Summer in Korea is a whirlwind of beach getaways, vibrant festivals, and thrilling water activities — all wrapped in warm, humid weather that practically demands a cold bingsu in your hand. While Korean summers (June to August) can get hot and sticky, they’re also full of unforgettable adventures for travellers and locals alike. Here’s your ultimate guide to what to do in Korea during the summer.
- Hit the Beaches!
What’s summer without a beach visit or two? Korea has many beaches, from the bustling ones to the serene ones, there is definitely something for everyone! Probably Korea’s most famous beach, Haeundae at Busan is iconic for its lively vibe, beach festivals, and impressive city-meets-ocean skyline. (Personally I would recommend Gwangalli Beach if you are out to catch some breathtaking sunset views at Busan!).
Looking for beaches with less hustle and bustle? A trip to Jeju island would be the summer getaway you are looking for! Recent hit K-drama When Life Gives You Tangerines perfectly encapsulates the charm of this small island across the 4 seasons. Summer may be unbearably hot for some, but with the fresh island winds, there’s no better time to unwind on emerald beaches like Hyeopjae and Hamdeok.
- Join Summer Festivals!
Korean summers are packed with energetic, colourful festivals that capture the spirit of the season.
First up, we have Boryeong Mud Festival located in Daecheon City, at Chungcheong Province. This annual festival is held around July, and if you are around the area, this is definitely a messy, thrilling must-do. Dive into giant mud pits, mud wrestling, and even mud obstacle courses — all set to live music and fireworks by the beach.
Music festivals are also not to be missed in summer. The Iconic water music festival WaterBomb is a highlight in July. You can escape the summer heat by surrounding yourself with blasting water cannons and chilling live performances by big-name K-pop artists. Pack your swimsuits and prepare your water guns for an unforgettable weekend!
If band music is more of your vibe, do not miss Pentaport Rock Festival in August! It is an annual rock festival held annually in Incheon, for three days. Launched in 2006, it is considered one of the biggest live music events in South Korea. The festival covers various genres, but mainly rock music and electronic music.
- Activities to Beat the Heat!
There is a Korean phrase that suggests treating heat with heat (이열치열). It might sound counter-intuitive when all you want on a hot summer day is an ice-cold Americano in your hands. But by sweating, you drive the heat out of your body, which can actually in turn, help to cool you down. You can test out this theory by spending a day at a Korean public bathhouse. A typical Jjimjilbang offers sauna rooms, and there are usually hot tubs and cold plunge pools for alternating temperatures and relaxation.
Fancy some water activities, but not a fan of sandy beaches? Consider a trip to Gapyeong, Gyeonggido. Most may think of the famous Nami Island when visiting Gapyeong, but it is actually home to one of the most popular locations for water activities (also known as 빠지 Bbaji in Korea). We’re looking at bouncy castles, big slides, blob jumps, banana boats bulled by motor boats, and many more! If you would like to see exactly what you are signing up for, I recommend watching a reality show episode of popular K-pop boy group, Seventeen (Going Seventeen Ep. 18 – TTT). Not only is it entertaining, but you can even pick up some conversational Korean along the way!
A season of vibrant energy, beautiful sights, and unique traditions, summer in Korea offers something for everyone. If this article has successfully enticed you to travel to Korea this summer, why not attend a Korean language course with Sejong Korean Language School? Every month, our school offers beginner-friendly Korean classes to help you learn the basics. For intermediate and advanced learners, feel free to take a placement test with us before choosing a level suitable for you to begin your learning journey with us. We have both online and in-person Korean classes available to help you prepare for your Korea trip! In the meantime, remember to stay hydrated and grab your sunscreen — Korea in summer is calling!
Written by: Ms Luisa Lim, June 2025