Rainy season in Korea – What to do in Seoul when it rains
Last Updated on September 16, 2024 by Alex
Are you considering visiting Korea during the rainy season but are worried about missing out on visiting some of the most important attractions in town?
While many might discourage you from visiting South Korea during summer, the good news is that the country doesn’t have such an intense rainy season, and there are still plenty of things to do and see during this period.
Seoul alone offers so many things to do and see that you won’t have time to worry about the rain.
This post contains affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. Read more about it on our disclosure page here.
Table of Contents
- Rainy season in Korea – What to do in Seoul when it rains
- What is the rainiest month in South Korea
- What to pack for the rainy season in Korea
- Top things to do and see in Seoul when it rains
- Learn how to cook delicious Korean dishes
- Take some cool pictures at COEX Library & have tea at Bongeunsa Temple
- Visit one of the many museums in Seoul
- Explore some of the best cafes in Seoul
- Go for a facial treatment
- Learn to make Makgeolli
- Experience a hanok with Megheolli SPA
- Have some fun at an indoor amusement park
- Lotte Sky Tower
- Nanta Cooking Show in Myeongdong
- Visit KBS ON – Korea’s first broadcasting exhibition hall
- Do a cosmetical consultation in Gangnam
- Go food tasting at a local market
- Jimjilbang or Korean SPA
- Test cosmetics at Amore Pacific Flagship Store
- Visit a cat cafe
- Go for an indoor photo session
- Go for a K-Pop Dance lesson & Video Shooting
- Enjoy one of the best restaurants in town
- Spend time at the Aquarium
- Write your name in Korean calligraphy
- Attend a Korean-style musical
- Color Pool in Insadong
- K Medi Center
- Meet cool people on a Pub Crawl
- Other South Korea Travel Resources
Rainy season in Korea – What to do in Seoul when it rains
What is the rainiest month in South Korea
If you visit South Korea between the end of June and mid-August, you might have to worry about rain.
July is the rainiest month in South Korea, with temperatures rising around 30°C. Although that might not seem like a lot, the high humidity makes temperatures feel higher.
Monsoon season in the region can take you by surprise, so come prepared. You might have days with no rain or wind if you are lucky.
What to pack for the rainy season in Korea
Even though you might choose to spend most of your time indoors, hiding from the heat and taking advantage of the air conditioning, here are a few things you should not forget to pack for summer in Seoul.
An umbrella
Dresses and t-shirts that cover your shoulders (if you are a woman) – you will notice Koreans don’t wear cleavage or strappy shirts. However, as a tourist, you can ignore this rule and get away with it.
A scarf to cover yourself when you step inside shops and restaurants. I always have a light sweater or a scarf because Koreans (and Hong Kong people) love their AC, and the difference between the temperatures outside and those from the inside is quite significant.
Extra tip: there are certain cars where you get less AC on the subway. The writing is in Korean, but you must look for the car with text on the window.
Sunglasses and a hat
Sunscreen – even though you will buy plenty of K-beauty in Seoul
Sandals and some waterproof sneakers
Shorts, skirts, or thin fabric pants – you will find it too hot for jeans
Top things to do and see in Seoul when it rains
Learn how to cook delicious Korean dishes
The Korean culinary culture is varied, catering to many tastes. Are you into seafood or fish? There are dozens if not hundreds, of different dishes you could try. Or perhaps you prefer noodles or dumplings?
My mouth waters when I think of the Pyongyang cold noodles (naengmyeon). But if you are a meat lover, South Korea is a paradise since its entire culture is built around barbecue.
Read also: Dining in South Korea, what to know
If you don’t just want to taste the local cuisine but want to learn how to cook some of the iconic dishes, you shouldn’t miss taking a Korean Cooking Class with a Full-Course Meal & Local Market Tour in Seoul.
You’ll have lunch and dinner covered, interact with like-minded people, and explore a market with a local.
Take some cool pictures at COEX Library & have tea at Bongeunsa Temple
While the COEX Library might be one of the most Instagrammable places in Seoul, the tea place at the Bongeunsa Temple, set right next door, is a hidden gem, not many tourists know of.
At the COEX Library, you will only find books in Korean; you cannot buy anything, and it’s a place where people socialize. Snap a few pictures and make your way next door to Bongeunsa Temple.
The tea place is located inside a traditional Korean house, and you can enjoy traditional rice sweets along with your tea.
Even if it is raining outside, you can sit by the wide window with a steamy tea and admire the beautiful surroundings.
Visit one of the many museums in Seoul
Apart from visiting the palaces, history or art lovers can and should see some of Seoul’s interesting museums.
If you want something traditional, don’t skip seeing
The National Museum of Korea – learn about history and culture in one of the six galleries, from the past to the present.
The National Folk Museum of Korea is located in the center of the city, only a few steps away from one of the main Palaces. Here, you will step back in time and see how Koreans used to live. They have three permanent exhibitions and various special exhibitions.
Seoul Museum of History – if you don’t feel like visiting DMZ or have the time to get there but still want to learn about South Korea’s history, come to this museum. The entrance is free, and you will learn about the Joseon Era, the Korean Empire, Seoul under Japanese Control, the Republic of Korea, and more.
The War Memorial of Korea – is only for history lovers, particularly those passionate about war. You will follow some of the most important Korean eras: the Three Kingdoms, Goreyo, Joseon, the Korean Empire, and the Japanese occupation.
Seoul Museum of CraftArt – beautiful Korean embroidery and crafts set at the heart of the Bukchon Hanok Village.
Space*C Coreana Cosmetics Museum – learn everything about the traditional Korean cosmetics culture. K-beauty goes way back in time, and women have always used the power of nature to keep their beauty and youth for longer.
Museum Kimchikan – for kimchi lovers, and not only, come here to learn about the different types of kimchi and how they are made. You can also take part in experiences, learn how to make kimchi and get to try it at the end.
Explore some of the best cafes in Seoul
Koreans love their coffee and even more so their cafes. You won’t find it hard to choose a pretty cafe where to hide from the rain, but if you are aiming for the more popular ones, make sure to go in early.
Hongdae, Bukchon Hanok Village, and even Gangnam are home to many popular cafes you should not miss.
GREEM CAFE YEONNAM-DONG 239-2 is a popular place, but you should not skip Onion Cafe Anguk either. It is set inside a traditional hanok house and has some of the best coffee in Seoul.
Go for a facial treatment
Seoul is home to one of the most developed cosmetics markets in the world. K-beauty has taken the world by storm, and for good reason. With many affordable brands and luxury ones, you will surely find something for your skin needs.
Apart from shopping for cosmetics, you should not skip a facial treatment at one of the most important SPAs hosted by luxury brands such as Sulwhasoo, OHui, or AHA.
Sulwhasoo focuses on the healing and anti-aging powers of ginseng. Its spa is located in Gangnam and is one of the most luxurious in town. Book your spa session online and save!
O HUI&WHOO SPA is easily accessible due to its location in Myeongdong. It offers different treatments with LG’s premium cosmetic brands, OHUI, Whoo, and SU:M. Book your treatment online here!
Learn to make Makgeolli
Makgeolli is a sweet alcoholic drink made from fermented rice. It has a milky aspect, and it must be consumed while fresh (the same as dairy products). Ingrid likes it a lot but is too sweet for Alex’s taste, diabetes aside.
Koreans drink makgeolli out of cups, not glasses.
On a rainy day, you can learn how to brew makgeolli from an expert. Apart from learning the secret of this popular Korean drink, you can try a few different types.
Experience a hanok with Megheolli SPA
Rakkojae Hanok Hotel is set in the heart of the Bukchon Hanok Village and offers a unique package.
Set aside 3 hours for this ultimate relaxation experience, with traditional Korean ingredients good for the skin: Makgeolli (a traditional Korean drink made out of fermented rice), ginseng, and more.
Read more about Korean drinks and food here!
You get a welcome tea and traditional sweets, a Jjimjilbang experience (45 minutes), and a Makgeolli spa experience (75 minutes).
You will want to book in advance because they only offer the experience to 2 people every day.
Have some fun at an indoor amusement park
Lotte World Adventure is the most popular adventure park in South Korea. It is set in the middle of Seokchon Lake next to the famous Lotte Sky Tower.
Whether you are traveling with kids or you simply want to feel like a child again, spending one day at the amusement park should be on your Seoul bucket list.
Choose a Fast Pass when you don’t want to wait in line at any of the rides, or get the combo ticket and visit the Aquarium with a discount.
Lotte Sky Tower
Climb to the top of the tallest building in Seoul and the 5th tallest in the world.
Come after sunset and see the city turn to life. Seoul Sky is set on floors 117-123 of Lotte World Tower, and you get there by traveling on one of the fastest elevators.
Before going up, admire an art exhibition and learn about South Korea’s history.
Nanta Cooking Show in Myeongdong
One of the most popular and entertaining activities you could attend in Myeongdong, the Nanta Cooking Show, should not be missed!
Get ready for a performance of acrobatics, comedy, and the percussion of kitchen utensils, and listen to some of the most popular songs performed on the stage of the Myeongdong Theater.
As you might imagine, this is a popular activity, so we strongly encourage you to book your preferred seat ahead of time.
Visit KBS ON – Korea’s first broadcasting exhibition hall
You can learn a little about how different programs are filmed and try the broadcasting experience yourself!
There is also a Korean media history corner with all the popular shows KBS has produced and an animation corner.
It is a free experience to try, but you must book your slot online here. Since you are on vacation, book the morning tours. The evening ones are sold out fast.
Address: KBS ON, KBS Headquarters | 한국방송공사 본관정원(서울 영등포구여의공원로 13)
Do a cosmetical consultation in Gangnam
Gangnam is the place to go if you are interested in cosmetic surgery or cosmetic treatments.
However, I know from experience that finding someone who speaks English is difficult. And if you are talking about surgery, it is important to understand what the doctor has to say.
That’s why we suggest booking a translator to accompany you to some of the most important cosmetic clinics in Gangnam.
Go food tasting at a local market
If you like South Korea and its food, you most certainly have watched the popular Street Food Asia show on Netflix. And if you did, you should not miss a visit to the Kwangjang Market (or Gwangjang Market).
The place is centrally located in the Jogno district, and it shouldn’t be too difficult to find.
However, you can also book a private food tour with a local that will take you not only to taste some local specialties at the Gwangjang Market but also to the Chenggyecheon stream, Heunginjimun Gate, Seoul Fortress Wall, and Ihwa Mural Village.
Street food in Asia is one of the best, and local markets are covered, so you can hide from the rain.
Other popular markets in Seoul are Dongdaemun Market, Tongin Market, and Noryangjin Fish Market, which can be explored on a tour with a local.
Jimjilbang or Korean SPA
Even before we went to South Korea, I had heard many things about Korean SPAs, especially their famous body scrub.
However, since plenty of restrictions were in place when we moved to Seoul, we had to wait until we could enjoy a day at the SPA.
We are both great fans of wellness retreats and SPA facilities, and the jimjilbang didn’t disappoint! We loved every moment spent there.
Try the Aquafield jimjilbang in Goyang or Hanam if you can get there. If not, here are a few other popular jimjilbangs to try in Seoul: LK SPA near Myeongdong and Dongdaemun; Hwanggeum Sauna in Myeongdong; Dragon Hill Spa & Resort in Yongsan; and Aquafield in Goyaing or Hanam.
If you are traveling to Busan, you should not miss Busan SPA Land Centum.
Test cosmetics at Amore Pacific Flagship Store
Cosmetics lovers will find this place incredible for spending a few hours testing skincare and makeup.
Once you enter the building, you step through all the stages of a skincare routine: the cleansing room; cosmetics lined up from toners to lotions, moisturizers, to sunscreen; finishing with the powder room where you can create your shades of makeup and try the available ones.
In the end, you can choose from various samples to take home.
In addition, the concept store hosts a tea place where you can taste one of the most popular Korean teas: Ossulloc.
Where: Amore Flagship Store (성수), 277-52 Seongsu-dong 2(i)-ga, Seongdong-gu.
Visit a cat cafe
Koreans love cats and animals in general. Mix that with their love for cafes, and you will quickly understand why you can find various animal cafes in Seoul.
If you love cats as much as I do and want to hide from the heat and/or rain, spending a few hours in the company of friendly, fluffy cats is always a good idea.
They are scattered around the city but mainly in areas popular with tourists or young people, such as Myeongdong or Hongdae.
Cat cafes usually have pretty strict rules; thus, expect to be asked to take off your shoes and wash your hands. You can pet the cats, feed them with the food provided at the cafe, and just spend time with them.
Go for an indoor photo session
Renting a hanbok and wandering the streets of the old city is a must-do in Seoul, but you don’t have that option when it rains.
The good news is that you can go for a Korean-style photo session inside a studio. While this activity won’t have you dress in traditional Korean clothing, you can also rent the Ehwa Korean School Uniform and take some photos around Hongdae.
Another great and popular option for when the rain stops is renting some retro Korean clothing and exploring the less touristic neighborhood of Ikseon. The area has cool cafes offering the perfect setting for your pictures. See more about the experience here!
Go for a K-Pop Dance lesson & Video Shooting
K-pop and dancing play a major role in Korean culture and society, and you will see and hear them everywhere you go. The streets of Hongdae are especially packed with performers and people who come to watch them.
If you are a K-Pop lover, you should not miss the chance to participate in a dance lesson in Seoul. Meet like-minded people and learn some popular moves with this fun activity.
Enjoy one of the best restaurants in town
We are both foodies, and we especially love Korean food. Not only does it have an incredible taste, but there is also a variety of dishes you can taste with one meal.
While you cannot go wrong with street food, there are a few restaurants you should try.
Jaha Son Mandu in Buam-dong is popular for its dumplings. It also offers a stunning city and mountain view and delicious kimchi. Come prepared to wait in line, especially if you plan lunch here.
Set a few steps away, you can also try Sosohan Poonggyeong (소소한풍경).
우진갈비 has one of the best Korean bbq we tried in Seoul, and it is only 10 minutes away from Seoul Station.
Kukbingwan (통의동 국빈관) is another Korean BBQ place minutes away from the National Palace Museum of Korea. It is set in a small traditional house with an interior garden. The food is a bit pricey, but it is well worth it.
Spend time at the Aquarium
The largest aquarium in South Korea is inside a shopping mall! With around 40,000 sea creatures, this is the place to be for kids and adults alike. Why not spend a few fun hours learning about the incredible life of underwater creatures?
You’ll see sharks, penguins, a “mermaid performance” and more.
Write your name in Korean calligraphy
Are you learning Hangul, the Korean alphabet? Even if you are not, you might want to learn how to paint your name in Korean calligraphy. It is done with a brush on an antique hanji – traditional Korean handmade paper made out of mulberry pulp.
Attend a Korean-style musical
Witness the thrilling battle between two talented chefs as they compete to demonstrate their cooking expertise while engaging in beatboxing and break-dancing.
Address: Musical Chef’s Ticket Counter, 29, Yanghwa-ro 16-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Republic of Koreal 서울 마포구 양화로16길29 b2
Color Pool in Insadong
The Color Pool Museum is an Instagrammer’s dream. It has various colorful rooms where you can take countless pictures for your feed.
Some areas are interactive and fun; you can spend at least one hour going from one room to another and having a blast. The museum is set inside a shopping mall right at the heart of Insadong.
K Medi Center
The Seoul Herb Medicine Museum is another cool place to visit when it is cold outside. Exhibitions and educational experiences will teach you about oriental medicine and beauty.
You can take a foot bath and enjoy a herbal food experience based on Korean traditional medicine.
Where: 145 Cheonho-daero, Dongdaemun-gu, Dongdaemun-gu Office, Seoul.
Meet cool people on a Pub Crawl
Learn about Korean drinking culture—that’s no game! Experience Seoul’s nocturnal lifestyle with class and frugality by visiting three pubs or clubs, followed by an additional dance spot.
Join every Friday (in Itaewon), Thursday, and Saturday (in Hongdae) for three nights of absolute fun.
Other activities worth trying when it rains in Seoul
- Handmade ring-making workshop in a location where numerous Korean TV shows have filmed
- Taekwondo – experience Korea’s national sport in its capital city
- Take part in a Korean Traditional Wedding Ceremony and make some memories that will last forever. Clothing and professional photoshoots are included.
The rainy season in Korea is at the hottest time of the year (July/August). I find that the rain is a welcome relief from the heat.. it cools everything down a little and washes the streets clean! I also believe that getting out into the monsoon is good for the soul and its just fun to play in the rain!! We Ride Korea is an ebike tour company in Jongno Seoul. They hit all the best sights and take the safest and most fun routes around the city. If you get a chance to ride with We Ride Korea on a rainy day I would highly recommend it!
FYI: they do provide high quality rain coats so you do not get too wet and stay comfortable for the duration of the tour.
Hi Vincent, thanks for the tip.