Stepping off the plane, did the wall of thick, suffocating air catch you off guard? If you're sweating through your clothes and feeling bewildered, take a breath—that is completely normal.
1. It’s Not Just Heat: The Reality of Korean Summer
Korea's average summer temperature hovers around 25°C–30°C (77°F–86°F), but humidity regularly spikes past 70–80%, making the city feel like a giant, walk-in steamer. Recent heatwaves have pushed temperatures near 40°C (104°F) in some areas, leaving even locals complaining. Don’t panic, though! Here are practical survival tips to keep your daily life comfortable and breezy.
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2. Practical Summer Survival Tips
- Handheld Fans (Son-pung-gi) Are Non-Negotiable 🌀
- Look around, and you’ll see locals holding small portable fans to their faces. You can easily pick one up at Daiso or Olive Young for $5–$15. It’s a true lifesaver while waiting at sun-drenched crosswalks.
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- AC Pre-Checks & Avoiding the "Electricity Bill Bomb" 💣:
- Test Early: July and August see repair delays of 2–3 weeks due to peak demand. Test your unit and clean the filters in late spring (May–June).
- Tropical Nights & Progressive Tax: Muggy summer nights make running the AC overnight essential for sleep. However, Korea uses a progressive billing system where rates surge with higher electricity usage. Instead of blasting it at the lowest temperature 24/7, set it to 26°C–27°C (79°F–81°F) and use a regular fan alongside it.
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- Prepare for Indoor AC Chills (AC Sickness) 🤒: Public transit and cafes blast their air conditioning, creating huge indoor-outdoor temperature swings. If you get cold easily, keep a light layer or cardigan in your bag.
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- Deodorant & Sweat Care 🧼:
- Use Deo-Wipes: Grab sweat-wiping sheets ("Deo-tissues") at Olive Young or Daiso. One quick wipe leaves your skin feeling instantly cool and fresh, like a mini shower.
- Bring Strong Deodorant: Many Koreans naturally produce minimal body odor, meaning local pharmacy options are relatively mild. If you rely on clinical-strength antiperspirants, pack enough before flying over or order them online.
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+ How Do Koreans Beat the Heat? 🍲
On the hottest days, you'll see long queues outside restaurants serving boiling-hot soups. Koreans practice Iyeolchiyeol (fighting heat with heat), eating hot, nourishing food to restore stamina drained by the sweltering weather. Head out during Boknal (the three peak heat days of summer) for a steaming pot of Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) to earn true "Korea Master" status! Just be sure to enjoy it inside a restaurant with fully blasted air conditioning.
Bapsim is Here for Your Journey in Korea 😉
Surviving the extreme summer heat on your own in a foreign country can feel exhausting and lonely. When it gets overwhelming, don’t push yourself—duck into a cool convenience store or cafe and take a breather.
Whenever you have questions or feel stuck, feel free to reach out. You are not alone! We sincerely hope your time in Korea becomes filled with far more happiness, ease, and wonderful memories.