Visiting Seoul in July? Here's what there is to do, what you should bring, and what you need to know, based on my (approximately) 10 trips!
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You may wonder whether July is a good month to visit Seoul, South Korea as the cherry blossoms in April have faded.
Based on my 10 trips to South Korea, I must say that July is one of the hottest and wettest months in Seoul and thus not be an ideal time for some visitors. (Honestly, summer is not one of my favorite seasons to be in Seoul! Personally I much prefer to visit Seoul in September.)
However, if you love to explore the national parks, enjoy outdoor activities, visit the beaches, attend art and culture event, South Korea has much to offer in July. So, don’t let the high heat, humidity, heavy rain, and overcast weather deter you from enjoying what Seoul can offer!
Note: if you plan to shop, here's a FREE Dongdaemun voucher from Klook! (It's a Super Pass that gets you exclusive discounts and sometimes free gifts)
Weather
Korea has very distinct seasons.
July is one of the hottest and wettest months in Seoul. The average temperature ranges from 20 degrees C/68 degrees F to 27 degrees C/81 degrees F. (In my opinion, March, April, September, October, and November are the best time of year to visit Seoul.)
The monsoon season (mid June to end July) known as “jangma” brings the heavy downpours of the Korean rainy season. (Please note, weather conditions may change due to global warming.) So a vital part of your Korean summer packing list will include a foldable umbrella and sunscreen of SPF50+ (more on this below.)
In recent years, due to climate change, there have been instances of torrential rain and flash flood alerts, which are becoming increasingly common in Korea in summer. (The issue is so serious the government has started sending alerts about these issues, and there's even been talk about the impact on the local economy!)
Many Korean hotels have AC. However, even some 5-star hotels do not allow you to change the temperature in your room (it's centrally controlled) so the AC may not be cool enough for you! I always look for hotels in which I can adjust the AC in my room!
Things to Note
- With summer vacations in South Korea starting mid July to late August, expect higher crowds at major tourist attractions, kid friendly places, increased demand for flights and hotels, So, book hotels and tours early!
- Seoul will be launching a “Climate Card Tourist Pass" which enables a budget-friendly Seoul tour (with unlimited rides.) It can be purchased at the bus ticket offices in Incheon International Aiport Terminal 1, convenience stores, AREX, TMoney affiliated stores and through the Tmoney mobile app. There are 1, 2, 3 and 5 day options at:
- 1 day pass (KRW 5,000)
- 2 day pass (KRW 8,000)
- 3 day pass (KRW 10,000)
- 5 day pass (KRW 15,000)
Festival & Events
Waterbomb
The water music festival, Waterbomb, is one of the most popular events in Seoul. You will enjoy live performances from K-pop stars and DJs, water fights, a photo, food zones filled with flavorful eats etc.
There is also a VIP Lounge for visitors to enjoy champagne and finger foods.
- Festival Dates: Seoul, July 5 - 7, 2024
- Waterbomb Jeju, July 13, 2024
- Waterbomb Daegu, July 20, 2024
Events Outside Seoul
Semiwon Lotus Flower Festival
- Festival Dates: months of July and August 2024
This lotus and water lily garden in Semiwon is about 15 minute walk from Yangsu Station (Gyeongui - Jungang Line), which you can easily get to from Seoul using the subway. Alternatively, you can cycle over using the riverside bike road, in the Seoul to Yangpyung direction.
Semiwon can be visited by a day trip from Seoul and, in summer, will be filled with beautiful lotus and water lily blooms. Enjoy a visit to the Lotus Museum, coffee shop and a lotus cookies store. A bridge at the end of the garden leads to Dumulmeori, where the heads of the Bukhara and Namhan Rivers meet.
For those who enjoy crafts, there are workshops on making handkerchiefs and fans out of lotus leaves at the festival. There is also a stream in which you can dip your feet- a great way to cool down in the heat!
NOTE: The lotus flowers close their leaves in the early morning and evening, so time your visit appropriately if you want to photograph them in full bloom!
- Address: 93 Yangsu-ro, Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do 12584
- Admission Fee: KRW 5,000 (includes entry to the Museum)
Pocheon Herb Island Lavender Festival
If you've always thought you had to visit Provence in France to frolic in lavender fields, then you need to visit the Pocheon Herb Island Festival, which is held all summer.
There are over 200 different kinds of herbs and plants at the Festival. Visitors can take photos amidst the lavender blooms, enjoy lavender ice-cream and lavender lattes, or attend workshops on candle- making, soaps and cosmetics!
You can also pick apples in summer at Pocheon (or strawberries in spring- the fruits will change, depending on the season.)
- Dates: months of July and August 2024
- Address: 35 Cheongsin-ro, 947 beon-gil, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do
Garden of Morning Calm Events
The Garden of Morning Calm is one of the most popular day trips from Seoul (and one of my favorites too- so much better than Petite France, in my opinion, which it's usually packaged with it. (Click through for a tour that brings you to the Garden but NOT Petite France.)
The garden has 2 lovely festivals in summer:
- Hydrangea Festival: June 15 - July 14, 2024
- Rose of Sharon: month of July 2024
Address: 432 Sumokgwan, Sangmyeon, Gapyeong-gu, Gyeonggi-do
Opening hours: 0830 - 1900 (last entry 1800)
Admission fee: KRW 11,000 (no refunds in the event of rain or snow)
Note that no smoking, food, drinking, pets (other than guide dogs), bicycles or sports equipment are allowed.
The Garden of Morning Calm came from the inspiration of Korea’s nickname, “The hand of the morning calm”. It is one of the best and captivating gardens in South Korea with “flora and fauna in the woods”built in harmony with the surrounding mountains as a backdrop.
It is so gorgeous, the garden has been a filming location for many popular Korean TV series like “Morning Drawn by the Clouds”.
After touring the 330,000 square meters garden, you can take a respite from the heat and relax in the:
(a) Cottage Cafe beside the Morning Plaza with bread and soft drinks, or
(b) Korean Food Garden (with a view of the Bonsai Garden) for healthy Korean cuisine
For those who want souvenirs of their visit, you can shop at the:
(a) Herb Shop for healing, aromatic and organic products
(b) Plant Shop
(c) Convenience Store (has for toys for children)
(d) Green Store with adjourning cafe offering a wide range of potted plants
Note: The Garden of Morning Calm is one of the most popular day trips from Seoul. It can also be combined with visits to nearby locations (Nami Island, Gangchon Rail Bike and Alpaca World.) This, not only saves time, kill many birds with one stone and is more cost effective.
2024 Daegu Chimaek Festival
If you've watched Korean dramas on Netflix, then you must have heard of chimaek i.e. ordering fried chicken and beer!
The festival commemorates “chimac”/“chimaek." The word is a combination of “chi” (from chikin) and “maek” (from maekju), the Korean word for beer.
You can enjoy various types of chicken and beer at the festival, with live music performances, games and cultural activities.
P.S. A friend from New York said that the Korean Chicken is actually better in America than in Korea: whether that's true, I'll leave you to find out yourself!
- Dates: July 3 - 7, 2024
- Address: Around Duryu Park, 36 Gongwonsunhwan-ro, Dalseo-gu, Daegu
Busan
Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival
This is an international film festival and is held once a year in July in Bucheon, South Korea.
Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFAN) uses artificial intelligence to judge awards to be given to films. This AI Film International Competition will be added to this festival, making it the first time that the country’s film festival will recognise/award films created using AI technology!
- Dates: July 4 - 14, 2024
- Address: 210 Gilju-ro, Bucheon, Gyeonggi-do
Wondering when to visit Busan? It's certainly worth more than just a day trip from Seoul! July (+ May, June, and September) is a great time to visit coastal areas such as Busan or Jeju Island. Besides cooling off on Haeundae Beach or Songdo Beach, visitors can also enjoy the many attractions such as Gamcheon Village, Taejongdae Park and Jagalchi Market.
Buyeo Seodong Lotus Festival
Festival Dates: July 5 - 7, 2024
Address: 181 Dongnami-ri, Boyeo-up, Boyeo-gun, Chungcheongnam-do
Admission: free
Every year in July, South Korea celebrates “Buyeo Sedong Lotus Festival” - the lotus flowers are in full bloom during the summer peak. Buyeo (formerly known as Sabi) along Gongju (formerly known as Unglin) was one of the capitals of the Baekje Kingdom.
Different programs are held every day, ranging from lotus- themed events. There are many craft workshops (paper lotus flower, soap making, lotus flower bracelets and necklaces, lotus leaf-shaped candlesticks and candle- making). You can also try lotus flower tea!
This festival is based on the love story of King Mu (Seodong) and Princess Seonhwa of Baekje Kingdom, and there will be programs and performances based on this historical romance.
Their romance is also immortalized in the children's song, Seo Dong Yo (서동요; 薯童謠), which describes of the love story between an exiled Princess (Seonhwa) and Seodong. On her way to exile, Princess Seonhwa meets Seodong, and goes to Baekje to live with him as his wife. Their son is the last King of Baekje Dynasty, Uija of Baekje.
Note: If you are a fan of the Baekje Kingdom, you may be interested in visiting the cultural and and historical sites nearby, dating back to 18BC - 660 AD: the Baekje Wangneungwon (Royal Mausoleum), Nakhwaam and the Baekje Historical Museum
Boryeong Mud Festival 2024
Dates: July 19 - August 4, 2024
Address: Daecheon Beach
The Boryeong Mud Festival started in the 1990s to promote Boryeong’s mud-based skin care products. This Boryeong mud is said to be rich with healing and anti-ageing nutrients. This is a very popular festival, not only with Koreans but also with foreigners.
There is the children’s mud zone at one end of the beach and an official mud zone with a stage for night performances, at the other end of the beach.
Admission to the “mud zone” costs KRW 14,000 and a ticket can be purchased on-line. Alternatively, the rear of the festival area is free and open to the public, but there are no mud activities.
Note: If you are planning to be at this festival over the weekend, it is better to book accommodation early as thousands of people flock to Daecheon Beach for the mud festival.
If you're based in Seoul, you can book a return day tour from Seoul which includes a mud festival ticket. It can take 3-4 hours to get to Boryeong from Seoul, so this is the best way to not have to enjoy the festival without worrying about transport!
Bonghwa Euneo (Sweetfish) Festival 2024
Festival Dates: July 27 - August 4, 2024
Address: Bonghwa-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Every year, a huge festival s held in Bonghwa to commemorate its local speciality: Euneo or sweetfish (a small fish with a sweet melon flavor.)
It was recorded that the sweetfish from Bonghwa was given to the king of the Joseon Dynasty as a tribute. The highest quality Sweetfish comes from the upstream sections of the Nakdonggang and Seomjingang Rivers near Bonghwa in Gyeongsangbuk-do province.
The Bonghwa Euneo Festival hosts a wide range of recreational activities that the entire family can enjoy, such as
- fishing - catching Sweetfish with scoop nets or even your bare hands
- grilling the fish
- water sports, water fights, water slides
- farming activities
Tip: Bring extra clothes and towels, sandals/rubber shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses and hat.
Taebaek Sunflower Festival
Festival Dates: month of July 2024
Address: 38-20 Gunwau-Gil, Taebaek-si, Gangwon-do
Koreans love flowers, and they have quite a few flower festivals throughout the year!
The Taebaek Festival Sunflower Festival, held in Gunawan Village in Taebaek, Gangwon-do Province celebrates the largest sunflower patch in Korea. There are at least 300 species of wild flowers and a sunflower field walking trail.
Tip: Why not kill a few birds with a stone and take a day tour that visits this festival together with nearby attractions:
(1) Wonju : where you can see Sogeumsan Suspension Bridge
(2) Taebaek : Taebaek Traditional Market,
Sunflower Wild Field Festival, and
Taebaek Mural Paintings Village
The Sogemusan Suspension Bridge: This suspension bridge of Wonju Sogemusan Mountain is the longest bridge in Korea. It is 200 metres long and 1.5 meters wide and you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the rocks.
Taebaek Sangjang-dong Mural Village show/house relics of traditional culture and galleries filled with modern art.
Outdoor Activities
Historic Palaces
July is a terrific time to visit the 5 magnificent palaces of Seoul(all located in the City center and dating back to the Joseon Dynasty):
- Gyeongbokgung Palace
- Changdeokgung Palace
- Changyeonggung Palace
- Deoksugung Palace, and
- Gyeonghuigung Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace is the most beautiful and largest but the garden of Changdeokgung is a beautiful place for a selfie!
You get free entry to the Korean royal palaces in Seoul if you wear a hanbok!
Cruise along Han River
Cruising along Seoul’s iconic main river, Han River, is a way to cool off from the July heat. Some cruises have music performances held on board. You can also choose from cruises held during:
- sunset
- under starlight
- under moonlight
- when there are fireworks
There is also a light show at 8 pm and a music performance.
Lotte World
Address: 240 Olympic-ro, Songza District, Seoul
If you've watched a K drama romance, you may have seen the lead couple have a date in an amusement park. Amusement parks are popular in Korea and Lotte World, an outdoor amusement park together with a large indoor theme park, is a place with something for everyone!
This amusement park is so popular, my friend's Korean in-laws brought us there on our first visit to Seoul.
Everland
Everland, another of South Korea’s largest theme parks, has 5 unique themed zones, including Caribbean Bay where you can cool off in the water rides, swimming pool, or the spa.
Indoor Activities to Escape the Heat
A great place to escape from the afternoon heat is going somewhere with air conditioning!
Enjoy a Beauty Treatment
One of the most popular things to do in Seoul is to get a beauty treatment, so why not get a facial or Korean hair cut? One of my favourites is the Sulwhasoo Facial.
For example, one of the many museums. Seoul has terrific museums where you can learn more about Korean history, art and culture. Some of the best are:
National Museum of Korea
The National Museum of Korea displays a very comprehensive collection of Korean artifacts from prehistoric times to now. If you prefer a more interactive experience, there are also workshops, lectures, live performances, and other activities about the history and culture of Korea.
National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art displays an impressive range of works by contemporary Korean artists.
Museum Kimchikan (뮤지엄 김치간)
As an Asian recipe blogger, trying local food, taking cooking classes, and even going to the local supermarket are all things I love to do in Seoul. So of course I couldn't miss the Kimchi Museum!
At the Museum Kimchikan in Insadong, kimchi visitors can learn and taste samples of different varieties of kimchi. You can even taking a Kimchi making class in Bukchon-dong! (Click through for my review of my "Professional Kimchi Class.")
Other Things to Do
Seoul’s Night Market
Seoul is famous for its food markets that are held at night:
- Seoul Bamdokkaebi Night Market
- Myeongdong Night Market
- Namdaemun Market
- Gwangjang Market Street Food (of Netflix fame but recently there have been claims of overcharging)
These bustling night markets pave the streets of Seoul with food trucks serving popular Korean dishes such as kimchi rice, Tteobokki (a spicy stir-fried dish made with rice cakes or “tteok”, fish cakes, vegetables, eggs and gochujang sauce) and gimbap.
Namsan Seoul Tower
If you make your way to the Observation Deck of the Namsan Seoul Tower, you will enjoy breathtaking views of the City.
What to Bring
To prep for your summer holiday, you will need things such as:
- T-shirts, tank-tops
- I suggest ones made a natural material such as cotton or linen to better absorb sweat in the summer months
- Shorts, skirts or thin pants
- In Korea, it's acceptable to wear very short skirts, but any hint of cleavage may get you stairs
- Foldable umbrella
- For the monsoon rains
- Good walking shoes
- I've broken 2 pairs of shoes in Korea already!
- Bring an extra pair if you have large feet. It's almost impossible to find women's shoes in large sizes in Korea. (You can try ABC Mart in Myeongdong if desperate.)
- Flip-flops for the water festival or beaches
- Swimsuits and swimming cap (if you plan to swim, many Korean pools mandate a swimming cap)
- Sunglasses
- They're not common in Korea, but you need them on sunny days!
- Hat
- Water Bottle
- Travel documents: passport, air ticket, itineraries, hotel reservations, visas and insurance
- International driver’s licence (if you plan to drive)
- Any prescription medicine you may need
- Please check Korea's laws on medicine as they do spotchecks and sometimes don't accept your Doctor's prescription!
- Credit cards
- Mobile phone, chargers and travel adapters
For a full summer packing list for Seoul, click here.
Any questions about visiting Seoul in July? Let me know in the comments!
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