in Germany was how well-insulated the homes are. Heat doesn't penetrate directly into houses and warm up the rooms, which is why many German homes don't have air conditioning. This is partly cultural too, people simply never needed it and don't think about it. Plus, energy is too expensive to run air conditioning regularly.
Korea, on the other hand, is like living in a constant sauna, especially in the city without air conditioning! Buildings aren't well insulated, so the sun heats up the walls immediately. Surviving without air conditioning is basically torture. That's why I decided to leave Korea during summer, though since the season is so long, I still experience the tail end of it. Because of the constant humidity, it doesn't cool down much… temperatures only drop from 35 degrees during the day to about 25 degrees at night, while remaining humid. Opening windows isn't even an option because mosquitoes swarm in immediately.
As you can probably tell, I don't have the best experience with Korean summer. Nevertheless, here are some strategies I've used to handle the heat.
Natural Escapes: Finding Relief in Nature
Visit a 계곡 (Valley Stream)
A small valley where water flows and cools down, you can see many families go there and let the children play, do some small fishing, and just enjoy the cool down. The one I went to is near the Bukhansan, very accessible and it was really fun.
Head to the Beach
Korea has some beautiful beaches that offer relief from the summer heat. Busan's Haeundae and Gwangalli beaches are popular options, but there are plenty of less crowded beaches along the east coast too. Pack plenty of sunscreen!
Hiking up to Bukhansan
Being in nature while hiking to the top of Bukhansan, the highest mountain in Seoul, offers a natural way to escape the heat. As you ascend, you'll not only enjoy cooler temperatures but also meet many interesting characters along the trail. The dense trees provide natural shade and cooling as they absorb heat, creating a more comfortable environment even on hot days. The spectacular views from the top make the climb worthwhile, and the sense of accomplishment adds to the experience. Just remember to bring plenty of water and start early in the morning to avoid the midday heat.
Summer Festivals: Cooling Off While Having Fun
Water Festivals
Waterbomb and PSY's Summer Swag are the two most famous ones I went to and they're definitely worth a cool down. You just get splashed with water the whole time while listening to your favorite artists and sipping on a cold beer - just awesome. Definitely recommend purchasing the early bird tickets for Waterbomb, it's really cheap compared to later prices.
Korean Cooling Foods
Koreans have traditional foods specifically designed to combat summer heat:
- Naengmyeon (냉면) - cold buckwheat noodles in icy broth
- Bingsu (빙수) - shaved ice dessert with various toppings
- Samgyetang (삼계탕) - hot ginseng chicken soup (Koreans believe in fighting heat with heat)
- Mul-naengmyeon (물냉면) - cold noodles in chilled broth
Home Survival Tactics
Stay Indoor!
As outdoor in the city is not really an option, Korean cafes offer well-air-conditioned escape during summer. With their attractive interiors and WiFi, they provide ideal spaces for working or studying.
Turning on the Airconditioning
Even though you might pay a little more for electricity bills during summer, don't try to endure the season without air conditioning. Not only will it keep you comfortable, but it also prevents your belongings from becoming too humid and developing mold or mildew. Electronics, books, clothing, and wooden furniture can all suffer damage from excessive humidity. Consider it an investment in both your comfort and the longevity of your possessions.
If you're concerned about costs, try these air conditioning efficiency tips:
- Set the temperature to 24-26°C instead of extremely low settings
- Use the dehumidifying function when possible
- Clean the filters regularly for better efficiency
- Close blinds or curtains during the hottest part of the day
Sleep with an Ice Pack
I have a ice pack wrapped around in a towel and put them on my stomach while I sleep to keep me cool. This simple trick helps regulate your body temperature during hot nights. The cooling sensation on your core helps your entire body feel more comfortable, making it easier to fall asleep despite the heat. Just make sure not to apply the ice pack directly to your skin to avoid cold burns. You can also place ice packs near pulse points like wrists, neck, or ankles for a similar cooling effect.
Conclusion
Korean summer is truly an endurance test for those not accustomed to the combination of heat and humidity. My personal strategy of avoiding the peak summer by going to Germany for months might be extreme, but if you can't escape, these strategies should help make the season more bearable.
The good news is that Korean infrastructure is generally well-designed for summer conditions. Public transportation is reliably air-conditioned, and you're never too far from a cool café or convenience store.
What strategies have you found to beat the Korean summer heat? Share your tips in the comments below!
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