Summer in Korea – In My Korea

Rainy Day In Busan: 40 Fun Indoor Activities In Busan 2024

Joel Marrinan — Fri, 18 Aug 2023 03:58:23 +0000

Are you suffering from a rainy day in Busan that’s come along and messed up your well planned trip? Well don’t worry, this guide to the best indoor activities in Busan has you covered! There’s something for everyone, including family fun places, cultural wonders, relaxing spas, cozy cafes, and exciting activities you might not even know about.

This list of things to do in Busan when it’s raining is packed full of great activities that you can also use as a guide for when it’s not raining. If you haven’t already planned to visit these places, I’d definitely recommend checking them out not only during rainy season in Korea, but in any other season, too.

Read on to find out how to spend a rainy day in Busan without getting soaked and have an incredible day out whatever the weather. Whether you’re travelling alone, as a family, or with friends, there’s always something fun to do in Busan. I hope you find the perfect indoor activities for you.

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Having A Rainy Day In Busan?

I know how you feel, there’s nothing worse than planning a day out, only to find that your plans to visit leafy parks, walk the streets, and enjoy the great outdoors have been ruined by rainy weather. Fortunately, Busan is a fun, vibrant city with many indoor attractions for you to enjoy when it’s raining.

What Are You Looking For?

To help make it easier for you to find what you’re looking for, I’ve broken this article into the following sections. Click the quick links below to jump straight there or keep reading through all parts.

Family Friendly

These family friendly activities are perfect for young ones and teenagers.

Indoor Activities

Fun indoor activities for all ages, a rainy day in Busan doesn’t have to be boring.

Sightseeing

Here are some famous sights to see in Busan that you can enjoy even in the rain.

Spas & Saunas

Relax and unwind in one of Busan’s top spas and saunas at any time of day.

Cafes & Shopping

These cafes and shopping destinations will be a welcome break when it’s raining.

History & Culture

Learn more about Korea’s past and present with these cultural hotspots.

Night-Time Fun

Even when it’s raining at night, there are still lots of ways to have fun in Busan.

Experiences

Learn how to cook Korean food, take memorable pictures, and more.

Visit Busan Pass Activities

Some of these activities are free or discounted with the Visit Busan Pass, a city-pass for foreigners visiting Busan. The Visit Busan Pass can save you money on entrance fees across Busan and is a great investment if you plan to visit attractions like Busan X The Sky, Songdo Cable Car, and more.

When activities in Busan are covered by the Visit Busan Pass, I will add details about the discount. If you want to know more about what’s covered by the pass and get some itinerary ideas about how to use the pass and save money, check out the Visit Busan Pass website for more information.

Booking Activities Online

Some of these rainy day indoor activities in Busan can be booked online on the day or in advance. It is often cheaper to use tour companies like Klook, Viator, or Get Your Guide to book tickets (even last minute) vs. paying full entrance price. When online tickets are available, I’ll include a link for them.

Please note: When researching indoor activities in Busan, I found that several popular places have closed down in recent years. These are still listed on other guides that were written pre-covid. I recommend checking destinations on Naver Map for opening times and whether they’re still running.

Planning to visit Korea? These travel essentials will help you plan your trip, get the best deals, and save you time and money before and during your Korean adventure.

Visas & K-ETA: Some travellers to Korea need a Tourist Visa, but most can travel with a Korean Electronic Travel Authorisation (K-ETA). Currently 22 Countries don’t need either one.

How To Stay Connected: Pre-order a Korean Sim Card or a WiFi Router to collect on-arrival at Incheon Airport (desks open 24-hours). Alternatively, download a Korean eSIM for you travels.

Where To Stay: For Seoul, I recommend Myeongdong (convenient), Hongdae (cool culture) or Gangnam (shopping). For Busan, Haeundae (Beach) or Seomyeon (Downtown).

Incheon Airport To Seoul: Take the Airport Express (AREX) to Seoul Station or a Limo Bus across Seoul. Book an Incheon Airport Private Transfer and relax to or from the airport.

Korean Tour Operators: Tour companies that have a big presence in Korea include Klook, Trazy, Viator, and Get Your Guide. These sites offer discounted entry tickets for top attractions

Seoul City Passes: Visit Seoul’s top attractions for free with a Discover Seoul Pass or Go City Seoul Pass. These passes are great for families and couples visiting Seoul – you can save lots.

How To Get Around: For public transport, grab a T-Money Card. Save money on Korea’s high speed trains with a Korea Rail Pass. To see more of Korea, there are many Rental Car Options.

Travel Money: Use money exchanges near Myeongdong and Hongdae subway stations for the best exchange rates. Order a Wise Card or WOWPASS to pay by card across Korea.

Flights To Korea: I use flight comparison sites such as Expedia and Skyscanner to find the best flights to Korea from any country. Air Asia is a good option for budget flights from Asia.

How To Learn Korean: The language course from 90 Day Korean or Korean Class 101 both have well-structured lessons and lots of useful resources to help you learn Korean.

Family Friendly Indoor Activities In Busan

Want to find somewhere to take the kids while it’s raining in Busan? Here are 6 really fun indoor activities in Busan that kids will love.

Poo Poo Land Busan

Poo Poo Land in Busan is a kid-friendly poop-themed adventure maze and photo zone. After taking lots of funny photos in the photo zone, learn about the path from plate to poop by travelling through a giant’s body. Navigating your way down his throat, through intestines, and finally get squeezed out into the ball pit play area. This might sound disgusting, but it’s a great play area that kids will enjoy and in the same building as other attractions, such as Running Man.

Address: 부산 부산진구 중앙대로 672 삼정타워 10층

Neighbourhood: Seomyeon

Visit Busan Pass: 20% Discount

Tickets: Available online

Brick Campus Busan

Brick Campus Busan is a ‘Brick Art Theme Park’ that displays works of brick art from Korean and international designers of famous scenes in miniature. Not only can you explore various themed rooms and galleries at Brick Campus, you can make your own brick creations in the design area. There’s even a restaurant with brick-themed food to complete the experience. Brick Campus is located close to Busan Lotte World and Haedong Yonggungsa Temple in Busan.

Address: 부산 기장군 기장읍 동부산관광로 8 롯데몰 메종동부산 1층

Neighbourhood: Gijang

Visit Busan Pass: Free Entry

Tickets: Available online

Image credit: Visit Busan

Busan Children’s Museum

The Busan Children’s Museum is a great place to bring children when it’s raining in Busan. They can spend hours exploring the many fun areas in this experience-focused education and entertainment museum. Designed for younger children, the Busan Children’s Museum focuses on encouraging children’s’ creativity, curiosity, and imagination through STEM and sports-focused learning and play areas. Let your child learn and play indoors when it’s too wet to be outdoors.

Address: 부산 기장군 기장읍 기장해안로 172 2층

Neighbourhood: Haeundae

Visit Busan Pass: Free Entry

Image credit: Visit Busan Pass

Laser Arena

There are two laser arenas in Busan, one in Seomyeon and one in Samjeong Tower and both offer active indoor activities for children in Busan. Laser Arena is a laser-based survival arena where kids and adults can fight to be the last person standing or raid the other team’s base. Get some exercise and have fun in this futuristic laser battle arena. Please note: this is only for children aged 12 and above, so not suitable for young children.

Address: 부산 부산진구 서전로10번길 61 쥬디스태화 신관 6층 레이저아레나

Neighbourhood: Seomyeon

Visit Busan Pass: Free Entry

Image credit: Visit Busan

KidZania Busan

Kidzania Busan is a unique kid-friendly area near Centum City Mall that’s designed to allow children the chance to become grown ups and try working in a variety of different jobs. They can learn to fly a plane, perform surgery, or create delicious dishes as a chef, all in specialist areas that are replicas of those working environments. Children also develop skills like handling money, leadership training, and teamwork.

Address: 부산 해운대구 센텀4로 15 센텀시티몰 4층

Neighbourhood: Haeundae

Visit Busan Pass: No

Image credit: Visit Busan

Busan National Science Museum

The Busan National Science Museum is a unique building that houses a range of science-based attractions, activities, and displays that will please all. The science museum building itself is an attraction and shaped like a blocky space base of the future. Children will love the Dynamic Slide that runs from the second floor, as well as programs like Walk on the Surface of the Moon where you can experience walking in zero G.

Address: 부산 기장군 기장읍 동부산관광6로 59 국립부산과학관

Neighbourhood: Gijang

Visit Busan Pass: Free Entry

Please note: Some activities may be language-dependent. It’s best to check if there are English speaking guides available before booking.

Fun Indoor Activities In Busan For All

Whether you’re travelling with children, or want somewhere fun to stay dry while it’s wet outside, these indoor activities will keep everyone amused.

Breakout Escape Busan

The Breakout Escape Room, which is available in English, offers an exciting way to escape the rain in Busan and use your thinking skills to solve this immersive puzzle. This is more than your average escape room, however. There are many themed rooms that you can try out and each one involves members receiving a role and special powers to help them escape the locked room, including a ‘scholar’, ‘assassin’, and ‘oracle’. Hopefully you can escape just as the rainy weather stops.

Address: 부산 해운대구 해운대해변로 291 크리스탈비치오피스텔 609호

Neighbourhood: Haeundae

Visit Busan Pass: No

Tickets: Available online

Sealife Busan Aquarium

Located at the main entrance to Haeundae Beach, the Sealife Busan Aquarium is the perfect place to have fun and escape the rain in Busan, especially at short notice. There are lots of fun fishy sights to see from around the world. Top sights in the aquarium include The Mermaid Show, the ocean floor glass tunnel, shark zone, and animal feedings (sharks, penguins, and otters). You can also try riding a glass-bottomed boat within the aquarium for close up fish views.

Address: 부산 해운대구 해운대해변로 266

Neighbourhood: Haeundae

Visit Busan Pass: No

Tickets: Available online

Running Man

If you’re a fan of Korean TV, you might know about Running Man, the long-running TV show where celebrity contestants have to complete wacky physical and mental challenges each week. Even if you’ve never heard of it, you can experience it for yourself at the Running Man Thematic Experience in Busan. This is a crazy indoor activity in Busan that will see you go through six different experience zones, including Running Ball, Maze Battle, and City Pursuit Battle. Beat the high score and win a certificate.

Address: 부산 부산진구 중앙대로 672 삼정타워 10층

Neighbourhood: Seomyeon

Visit Busan Pass: Free Entry

Tickets: Available online

Trick Eye Museum Busan

Take dozens of amusing photos at the Trick Eye Museum Busan, located in the Museum of Movies, which is another attraction you can visit at the same time. The Trick Eye Museum offers a wide variety of mind-bending photo zones, from lava-filled streets to gaping dinosaur mouths waiting to snap closed. Use the app to create live-motion pictures to make your friends laugh. It’s easy to spend several hours walking around these indoor attractions and you’ll end up with lots of hilarious photos and memories afterwards.

Address: 부산 중구 대청로126번길 12 부산영화체험박물관 2F 트릭아이뮤지엄 부산

Neighbourhood: Nampo

Visit Busan Pass: Free Entry

Tickets: Available online

Busan Museum 1 Exhibition

Museum 1, also known as Museum Dah, is an exhibition space in Busan with mind-bending digital art on all surfaces. The current exhibition is called ‘Signs of Loss’ and features artworks from 18 contemporary artists from Korea displayed across the floor, walls, and ceilings. The central area, which is looked over by the 2nd floor balcony (which has seats), has floor to ceiling moving art displays on a 6,000 inch ultra-large LED panel. A great indoor location to immerse yourself in art, take pictures, and relax.

Address: 부산 해운대구 센텀서로 20 뮤지엄 원

Neighbourhood: Haeundae

Visit Busan Pass: Free Entry

Tickets: Available online

Cabinet de Poissons At Ananti

Modern art lovers in Busan have many places to visit when it’s raining, including the sumptious looking Cabinet De Poissons at Ananti Hilton. Experience Ananti’s unique story in which the values of nature, humans, past, present, and future coexist through immersive digital art displays that cover all surfaces. Explore 6 themed areas, including the ‘Time Elevator’, Alive Nature’, Timeless Cocoon’, and ‘Paradise Hills’. There’s also a luxury cafe and bakery with views over the coast where you can watch the rain falling.

Address: 부산 기장군 기장읍 기장해안로 268-32

Neighbourhood: Gijang

Visit Busan Pass: Free Entry

Tickets: Check Ananti website

Indoor Rock Climbing

Get some exercise when it’s raining in Busan by visiting an indoor climbing gym and scaling the heights on colourful climbing walls. Indoor rock climbing has become popular in Korea recently and you can find several places to try it in Busan, including Wave Rock, which has 3 locations in the city. Indoor climbing gyms typically provide or rent the necessary gear to climb and you’ll find a range of challenging walls to test yourself on.

Address: 부산 부산진구 서전로9번길 20 혜도인파크에비뉴 오피스텔 상가 3층

Neighbourhood: Seomyeon

Visit Busan Pass: No

Gaming Arcades

If you’re in a central area in Busan when it’s raining, like Seomyeon or Haeundae, you’ll probably be close to a gaming arcade. Look for the flashing lights, loud electronic sounds, and queues of young Koreans waiting to show their skills at the hottest arcade machines. Modern Korean arcades have a range of fun games, from racing to dancing, shooting, and horror games. If you don’t want to play, just watch the pros.

Address: 부산 해운대구 중동 1383-10

Neighbourhood: Haeundae

Visit Busan Pass: No

Popular Activities In Busan

Busan X The Sky

See the sights of Busan, including Haeundae, from 100 floors up at the highest building in Busan.

₩ 18,000

Visit Busan Pass

Get free access to a selection of 30 of the hottest tourism attractions in Busan for 24 / 48 hours

₩ 49,000

Busan Air Cruise

Hop on a Busan Air Cruise cable car and enjoy a thrilling ride across stunning Songdo Beach

₩ 16,000

Busan Spa Land

Relax and unwind at Spa Land Centum City, one of the best sauna and hot springs in Korea!

₩ 20,000

View More activities

Rainy Day Sightseeing Spots In Busan

A rainy day in Busan doesn’t have to mean the end to your sightseeing plans. Sure, it’s much better to visit popular outdoor sights when there are blue skies above, but these sights are still worth seeing even when the weather isn’t going your way.

Busan X The Sky

While a rainy day in Busan might not be the best time to visit an observatory, as clouds can diminish the view, there’s never a bad time to visit Busan X The Sky. The Busan X The Sky observatory, located 100 floors above Haeundae Beach, not only offers incredible views across the sea and city, there’s also the Sky 99 restaurant to dine in and the world’s highest Starbucks. Both offer you a place to relax and enjoy the views from inside the clouds.

Address: 부산 해운대구 달맞이길 30

Neighbourhood: Haeundae

Visit Busan Pass: Free Entry

Tickets: Available online

BIFF Square

The BIFF Square near Jagalchi Market is a cultural area in central Busan that celebrates the city’s film heritage, along with the annual Busan International Film Festival (BIFF). Not only can you see memorials to Korea’s cinema history, the area is packed with wide streets full of market stalls and narrow alleys with cosy cafes and boutique shops. Grab your umbrella and explore this popular tourist area in the rain, or escape the rain inside a cafe or restaurant.

Address: 부산 중구 구덕로 80

Neighbourhood: Nampo

Visit Busan Pass: N/A

The Bay 101 Yacht Club

The Bay 101 Yacht Club near Haeundae Beach is where to go for peaceful yacht tours around Busan on a sunny day. When it’s raining, the Bay 101 becomes a good place to relax and watch the clouds float over the harbour. There are several restaurants and bars in the main building where you can look out the window and stay dry. The food and drinks are a bit overpriced due to the premium location, but special offers are available.

Address: 부산 해운대구 동백로 52 더베이101

Neighbourhood: Haeundae

Visit Busan Pass: N/A

Haeundae Beach Train

The Haeundae Beach Train runs from Haeundae Beach to Songjeong Beach, passing along the coast for 30 minutes and stopping at other destinations along the way. Even on a cloudy day, the views from the train can be lovely and it’s a fun way to get from beach to beach without having to use a bus. The Sky Capsule runs above the train for part of the journey, but that’s best saved for a sunny day as it’s more expensive.

Address: 부산 해운대구 달맞이길62번길 13

Neighbourhood: Haeundae

Visit Busan Pass: Free Entry

Tickets: Available online

Indoor Saunas And Spas In Busan

Whatever the weather outside, visiting a spa or sauna is a great indoor activity that you can enjoy in Busan. There are lots of spas and water parks to see in Busan, from family friendly to luxury.

Spa Land Centum City

Spa Land in Centum City is probably one of the best spas in the whole of Korea and is a great way to spend the day if it’s raining or too hot. Inside Spa Land you’ll find 18 different hot springs and 13 theme spas, filled with hot spring water with sodium bicarbonate that’s brought from thousands of feet below ground. Enjoy traditional Korean food at the restaurant, massage chairs, beauty treatments, and lots more.

Address: 부산 해운대구 센텀남대로 35

Neighbourhood: Haeundae

Visit Busan Pass: Free Entry

Tickets: Available online

Hurshimchung Spa

Hurshimchung Hot Springs is one of the largest hot spring spas in East Asia and can cater to over 3,000 people. Soak yourself in one of the 40 baths, such as the Longevity Bath, Cave Bath, or Outdoor Bath, where you can stay warm in the rain. Some hot springs contain oriental medicinal elements and local herbs to provide additional health benefits, making this the healthiest way to spend a rainy day in Busan.

Address: 부산 동래구 온천장로107번길 32 허심청

Neighbourhood: Dongnae

Visit Busan Pass: No

Songdo Haesupia Sauna

The Songdae Haesupia Sauna is a traditional Korean sauna (known in Korea as a jjimjilbang) that offers a cheap indoor place to rest and relax. This is a lovely unique Korean experience where you can get naked and visit gender-segregated hot spring baths or come together in communal rest areas in the baggy pyjamas provided when you enter. There are hot rooms, TV lounges, food & drinks, and places to nap in the shared areas.

Address: 부산 서구 충무대로 134

Neighbourhood: Songdo

Visit Busan Pass: No

Ananti Cove Water House Hilton

The Ananti Cove Water House is a luxury hot spring spa inside the large cliffside Hilton Hotel in Busan. It offers an opulent spa experience with pure and mineral-rich waters drawn from underground wells. There are indoor and outdoor spas in this gigantic spa and you can freely move between infinity pools, saunas, hot springs, and other areas. Prices start at 32,000 KRW for a night pass. Don’t forget your swimwear.

Address: 부산 기장군 기장읍 기장해안로 268-31

Neighbourhood: Gijang

Visit Busan Pass: 20% Discount

Cafe And Shopping Spots In Busan

If it’s raining, or even if it’s not, these awesome cafe and shopping destinations in Busan are a great place to take a break, plan your next destination, and buy some cool souvenirs.

Haeridangil Cafe Area

Tucked away north of Haeundae Station is a cool cafe district called Haeridangil that’s hot with the locals but often overlooked by tourists. If the rain starts falling in Busan, run from the beach to these unique cafes that serve up delicious desserts and beautiful brews. I recommend Deep Flow, Duplit, and Hwangsil Classic, but most cafes are worth visiting. There are also lots of great restaurants in this area, too.

Address: 부산 해운대구 우동 510-7

Neighbourhood: Haeundae

Visit Busan Pass: N/A

Tea N Books Gwangalli

One of my favourite places for indoor views of Busan, which is perfect when it’s raining, is Tea N Books near Gwangalli Beach. This little-known cafe is located on the 8th floor of a building close to Gwangalli Beach and is a book and cafe-lover’s dream. The large windows are split over two levels and allow you to sit or lie down on mats and cushions, reading, enjoying coffee and dessert, and taking in the views.

Address: 부산 수영구 민락수변로 29 8층 티앤북스 광안점

Neighbourhood: Gwangalli

Visit Busan Pass: N/A

Centum City Department Store

The Shinsegae Centum City is a fantastic place to escape bad weather when you’re in Busan. This giant indoor mall is packed with shops of all kinds, from high-end designer goods to global fashion, leisure brands, toys, and more. Not only can you shop, there is also an ice rink, cinema, golf range and the aforementioned Spa Land. You’ll find lots of cafe and dining options, catering to a range of tastes with excellent service and quality.

Address: 부산 해운대구 센텀남대로 35

Neighbourhood: Haeundae

Visit Busan Pass: N/A

Bujeon market

For travellers to Busan who want a more traditional shopping experience and somewhere to hide when it’s raining, check out Bujeon Market in Seomyeon. This ever-busy market is loved by locals thanks to the low prices and wide range of traditional Korean goods and foods on offer. The central market area is roofed, which means you’ll stay dry as you explore the old-school restaurants and curious goods on offer.

Address: 부산 부산진구 중앙대로 786 10

Neighbourhood: Seomyeong

Visit Busan Pass: N/A

Jagalchi Fish market

Jagalchi Market in Busan is Korea’s largest seafood market and a eye-opening place to explore for those who want to see fish and learn more about Busan’s local history. Most market vendors are women, known as ‘Jagalchi Ajumma’ (Korean term for middle-aged women). As you explore this large market, sample freshly caught fish dishes and gaze in wonder at all the weird and wonderful sea life on display. This indoor activity in Busan is perfect when it’s raining.

Address: 부산 중구 자갈치해안로 52 자갈치시장

Neighbourhood: Nampo

Visit Busan Pass: N/A

Underground Shopping Centres

There are two large underground shopping centres in Busan where you can spend hours exploring hundreds of unique shops selling bargain goods, souvenirs, and cheap eats. The Seomyeon Underground Shopping Centre is the largest one, located under Seomyeon Station. Nampo Underground Shopping Centre, which runs between Jagalchi and Nampo subway stations, is a great place for cut-price fashion. Both offer rest areas to sit and cool off, too.

Address: 부산 부산진구 중앙대로 717 대현프리몰부산

Neighbourhood: Seomyeon

Address: 부산 중구 구덕로 44 남포지하쇼핑센터

Neighbourhood: Nampo

Visit Busan Pass: N/A

Indoor History And Culture Sights In Busan

Museums and galleries are one of the best places to visit when it’s raining in Busan and should be on your travel list regardless of the weather. Please note: some museums close on Mondays.

Image credit: Visit Busan

Korean National Maritime Museum

The National Maritime Museum of Korea, the 3rd largest museum in Korea, is a family friendly indoor spot in Busan that will educate and entertain. The museum features eight permanent exhibition halls, explaining all about maritime culture, ocean life, maritime science, and more. There’s also a children’s hall, aquarium, grand auditorium, and a 4D theatre to enjoy.

Address: 부산 영도구 해양로301번길 45

Neighbourhood: Yeongdo

Visit Busan Pass: Free Entry To 4D Theatre

Image credit: Visit Busan

Busan Modern History Museum

The Busan Modern History Museum, which is now part of the Busan Modern and Contemporary History Museum, is a window into Busan’s growth and importance in Korea’s modern history. Built in 1929, during Japanese colonisation, this museum was transformed in 2023 into a place for people to learn about modern history. You can also take your shoes off and rest in the reading areas.

Address: 부산 중구 대청로 104 부산근현대역사관

Neighbourhood: Nampo

Visit Busan Pass: No

Image credit: Busan Museum of Art

Busan Museum of Art

The Busan Museum of Art hosts a range of changing art collections from around the world, with new exhibitions appearing each year. Works range from modern art installations to classical art by international and Korean artists. The design of the museum itself is interesting and worth looking at as you wander around the spacious rooms and the outdoor sculpture park (with an umbrella).

Address: 부산 해운대구 APEC로 58

Neighbourhood: Haeundae

Visit Busan Pass: No

Image credit: Visit Busan

Busan Coffee Museum

The Busan Coffee Museum is a quirky little museum in Seomyeon that you could be forgiven for missing. Located near to Jeonpo Coffee Street, this small museum is tucked away on the second floor and is a passion project all about the history, culture, and spread of coffee and coffee culture around the world. There are coffee-based exhibits to see before heading out for a coffee.

Address: 부산 부산진구 동천로 70 2층 207호

Neighbourhood: Seomyeon

Visit Busan Pass: No

Image Credit: Visit Busan

Bokcheon Museum

If you’re interested in archaeology or learning more about Korea’s ancient past, then visit the Bokcheon Museum and learn about the history of Busan from the Three Kingdoms Era and before. There are displays showcasing ancient burial tombs and relics from the Bokcheon area, an important historic area in Busan and part of the ancient Gaya Kingdom.

Address: 부산 동래구 복천로 63 복천박물관

Neighbourhood: Dongrae

Visit Busan Pass: No

Image Credit: Visit Busan

Seomyeon Museum Of Art

The Seomyeon Museum of Art is an indoor attraction in Busan where you can take photos and enjoy the various intriguing digital and physical art displays. These displays change regularly and focus on art and nature, usually involving digital designs to create unique spaces for you to explore and snap. A romantic place for couples to visit.

Address: 부산 부산진구 동천로 58 2층 서면미술관

Neighbourhood: Seomyeon

Visit Busan Pass: Free Entry

Night-Time And Adult Activities In Busan

Adults who want to go out and explore Busan’s nightlife might be surprised at the wide range of fun and relaxing activities there are on offer. From bars to spas, massages and movies.

Noraebang (Karaoke)

There are two good reasons to visit a noraebang (노래방) – a Korean karaoke room. First, this is a great place to visit when it’s raining and other places are closed. Second, you’ll be spending the evening as a large number of Koreans do. Singing and dancing in a noraebang is one of the most popular pastimes in Korea. There are dozens of noraebang across Busan and you’ll find a mix of Korean & international songs.

Address: 부산 해운대구 구남로 29

Neighbourhood: Haeundae

Visit Busan Pass: No

Watch A Movie

Busan is known as Korea’s film capital thanks to its history hosting the Busan International Film Festival and its role in major movies, including Black Panther and Old Boy. There are many cinemas in Busan from major cinema chains, such as CGV, Megabox, and Lotte Cinemas. The best place to watch a movie has to be in the Busan Cinema Centre, which shows all kinds of movies from around the world.

Address: 부산 해운대구 수영강변대로 120 영화의전당

Neighbourhood: Haeundae

Visit Busan Pass: No

Play At A PC Gaming Room

Visiting a PC gaming room is what a lot of Korean teenagers (and adults) choose to do regardless of the weather. Online gaming is a massive business in Korea and some of the best players in the world come from Korea. Where do they train? At a PC Room, also known as a PC-bang (PC방). You’ll see these all over Busan, usually near to noraebang and pool halls. If you’re travelling alone, then this could be one of the best things to do in Busan at night when it’s raining.

Address: 부산 해운대구 해운대해변로265번길 13 3층 피플PC방

Neighbourhood: Haeundae

Visit Busan Pass: No

Try Local Busan Beers

Sitting in one of Busan’s beachside bars, sampling some of the local craft beers from Busan breweries, such as Galmegi Brewery or Gorilla Brewery, is a great way to spend a rainy night in Busan. Gwangalli Beach and Haeundae Beach both have beachside bars. I recommend Gwangalli Beach as the bars are closer to the sand and offer better views. These breweries have their own bars in Gwangalli and there are other bars that sell their brews, too.

Address: 부산 수영구 광남로 58 2층

Neighbourhood: Gwangalli

Visit Busan Pass: No

Visit A Busan Casino

There are a couple of large casinos in Busan where you can spend a rainy evening playing casino games or watching others test their luck. Casino Paradise Busan inside the Paradise Hotel on Haeundae Beach comes with modern games, including blackjack, roulette, poker, slot machines, baccarat, and more. Don’t forget to bring your passport with you to enter the casino.

Address: 부산 해운대구 해운대해변로 296

Neighbourhood: Haeundae

Visit Busan Pass: 10,000 KRW Game Coupon

Get A Massage

In case a day soaking your body in a hot spring spa wasn’t enough to help you relax, there are plenty of places to get a Thai or aroma massage in Busan, especially in popular areas such as Haeundae Beach and in Seomyeon. One of the biggest massage providers in Korea is Chung Dam Thai Massage, which has 5 branches in Busan, including inside Centum City.

Address: 부산 해운대구 해운대해변로221번길 13 수암빌딩 B동 3층

Neighbourhood: Haeundae

Visit Busan Pass: 10% Discount

Cultural Experiences And Classes In Busan

If you plan to travel during rainy season, why not make sure you have some interesting and culturally broadening indoor activities to do. These creative classes in Busan offer just that.

Image Credit: Trip Advisor

Haeundae Korean Cooking Class

Master the art of Korean cooking that’s fit for royalty in this Korean cooking class in Haeundae. You’ll learn to prepare meals like a palace chef, serving foods that would have been dished out at royal banquets in Joseon era Korea. Create classic dishes like bibimbap, seaweed soup, and Korean pancakes and then savour your hard work by sitting down to enjoy them and a free dessert.

Address: 부산 해운대구 마린시티3로 37

Neighbourhood: Heaundae

Visit Busan Pass: No

Tickets: Available online

Image Credit: Trip Advisor

Pottery And Market Culture Tour

This pottery and market tour in Busan will take you around a village dedicated to making fine Korean pottery before discovering authentic Korean tastes at a local market. This tour shows you a different side of Busan and gets you away from the big city and into a world of traditional Korean culture. Not only can you witness these sights, you can make your own pottery.

Address: 부산광역시 부산진구 부전로 181

Neighbourhood: Seomyeon

Visit Busan Pass: No

Tickets: Available online

Tea Ceremony In Busan

Busan is close to Japan and in this coastal city you can try a traditional tea ceremony based on the 500 year old Japanese method of serving matcha tea. Use authentic tea preparation equipment, including beautifully crafted pottery made by Korean pottery artisans. As well as experiencing the ceremony and learning about tea culture, which has been prevalent in Korea for centuries, you can also enjoy green tea and traditional sweet snacks.

Address: 부산 해운대구 달맞이길117번길 53 리버스빌 201호

Neighbourhood: Haeundae

Visit Busan Pass: No

Tickets: Available online

Cooking Class & Market Tour

There are so many wonderful traditional Korean dishes to sample when visiting Busan, but wouldn’t it be even better if you could learn to make some to share with your friends. Take time out of the rain to discover fresh Busan cuisine and practice making delicious dishes at this Korean cooking class, hosted by a local chef. The day starts with a trip to a local market to buy local ingredients and fresh seafood which you’ll use to prepare your delightful meals.

Address: 부산 서구 구덕로186번길 15 2층

Neighbourhood: Nampo

Visit Busan Pass: No

Tickets: Available online

Grab An Umbrella And Walk In The Rain In Busan

This final rainy day in Busan activity is one of the best. Busan is an action packed city and there is no excuse to waste a minute of it by staying inside the whole time. Even when it’s raining, you can still explore with a pair of good boots and a cheap umbrella from a convenience store.

Make no excuses, get out there, get a bit wet, but see some of the best city views you’ll ever see. Wandering around at night in the rain is a pleasure in itself. If you run out of things to do in Busan when it’s raining, this is always an option.

Location: Everywhere in Busan

Visiting Busan During Rainy Season

If you plan to visit Busan between June and August, you might find yourself looking for more indoor activities than usual. That’s because summer in Korea starts off with rainy season, which typically runs from late-June until late-July. August is also one of the wettest months of the year in Korea.

Fortunately, there are plenty of summer activities in Korea, both indoors and outdoors. When it’s not raining, the summer temperature is often over 30 degrees during the day and stays above 20 degrees even at night. It’s hard to stay cool in summer, so you might actually welcome so cool, rainy relief.

Here are a few tips to help you out during rainy season:

Umbrella: You can grab umbrellas at any convenience store, stationery shop, Daiso, or department store. A cheap umbrella shouldn’t cost more than 7,000 – 10,000 KRW depending on size.

Rain gear: If you plan to go outside a lot, bring some rain gear such as a waterproof jacket and rain boots. You can always buy these in Busan. Head to a department store or hiking shop.

Taxis: Taxis in Korea are relatively cheap and taking a taxi can be more convenient than public transport. Check out my guide to Kakao taxi to help you call taxis to you at any time.

Rainy Day In Busan FAQs

Finally, here are a few FAQs about rainy day activities in Busan, in case the above information didn’t cover enough for you. If you have any other questions you’d like to ask, feel free to leave a comment.

When Does It Rain The Most In Busan?

June and July are the wettest months in Busan and this period is part of rainy season in Korea. August and September can also be quite wet and it’s possible to experience typhoons during any of these four months. There can be many rainy days in Busan during this time, but they may be infrequent, not constant.

When is rainy season in Korea?

Rainy season in Korea begins around mid-June each year and lasts until mid-July or late-July. August isn’t part of rainy season, but it can also rain a lot during this month.

What’s The Best Indoor Activity In Busan For Children?

The best indoor activities in Busan for children include Brick Campus, the Busan Children’s Museum, Poo Poo Land, KidZania Busan, Laser Arena, and the Busan National Science Museum. Children may also enjoy arcades and play areas inside shopping malls in Busan.

What’s The Best Thing To Do In Busan On Rainy Days?

The best things to do in Busan on rainy days include visiting a museum or gallery, relaxing in Spa Land in Centum City, going to the Sea Life Aquarium, or indoor amusements like Running Man, Breakout Escape, or the Trick Eye Museum. In the evening, indoor activities like watching a movie, visiting a noraebang or spa, or playing games in a PC room are popular options in Busan.

Does it rain a lot in Busan?

Busan sees lots of rain during late spring, summer, and early autumn as these are the wettest months in Korea. As Busan is on the coast, there are also frequent rain showers that may appear suddenly and end just as fast. There are often mists that arrive from the sea and cover Busan early in the morning, especially in beach areas like Haeundae and Songdo.

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How To Survive Summer In Seoul 2024: 10 Tips To Stay Cool

Joel Marrinan — Sat, 17 Jul 2021 03:05:15 +0000

Want to know the best ways to survive summer in Seoul and stay cool during the sweaty, sunny days? Then check out these 10 top tips to keep you cool.

These tips will help whether you’re spending summer in Seoul as a tourist or you live there and want some ideas to help stay sane when the summer heat kicks in.

There’s a bunch of great places to check out, ways to stay cool, and other travel tips for surviving the most difficult of Korea’s seasons.

Embrace summer in Seoul and make the most of the blue skies, delicious desserts, and cool evenings experience Seoul like a local.

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links and I may earn commission for purchases made after clicking these links.

10 Tips To Survive Summer In Seoul

Here’s my top 10 tips to survive summer in Seoul. These summer survival tips, built up from more than 6 summers of suffering, will help you make the most of this season, keep cool, and have an awesome time in Seoul.

If you want to know more about what summer in Seoul is like, such as the weather and what activities you can do, be sure to keep reading past these top 10 tips.

Thanks, and stay cool!

Planning to visit Korea? These travel essentials will help you plan your trip, get the best deals, and save you time and money before and during your Korean adventure.

Visas & K-ETA: Some travellers to Korea need a Tourist Visa, but most can travel with a Korean Electronic Travel Authorisation (K-ETA). Currently 22 Countries don’t need either one.

How To Stay Connected: Pre-order a Korean Sim Card or a WiFi Router to collect on-arrival at Incheon Airport (desks open 24-hours). Alternatively, download a Korean eSIM for you travels.

Where To Stay: For Seoul, I recommend Myeongdong (convenient), Hongdae (cool culture) or Gangnam (shopping). For Busan, Haeundae (Beach) or Seomyeon (Downtown).

Incheon Airport To Seoul: Take the Airport Express (AREX) to Seoul Station or a Limo Bus across Seoul. Book an Incheon Airport Private Transfer and relax to or from the airport.

Korean Tour Operators: Tour companies that have a big presence in Korea include Klook, Trazy, Viator, and Get Your Guide. These sites offer discounted entry tickets for top attractions.

Seoul City Passes: Visit Seoul’s top attractions for free with a Discover Seoul Pass or Go City Seoul Pass. These passes are great for families and couples visiting Seoul – you can save lots.

How To Get Around: For public transport, grab a T-Money Card. Save money on Korea’s high speed trains with a Korea Rail Pass. To see more of Korea, there are many Rental Car Options.

Travel Money: Use money exchanges near Myeongdong and Hongdae subway stations for the best exchange rates. Order a Wise Card or WOWPASS to pay by card across Korea.

Flights To Korea: I use flight comparison sites such as Expedia and Skyscanner to find the best flights to Korea from any country. Air Asia is a good option for budget flights from Asia.

How To Learn Korean: The language course from 90 Day Korean or Korean Class 101 both have well-structured lessons and lots of useful resources to help you learn Korean.

1: Dress Down

Whilst you may want to look your best for your holiday pics, you will enjoy summer in Seoul a lot more if you wear loose, thin clothing that allows your skin to breathe and aerate.

If you’re worried about sunburn or mosquito bites, then long sleeves or trousers will help. In Korea you can get portable sleeves for your arm to help protect you from the sun.

Tops: The lighter, the better. You’ll only need one layer and you can usually wear this whatever time of day it is as it stays warm even at night in July and August.

Legs: Shorts or skirts are best to keep your legs cool. I’d avoid trousers unless you plan to get off the beaten path and go into nature.

Shoes: Be a real Korean and wear sandals / crocs during the summer to keep your feet cool. No socks, of course. If you’re going to do a lot of walking, then bring a good pair of thin, breathable walking shoes and sweat-resistant walking socks.

Shopping: You can buy most of these clothes for low prices in the Korean fashion markets of Dongdaemun, Myeongdong, or Namdaemun, as well as in the street fashion district of Hongdae.

Korean culture point: There are mixed impressions about what is acceptable in Korea in terms of revealing clothing, especially for women. Korean society was traditionally quite conservative, but attitudes are changing these days.

In terms of clothing and what you can / can’t wear, there’s no real restrictions in Seoul as long as you’re not going around naked! If you’re a foreigner, you’ll get a pass for most things anyway.

However, you will get a few raised eyebrows for going topless (men) and for low cut tops (women). Hot pants and short skirts are completely acceptable, though.

If in doubt, look at pictures of K-pop singers online and see what they wear.

2: Pack A Light Jacket

Although you should dress down during summer in Seoul to keep cool, there’ll also be plenty of times when you might get too cold. Not because the temperature has dropped, but because you’ve gone inside a building.

If you walk down the streets of any shopping or dining area in Seoul, you’ll feel the cold air blowing at you. Even when you’re several feet away. Korean shops and restaurants love to crank the air conditioner to max.

If you plan to stay inside somewhere for more than 30 minutes, this can lead you to get rather chilly. Cinemas and cafes are the worst for this and it’s useful to have a light jacket stored in your bag that you can put on to keep cool. The same applies for long bus journeys.

3: Drink Lots Of Water

Hydration is really important. Not just because you’ll feel sick if you don’t get enough liquids, but surviving summer in Seoul is a lot easier when you’re cooling off with ice cold water.

Bring a reusable water bottle (or reuse one you’ve grabbed from your hotel) when you go out. You can fill them up in cafes and restaurants that have water filters and it’s a cheap and effective way to stay hydrated.

A nice alternative to iced coffee is popping into a hanok cafe and sampling some traditional Korean teas. Drinking hot tea during summer can actually help reduce your overall temperature as you sweat a bit more when you drink it, which cools you down.

4: Stay Cool In A Mall

As mentioned, Korean shops and malls love to blast the air conditioner at max power during the summer, which make these places the perfect spot to spend a busy day in Seoul without the sweat.

There are several large malls throughout Seoul that you could spend the whole day in and not get bored. From shopping and dining, to cinemas, aquariums, arcades, and lots more, Seoul’s malls are like a self-enclosed (and cool) city.

Some of the best malls to visit during summer in Seoul include:

COEX Mall, Gangnam
Lotte Dept Store, Myeongdong
Times Square Mall, Yeongdeungpo
Anyeong Insadong, Insadong
Doota Mall, Dongdaemun
I-Park Mall, Yongsan
Migliore Mall, Dongdaemun
Mecenatpolis Mall, Hongdae

And many others that you’ll want to escape into if you’re walking around Seoul during summer. Cool, free air conditioning!

5: Go Out At Night

The best time to be out and about during summer in Seoul is the evening and night time. When the sun goes down, the heat drops a bit to slightly less sweaty temperatures. That means mid-20s during July and August.

After checking out indoor places during the daytime, use your energy to explore Seoul by night. This is what a lot of locals do and there are so many awesome places to spend the warm summer evenings.

Use the cool nights to get out and hike the fortress walls (as pictured above), visit the night markets, relax at the Han River parks, or hike up to the N Seoul Tower and see the city lights.

For more ideas of things to do in Seoul at night, check out these 20 Summer Activities In Korea.

6: Keep Cool By The Water

If you’re determined to stay outside during the day, then the coolest places to be during summer in Seoul are by the water.

Seoul is blessed with several lovely waterways that not only provide an oasis amongst the heat of the concrete jungle, but also offer a range of fun activities and ways to stay cool.

There are many parks on the shores of the Han River, as well as the 11km long Cheonggyecheon Stream (pictured above), where you can cool off and find some shade.

These spots offer the chance to watch live performances, visit markets, and indulge in some cool Korean treats (or ice cold Korean beer).

7: Splash Away The Heat

If the idea of sitting by the water without jumping into it sounds too hard to resist, then why not spend a day at one of Seoul’s many water parks or water-based play areas instead.

These are locations where you can swim or splash around in the water. Some of these will be full water parks, others simple spots that offer some watery fun. Wherever you go, it’ll give you a chance to enjoy the heat and get wet.

Sealala Water Park
Seoul Children’s Grand Park
Cheonggye Plaza Water Jets
Lotte Water Park, Gimhae
Onemount Water Park, Goyang
Water Kingdom Water Park & Spa

Outside of Seoul there’s also the fantastic Caribbean Bay, which is part of the Everland Resort. Definitely a day trip worth making during summer.

8: Eat All The Icy Treats

Devouring lots of sugary treats might not be the best idea, health-wise, but it feels so good and is the perfect way to cool down on a hot summer’s day in Seoul.

The best of the bunch is a Korean dessert that you really must try – bingsu. This shaved ice dish is the perfect antidote the summer heat. You can find dozens of varieties of this dish that add fruit, ice cream, cakes, sauces, red bean, and lots more.

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are often some unique ice creams that come out each summer. I’ve seen everything from sweetcorn and sweet potato ice cream to super spicy chicken ice cream with red beans. Do you dare try them?

9: Buy A Mini Fan

Noisier than a swarm of mosquitos, the buzz of handheld fans can be heard wherever you are in Seoul during summertime.

These modern fans have replaced the traditional handheld fan as the go-to way to keep cool during summer. You don’t have to flap your arm as much, which definitely helps stop the sweat in itself.

They’re cheap, fit in your pocket, and can be bought at many markets, convenience stores, and many other shops. Pick one up and keep yourself cool.

10: Stay Safe From The Sun

When it’s sunny in Seoul, it’s not only hot, but very easy to get sunburn. You only need an hour or so to be exposed enough to burn. Better to wrap up like in the picture above if you’re sensitive to the sun.

Remember to pack sun cream, sunglasses, parasol, sun hat, and anything else that will protect you. Wear long sleeves if you expect to be outside a lot and to keep cool and shaded, buy a parasol that protects you from both sunshine and the summer rain.

You can buy all the essentials in Seoul in case you forget them. Head to cosmetic shops such as Olive Green or LaLa for a good range of sun protection goods. Daiso also has small sun protection goods at a low price.

What Is Summer In Seoul Like?

Summer in Seoul is hot, humid, and can be very wet. But it can also be magnificent, with clear blue skies and longer daytime sunshine.

It’s definitely the toughest season to travel to Korea and one that you should be prepared for so that you know what to pack, where to go, and how to survive summer in Seoul.

For more information about each season in Korea, check out this article about Korea’s Different Seasons

Don’t let the heat and rain put you off, though. There’s loads of awesome activities that you can enjoy, dishes best served during summer, and great places to visit.

Source: Climate-data.org

Above you can see a chart showing the average temperature in Seoul for each month, as well as the amount of rainfall.

The summer months (June – September) are the wettest by a long way and also the hottest. Early summer is monsoon season and the weather is very unpredictable, switching from blue skies to heavy rain and back again in the space of a day.

There can also be whole weeks with nothing but rain. However, this is kind of nice as it means the weather is a lot cooler. Don’t worry, there are still loads of Things To Do In Seoul When It’s Raining.

As for the heat… well that’s the biggest issue for me, and if you’re from a country that doesn’t experience high summer heat and humidity, then it can be quite shocking.

The graph above shows average temperatures for the year, but this doesn’t really reflect how hot it can get during the day.

As I’m writing this, the temperature is around 35 degrees celsius and was down to 25-26 degrees at night (3am). It can be over 30 degrees at 10 or 11pm at night.

If it’s raining, however, the temperature can stay below 30 degrees and drop to 20 degrees at night. That’s why average temperature figures are very deceptive. Either way, it’ll usually be hot and, if it’s not, then wet.

That’s summer in Seoul, sadly. But it’s not all bad. Stay cool, go out at night, and make the most of it when you can. At least the air is less polluted than spring, there’s loads of cold drinks and desserts to indulge in, and nature as its most resplendent.

It’s also a great time to go cycling in Seoul, enjoying the green nature and sparkling waters on a sunny day. I recommend renting a bike during summer and taking a spin around Yeouido and along the Han River. It’s a very pleasant way to spend a day out.

Enjoy.

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20 Cool Summer Activities In Korea: Korean Summer 2024

Joel Marrinan — Sun, 27 Jun 2021 04:42:15 +0000

Not sure if you want to spend summer in Korea as a traveller? Looking for ways to spend days out (or in) during the hot Korean summer? Then this list of 20 cool summer activities in Korea will help you decide if you should travel and what you can do during Korea’s hottest season.

Although summer in Korea lacks the cooler days of spring or autumn, or the snowy sights of winter, there’s an abundance of natural beauty, sandy beaches, fun attractions, and night-time activities just waiting to be checked out.

In this article, I’ll give you some great tips about what to eat, how to stay cool, where to visit, and what to wear during this bright and colourful season. Learn about the best beaches, festivals, and delicious Korean treats that you’ll love.

There are loads of great summer activities in Korea that are just right for you! Read on to find out more.

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links and I may earn commission for purchases made after clicking these links.

About These Summer Activities In Korea

Find out about the top 20 summer activities in Korea right here, as well as information about the weather during summer, what to pack, and what to wear during this hot season.

After the top 20, you’ll also find some tips about how to deal with the summer conditions (hot and humid) and some other articles about travelling in other seasons.

First, here’s a short introduction about to what to expect during summer and some really useful tips to help you enjoy these various summer activities safely and enjoyably.

An Introduction To Summer In Korea

Here’s a few key bits of information that will help you figure out if you want to travel during summer in Korea and how to be prepared for it if you do.

Summer Weather

The first half of summer in Korea is hot and humid, with high chances of rain. Rainy season runs from mid June to late July. However, it’s not always raining, but there is a high chance of it. Evenings are cooler, but still warm.

Stuck in Korea when it rains? Check out these Seoul rainy day activities or Busan rainy day activities in case the weather doesn’t go your way.

The second half of summer runs from late July to early September and is mostly hot and humid. Really hot. The temperatures can get up to 40 degrees (the humidity makes it feel hotter than it is) and it’s over 20 degrees even at night.

What To Wear

For a comfortable summer in Korea, you’ll definitely want to bring light clothes, comfortable sandals for walking around in, and a light jacket that you can stuff in your bag. The light jacket is for going inside, ironically. Korean cafes and shops love to run the air-conditioning at full during summer and you can often find yourself getting cold when you’re inside. If you plan to visit the beach (you definitely should), then don’t forget your swimwear.

What To Pack

Essentials for summer are sun cream (the stronger the better), mosquito repellent, a fan (electric or otherwise), sunglasses, sun hat, and a reusable water bottle. You can fill up with water in many restaurants and cafes and it’s a great way to save money and stay hydrated as you travel. Korea will have all of these available at reasonable prices, so don’t worry too much if you forget something.

If you want to know more about what to prepare for before you visit Korea, check out my complete South Korea Travel Guide, which has dozens of tips for travelling to Korea.

Planning to visit Korea? These travel essentials will help you plan your trip, get the best deals, and save you time and money before and during your Korean adventure.

Visas & K-ETA: Some travellers to Korea need a Tourist Visa, but most can travel with a Korean Electronic Travel Authorisation (K-ETA). Currently 22 Countries don’t need either one.

How To Stay Connected: Pre-order a Korean Sim Card or a WiFi Router to collect on-arrival at Incheon Airport (desks open 24-hours). Alternatively, download a Korean eSIM for you travels.

Where To Stay: For Seoul, I recommend Myeongdong (convenient), Hongdae (cool culture) or Gangnam (shopping). For Busan, Haeundae (Beach) or Seomyeon (Downtown).

Incheon Airport To Seoul: Take the Airport Express (AREX) to Seoul Station or a Limo Bus across Seoul. Book an Incheon Airport Private Transfer and relax to or from the airport.

Korean Tour Operators: Tour companies that have a big presence in Korea include Klook, Trazy, Viator, and Get Your Guide. These sites offer discounted entry tickets for top attractions.

Seoul City Passes: Visit Seoul’s top attractions for free with a Discover Seoul Pass or Go City Seoul Pass. These passes are great for families and couples visiting Seoul – you can save lots.

How To Get Around: For public transport, grab a T-Money Card. Save money on Korea’s high speed trains with a Korea Rail Pass. To see more of Korea, there are many Rental Car Options.

Travel Money: Use money exchanges near Myeongdong and Hongdae subway stations for the best exchange rates. Order a Wise Card or WOWPASS to pay by card across Korea.

Flights To Korea: I use flight comparison sites such as Expedia and Skyscanner to find the best flights to Korea from any country. Air Asia is a good option for budget flights from Asia.

How To Learn Korean: The language course from 90 Day Korean or Korean Class 101 both have well-structured lessons and lots of useful resources to help you learn Korean.

The 20 Best Summer Activities In Korea

Whether you enjoy the great outdoors, or prefer to stay cool indoors, there are loads of incredible summer activities in Korea for you to enjoy. Solo travellers, families, and everyone else in between will find something fun during this sunny season.

I’ll admit, being a big lover of Korean food, there are also a lot of delicious things to enjoy during this time of year. If you’re anything like me, be sure to check out tips #3, #11, and #12. Your taste buds will be eternally grateful!

Now, without further ado, here are the 20 coolest summer activities in Korea:

1: See The Sea At Korea’s Beautiful Beaches

Without a doubt, this has to be the best of all summer activities in Korea. Grab your swimwear and suncream, find a spot on the sandy shore, and work on your tan as the gentle waves lull you to sleep.

Try out some beach sports and other activities to work up a sweat before a big seaside dinner of raw fish and cool beer. The evening is the best time to enjoy the cooler weather. Visiting the beach at night allows you to watch fireworks and take in the night lights.

Top 4 Beaches To Visit:

Here are four of the best beaches to visit. These will be very popular during summer in Korea, so if you plan to visit, be sure to book ahead.

Sokcho Beach, Sokcho
Located on the east coast, Sokcho is one of the premier beaches in Korea, with silky white sands lined by scenic pine trees. There are loads of great facilities here, and you can rent all the beach equipment you need. You can only swim in the beach during July and August, but the beach is open all year round.

Gyeongpo Beach, Gangneung
Gyeongpo Beach in Gangneung is one of my favourite beaches to visit during summer in Korea. The long, sandy beach goes on for a long way, melting into other beaches as you walk along the coast. Not only is there the beach to check out, with various water sports and family fun games to play, this area is a treat for coffee lovers (like myself).

Haeundae Beach, Busan
One of Busan’s top attractions, Haeundae Beach is a gorgeous stretch of sand that winds its way along one of the most lively areas of Korea’s second city. At night, when the temperature is still warm enough to sit outside, you can see fireworks or listen to live music from local artists looking for an audience.

Surfyy Beach, Yangyang
For lovers of surfing, you’ll have to check out Surfyy Beach on the northeast coast. Located within the Hajodae Beach area (which is beautiful itself), this area is restricted to surfers only, which means no swimmers getting in the way of your surfing pleasure.

Here are some other honourable mentions:

Looking for some fun water sports activities? Check out these great water sports activities in Seoul, Busan, and Jeju Island.

2: Enjoy Korea’s Awesome Summer Festivals

Summer is one of the best times to get out and join a festival. I’ll cover 3 of the top summer festivals below, but if you want a complete guide to all the best festivals in Korea, check out my guide at the end of this section.

The Boryeong Mud Festival – July 21st to Aug 6th, 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)
The Boryeong Mud Festival has it all – mud wrestling, mud bathing, extreme mud sports, K-pop concerts, fireworks, a water park, and lots of great beachside restaurants. This is the perfect way to cool off during summer in Korea, as well as help your skin feel great.

Daegu Chimac Festival – Aug 30th to Sept 3rd, 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)
Korea has a love of fried chicken and beer which is combined perfectly at the Daegu Chimac Festival. The ice cold beer keeps you fresh, while the fried chicken just tastes so damn good! This year’s Daegu Chimac Festival runs from August 30 to September 3, 2024.

Sinchon Water Gun Festival – Aug 12 to Aug 13th, 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)
With the slogan of ‘Making Korea More Fun Through Festivals’, the Sinchon Water Gun Festival is certainly succeeding. One of the craziest festivals in Korea, as well as one of the most needed in the summer, this festival reminds me of the Songkran festival in Thailand.

If you want more details about these and other festivals in Korea, check out my guide to the best festivals in Korea. You can find information about Korean festivals to enjoy in summer, spring, autumn, and winter, as well as useful information about how to get to each one.

3: Sample Korean Summer Dishes

Here are a couple of the best Korean dishes to enjoy in summertime. I’ll cover some other refreshing dishes later on, including the famous bingsu dessert.

Naengmyeon (Cold Noodles)
There are two main versions of naengmyeon – mul-naengmyeon (icy-water) and bibim-naengmyeon (spicy noodles, no water). Both are fairly simple dishes, with a generous helping of noodles, a few veg, a boiled egg, and a few side dishes. Simple, yet really delicious and refreshing.

Samgyetang (Whole Chicken Soup)Samgyetang includes a whole small chicken packed with rice, garlic, jujube, and ginseng inside a bowl of steaming hot broth. The thick soup absorbs all of this whilst cooking, leaving a soft, tender chicken and an aromatic, hearty broth. Perfect!

If you want to know more about why this is perfect for summer, or about Korea’s other delicious traditional dishes, then check out my guide to the traditional Korean dishes.

4: Hike Seoul’s Fortress Walls At Night

Once the sun goes down, the weather cools a lot and it’s the perfect time to explore more. Take this chance to discover Seoul’s Ancient Fortress Walls that weave through the heart of the city.

You can join the fortress walls in many places throughout Seoul and two of the easiest ones are from Hyehwa Station (Naksan Park) or Dongdameun Station (Heunginjimin Gate).

Bring your camera and get ready to snap lots of awesome night pics, with outstanding views across central Seoul at night. End the hike in one of the rooftop bars and cafes that stay open late in summer.

5: Go Island Hopping On The South Coast

Korea has literally thousands of islands to explore along the south coast, as well as the world-famous Jeju Island a short flight away. Island trips often include many of these summer activities into one experience.

Some of the best places to visit on the south coast, with great beaches, BBQ, and natural wonders to enjoy, include Geoje, Yeosu, Tongyeong, Jindo, Wando, and Namhae.

You’ll find loads of great Korean summer activities, such as water sports, hiking, camping, sharing BBQ, boat tours, skyline luge (Tongyeong), canoeing / kayaking, and even visiting some K-drama filming sets (Wando).

If you have an international licence, renting a car and driving along the south coast is also an incredible way to see more of this stunning area.

6: Enjoy A Summer Picnic In Style

In recent years, picnicking has become a popular event for locals in Seoul and other cities across Korea, mostly thanks to the Instagram-friendly scenes you can create with a well-crafted picnic set. Yeouido Hangang Park is one of the most popular places for a summer picnic in Seoul.

But there’s a lot more to enjoying a summer picnic than the style – you can also rent some really lovely picnic sets that range from the basics up to champagne sets, like you’ll find at Bohemian Picnic in Seoul (link below).

If you want to rent a picnic basket and the relevant equipment, you can usually find these near river parks or picturesque lakes, such as Hwaseong Fortress, Suwon, or World Cup Park, Seoul. Rent a picnic basket from Bohemian Picnic Seoul. Here’s more info about picnic spots in Seoul.

7: Spend Long Summer Nights By The River

The Han River is the perfect place for summer activities in Korea, both day and night. During the day it’s a great place to see local Seoulites enjoying a picnic on the grass, riding, skating, swimming, and generally relaxing.

At night the area comes alive with music, food trucks, night markets, and people enjoying the warmer evening weather you find during summer in Korea.

For those who want a cheap night out, head to the convenience stores by the exit of Yeouinaru Station (Line 5 / Purple Line) and grab some discount beers and instant ramyeon noodles or gimbap. Relax by the river and enjoy the peaceful summer night.

To see all the Han River sights, book a river cruise. These cruises are best in the evening when you can see fireworks shows, Seoul’s night lights, and the illuminated banks and bridges along the river.

8: Explore Seoul’s Night Markets

Known as the ‘Bamdokkaebi Night Markets‘, Seoul hosts a wide range of night markets across the city that are awesome places to spend the hot summer evenings.

You can find these night markets in several of Seoul’s hottest spots, including Yeouido Hangang Park, Banpo Hangang Park, Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), and along the Cheonggyecheon Stream.

Most markets are also open before it gets dark, too. You’ll find plenty of unique accessories, fashion, street food, souvenirs and other knick-knacks at these markets.

Please note: Night markets operate on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during summer in Korea, but not all are open on each night.

9: Visit Korea’s Thrilling Theme Parks

This is a great family-friendly activity to enjoy during summer. Two of the best theme parks to visit in Korea are in or close to Seoul – Everland and Lotte World.

Everland, Yongin City, Gyeonggi
Everland is Korea’s largest theme park and boasts one of the world’s steepest wooden roller coasters. Great for thrill seekers, families, couples looking to create some unforgettable memories, and even animal lovers. With rollercoasters, safaris, a magical kingdom, water rides, panda world, and flowers all year round, you won’t get bored in Everland.

Click here for Everland Discount Tickets

Lotte World, Jamsil, Seoul
Although smaller than Everland, Lotte World has a lot to offer and is the world’s largest indoor theme park, which means you can escape the heat and still have lots of fun. Featuring loads of exciting roller coasters, attractions, games, VR-zones, and family friendly rides, this is perfect for the whole family. There’s also an outdoors section called the Lotte Magic Island, which offers views of Seokchon Lake and the Lotte World Tower.

Click here for Lotte World Discount Tickets.

If you plan to visit Lotte World, then I’d really recommend checking out the Discover Seoul Pass. This pass gives you free entry to the park, as well as a range of Seoul’s other sights and attractions.

10: Splash Around At A Water Park

The second of these hot summer activities in Korea for thrill seekers are the water parks. Korean summer is brutally hot and there is nothing better than stripping off to your swimming stuff and splashing around in the cool, refreshing water at a water park.

There are many amazing water parks in Korea where you can have watery fun, such as Caribbean Bay (Seoul), Ocean World (Vivaldi Park, Gyeonggi Province), Lotte Water Park (Busan), Sealala Water Park (Seoul), and Onemount Water Park (Seoul).

Caribbean Bay
Caribbean Bay, modelled after the gorgeous beaches of the Caribbean, is the premier destination for water park lovers in Korea. Packed with pools, slides, rides, and ways to chill out in the sun, this is one of the best day trips from Seoul in the summer heat.

Some of the best rides at Caribbean Bay include the Mega Storm, Aqua Loop, and the Tower Raft. Caribbean Bay also features an indoor infant pool, sauna, spa, diving pool, and many types of swimming pools.

Lotte Water Park
Korea’s largest water park, Lotte Water Park near Busan is packed full of attractions to enjoy. Taking inspiration from a Polynesian island, Lotte Water Park features both outdoor and indoor wave pools, a 118m tornado slide, Tiki Island spa, and loads of other great facilities to keep you entertained and feeling cool.

For those who want to enjoy playing in the water without fear of sunburn, this is definitely for you. You can get to Lotte Water Park by subway / light train in around 45 minutes from Seomyeon Station in central Busan.

11: Sip Cool Lattes In Cosy Cafes

Summer is a time for cool drinks and even cooler desserts (more on that soon). Take time out during your busy day exploring to recover and recharge in one of Korea’s many cafes. There are so many unique drinks to keep you cool.

Come and see for yourself and find your new drink addiction. Ever tried a Jeju Honey Peanut Latte, Organic Jeju Green Tea Latte, Jeju Hoji Tea Cream Frappuccino, Sweet Potato Latte, Oatmeal Latte, Lavender Cafe Breve, ‘Monkey Banana’ Coffee, or even a Black Pepper Latte?

That last one was pretty gross, to be honest, but you’ve got to try them all at least once, right?

12: Indulge In Korea’s Famous Bingsu Desserts

There’s one dessert that defines summer – bingsu. Bingsu is a very simple dessert consisting of shaved ice flakes with a topping and sauce. It’s ridiculously refreshing and keeps you cool when the weather is hottest.

There are many types of bingsu you can enjoy with a plethora of different toppings. Some of the simpler ones contain fruit, ice cream, yogurt, sauces, nuts, or red beans. The red bean topped bingsu are known as pat-bingsu.

Modern-day dessert maestros have concocted all sorts of original bingsu that contain cakes (whole slices), chocolates, cookies, injeolmi (rice cake), brownies, macarons, and just about anything else you might think to eat for dessert. Find one that’s right for you.

13: Cool Off In Korea’s Beautiful Nature

Getting out of the big cities is one of the best summer activities in Korea as it means getting back to nature and away from the concrete jungle. Korea is awash with charming natural beauty, with vibrant green trees and a cacophony of brightly coloured plants to get lost in.

Here are 3 of the best day trips from Seoul to take during summer in Korea for some unforgettable experiences in nature. You can also visit these places from other parts of Korea, too.

Damyang Bamboo Forest
The lush, dense Damyang Bamboo Forest drowns out the noise and heat of modern Korea and is a breath of fresh air. Take a deep breath and cleanse your lungs and soul as you walk through the cool forest.

The Damyang Bamboo Forest provides a unique opportunity to see incredible gigantic bamboo trees, to get lost within the shaded pathways, experience a traditional Korean village, and even try some delicious bamboo beer.

Nami Island & Surrounding Area
Nami Island is an idyllic island that you access by boat or zip-line that has long tree-lined streets and loads of cool cafes, walking spots, and photo-zones.

Located in the same area are The Garden of Morning Calm, Petite France, and the Gangchon Rail Bike, which you can book together in one tour. Alternatively, you can make your own way by public transport, as detailed in my guide to getting to Nami Island.

Boseong Green Tea Plantation
The vibrant rows of fresh, bright green tea leaves spreading out over the hills of Boseong are an incredible sight to see. The oldest tea plantation in Korea, and the home of Korean tea, Boseong Green Tea Plantation is a great place to visit during in summer.

Besides growing the tea, the plantation now welcomes curious tourists who wish to learn more about green tea. Spend your time walking around the green tea bushes, where you might even be able to see the sea on a sunny day. Truly postcard-like views!

For more summer day tours from Seoul, check out my top day tours from Seoul.

14: Try Your Hand At Kayaking

If you’re looking for cool and healthy summer activities in Korea, then jumping in a kayak and paddling on a river or in the ocean is a great choice. You can find places to rent kayaks all over Korea. Here are some of the best spots to rent a kayak:

Ttukseom Hangang Park (Seoul)
Gwanggali Beach (Busan)
Hado Beach (Jeju Island)
Baekripo Beach (Taean)
Naerincheon Stream (Inje)

There are plenty of other spots where you can rent a kayak and do other water sports, such as body boarding, windsurfing, or snorkelling. Check out the beaches mentioned in #1 and #5 of this list for places to find water sports.

15: Get Back To Nature In The Parks

If you want to experience life as a local, then grab some cold drinks, bring some food (or get it delivered!), and chill out on the grass.

Some of the major parks to visit in summer in Seoul include:

Seoul Forest
Haneul Park
Songdo Central Park
Yeouido Hangang Park
Olympic Park
Seokchon Lake
Yangjae Citizen’s Forest
Gyeongui Line Forest Park
Gyeongui Line Book Park
Seoullo 7017
Seoul Children’s Grand Park

There are countless parks and green zones where you can do this all over Korea, and many of the big cities will have market stalls, food trucks, and sometimes live performances by local artists.

16: Rent A Bike And Go For A Ride

If you want to see the best parts of Seoul, or even other parts of Korea, then why not rent a bike? Bikes are a really convenient to get between places and avoid traffic congestion.

There’s no better time to do this than during summer in Korea, when nature is abundant and the days are long and often sunny. It’s a great summer activity that gives you some exercise, let’s you move around quickly, and shows you some excellent parts of Seoul at the same time.

You can rent bikes through the Seoul Public Bike system, or through the yellow Kakao T Bikes that appear throughout the city. There are also single and tandem bikes for rent at popular parks such as Yeouido Hangang Park. You can also book bike tours from We Ride Korea, in Seoul.

Want to know more about where to go and what to see by bike? There are so many places to go cycling in Korea, including mountain passes that bring you to glistening lakes, wooded national parks with Buddhist temples inside, and long cycle paths following Korea’s biggest rivers.

17: Go Camping Or Glamping Around Korea

This is another of my favourite summer activities in Korea and one that is incredibly popular with Koreans. Korea has some incredible camping and glamping sites across the country.

You can go camping in the mountains at the national parks, or by the beach along the coast. Both are really popular options and most campsites provide modern conveniences and BBQ facilities (the must-have meal when camping!). There are many incredible national parks in Korea to check out.

Good news for those who don’t want to rough it, Korea has embraced the glamping (glamourous-camping) movement and there are many great glamping spots throughout Korea, too. Again, you’ll usually find glamping sites in national parks or along the coast.

Click here to read a Guide To Camping In Seoul.

18: Make New Friends At A Rooftop Bar

Spread throughout the city, in some of the coolest districts like Hongdae, Gangnam, Itaewon, and Myeongdong, there are some sweet spots for watching the sunset and city lights at night.

You’ll find plenty of locals and tourists mixing at these busy summer hotspots, with plenty of drinks, games, and conversation to keep you company. In fact, if you want to make some Korean friends, or practice Korean, then this is a great for that.

If you want to spend the nights in Seoul’s rooftop bars, here are some places you might want to visit:

Playground Rooftop Cafe & Bar – Hongdae
Owl’s Rooftop – Hongdae
Southside Parlor – Itaewon
Rooftop Bar KLOUD – Gangnam
Rooftop Bar @ Hotel Cappuccino

For those who want their night views in Seoul that are even more breathtaking, then I’d recommend visiting N Seoul Tower or the Seoul Sky Observatory at Lotte World Tower.

19: Rock Out At A Summer Music Festival

Expats and travellers spending summer in Korea have a whole load of fantastic summer music festivals available to them. Grab a mat, cold beer, and a nice spot in the sun, and get ready to rock out at one of these awesome events.

From peaceful soul music at the Seoul Jazz Festival, to head-banging tunes at the Pentaport Rock Festival, and fast electronic beats at Ultra Music Festival Korea, there’s so much good music to enjoy.

Here are some of the best summer music festivals you won’t want to miss.

K-Pop Music Festivals In Korea:

Dream Concert – Seoul
Spectrum Dance & Music Festival – Seoul

Rock Music Festivals In Korea:

IT’S A FEST – Incheon
Pentaport Rock Festival – Incheon

Indie Music Festivals In Korea:

GreenPlugged – Seoul
Grand Mint Festival – Seoul
Rainbow Island – Gapyeong

EDM Music Festivals In Korea:

Seoul World DJ Festival – Seoul
Ultra Music Festival Korea – Seoul
5tardium – Seoul
EDC Korea – Seoul

Other Music Festivals In Korea:

Seoul Jazz Festival – Seoul
DMZ Peace Train Music Festival – Seoul
NBA Buzzer Beat Festival – Seoul
Rapbeat Fesitval – Seoul
SKA Superswag Festival – Incheon
Big Day South – Busan

20: Walk Around And Explore The Night Life

I’ve saved the simplest and most popular of all summer activities until last – walking at night. It’s definitely my favourite.

The weather is warm (you can go around in a t-shirt all night long), and, as Korea has a strong all-night culture, there’s always somewhere to go or something to do.

From 24-hour saunas (jjimjjilbang) and karaoke (noraebang), to late night cafes and night markets, you can have an incredible time exploring when the sun goes down.

There are often special night-time events in Seoul that you can only find during summer in Korea, including evening shows at Gyeongbokgung Palace, late-night cruises along the Han River, or live performances in outdoor spaces.

In case you’re worried that walking around at night during summer in Korea might be dangerous, I can only say that I don’t think I’ve ever felt safer or more comfortable walking at night than I have in Korea.

How To Survive Summer In Korea

I hope you’ve enjoyed my list of the best summer activities in Korea and how to make the most of this hot time. Here’s a few final summer in Korea survival tips that will help you make the most of this season, keep cool, and have an awesome time.

Dress Down
Drink Lots Of Water
Buy A Mini Fan
Stay Cool In A Mall
Eat All The Ice Cream

If you want to see my full list of 10 tips to help you survive the tough season so summer when you’re visiting Seoul, check out my tips about How To Survive Summer In Seoul.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Korea?

Korea is an amazing country to visit any time of year and undoubtedly has four very distinct seasons with lots of other activities, sights, foods, and festivals waiting for you in each one.

Therefore, don’t forget to check out my other awesome seasonal guides for Korea to make sure you’re getting the most out of your trip to Korea whenever you travel, including a Season Guide To Korea which covers every month of the year. Be sure to check out the Best Korean Festivals, too.

Spring: Spring is all about the new blossoms and nature returning for the new year. The biggest thing to do in spring is to see Cherry Blossoms Across Korea. From royal palaces to riverside walkways, there are loads of places to enjoy the fresh nature.

Autumn: Like spring, autumn is all about nature and the change of seasons represented by the fall foliage. There are many incredible places to see Autumn Leaves In Korea, including golden gingko leaves and multi-coloured maple leaves, which change from green to gold to red.

Winter: After the beauty of the fall foliage and the rains of summer, winter is the complete opposite – snowy white and extremely dry. Winter has very little rain, which makes it perfect for exploring outside and enjoying one of the many things to do during winter in Korea. Just make sure you wrap up warm! If you’re visiting Korea in winter, I highly recommend check out my Jeju Island Winter Itinerary.

Summer In Korea FAQs

Finally, here are a few FAQs about summer activities in Korea, in case the above information didn’t cover enough for you. If you have any other questions you’d like to ask, feel free to leave a comment.

Is Korea Hot During Summer?

Yes. Summer in Korea is hot and temperatures are usually over 30 degrees during the daytime and above 20 degrees even at night. Humidity is also high during the summer, which can make you feel even hotter. Temperatures can go above 35 degrees during the hottest periods of summer, which include July and August. June and September are cooler and dryer, but still have many hot days.

What Is The Hottest Month In Korea?

August. The hottest month of the year is August and the average temperature at this time of year is around 30 degrees. However, it can get much hotter, with temperatures over 35 degrees on some days. July is also very hot and both months have high humidity.

What Is Summer Like In Korea?

Summer in Korea is hot. However, there are also lots of amazing summer activities in Korea where you can enjoy the unique culture, the many beaches, and try lots of delicious Korean summer treats. Despite the difficult weather, many people enjoy the relatively cooler evenings and there are lots of fun night-time activities during summer, such as night hiking, street dining, rooftop bars, camping under the stars, late night concerts, and lots more.

Does It Rain During Summer In Korea?

Yes. Summer in Korea is the wettest period of the year and July and August have the highest rainfall. This makes the weather very humid and adds to the intensity of the heat, making it feel even hotter than it actually is. The rain isn’t constant and there are still many sunny days between short downpours.

Are There Mosquitos In Korea In Summer?

Yes, many. Sadly, summer is the time of year when mosquitos are most present. They are active from April until October each year, but summer is the worst time. Be prepared if you plan to travel to Korea during summer and bring mosquito repellent and a scarf to cover your face if you plan to go into the forest or mountains. Rivers and large areas of water generally attract more mosquitos as these are ideal breeding grounds for them.

Are There Many Beaches In Korea?

Yes. Korea is a peninsula surrounded by water on three sides. There are many incredible beaches to visit in Korea, as well as hundreds of islands along the south coast of Korea. Famous beaches in Korea include Haeundae Beach in Busan, Gyeongpo Beach in Gangneung, and Sokcho Beach in Sokcho. These beaches will be very busy during summer in Korea, so get there early for the best spots.

Does Korea Get Typhoons In Summer?

Yes. Summer in Korea (June – September) is also typhoon season. However, Korea doesn’t experience as many typhoons (nor as powerful) as areas in South East Asia or Japan. Although Korea doesn’t get as many strong typhoons, it still gets lots of rain during this season.

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Rainy Day In Seoul: 50 Fun Indoor Activities In Seoul 2024

Joel Marrinan — Sun, 23 May 2021 12:19:56 +0000

Are you suffering from a rainy day in Seoul that’s come along and messed up your well planned trip? Well don’t worry, this guide to the best indoor activities in Seoul has you covered! There’s something for everyone, including family fun places, cultural wonders, cozy cafes, and exciting activities you might not even know about.

This list of things to do in Seoul when it’s raining is packed full of great activities that you can also use as a guide for when it’s not raining. If you haven’t already planned to visit these places, I’d definitely recommend checking them out during summer in Korea or any other time.

Read on to find out how to spend a rainy day in Seoul without getting soaked and have an incredible day out whatever the weather. Whether you’re travelling alone, as a family, or with friends, there’s always something fun to do in Seoul. I hope you find the perfect indoor activity for you.

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links and I may earn commission for purchases made after clicking these links.

Having A Rainy Day In Seoul?

I know how you feel, there’s nothing worse than planning a day out, only to find that your plans to visit leafy parks, walk the streets, and enjoy the great outdoors have been ruined by the weather. Fortunately, Seoul is a fun, vibrant city with many indoor attractions for you to enjoy.

What Are You Looking For?

Family Friendly

These family friendly activities are perfect for young ones and teenagers.

Indoor Activities

Fun indoor activities for all ages, a rainy day in Seoul doesn’t have to be boring.

Sightseeing

There’s plenty of famous sights to see in Seoul where you won’t get wet.

Cafes & Shopping

These cafes and shopping destinations will be a welcome break when raining.

History & Culture

Learn more about Korea’s past and present with these cultural hotspots.

Night-Time Fun

Even when it’s raining at night, there are still lots of ways to have fun in Seoul.

Discover Seoul Pass Activities

Some of these activities are free or discounted with the Discover Seoul Pass, a city-pass for foreigners visiting Seoul. The Discover Seoul Pass can save you money on entrance fees across Seoul and is a great investment if you plan to visit attractions like Lotte World or COEX Aquarium.

When activities are covered by the Discover Seoul Pass, I will add details about the discount. If you want to know more about what’s covered by the pass and get some itinerary ideas about how to use the pass and save money, check out my article about Discover Seoul Pass itineraries.

Booking Activities Online

Some of these rainy day indoor activities in Seoul can be booked online on the day or in advance. It is often cheaper to use tour companies like Klook, Viator, or Get Your Guide to book tickets (even last minute) vs. paying full entrance price. When online tickets are available, I’ll include a link for them.

Planning to visit Korea? These travel essentials will help you plan your trip, get the best deals, and save you time and money before and during your Korean adventure.

Visas & K-ETA: Some travellers to Korea need a Tourist Visa, but most can travel with a Korean Electronic Travel Authorisation (K-ETA). Currently 22 Countries don’t need either one.

How To Stay Connected: Pre-order a Korean Sim Card or a WiFi Router to collect on-arrival at Incheon Airport (desks open 24-hours). Alternatively, download a Korean eSIM for you travels.

Where To Stay: For Seoul, I recommend Myeongdong (convenient), Hongdae (cool culture) or Gangnam (shopping). For Busan, Haeundae (Beach) or Seomyeon (Downtown).

Incheon Airport To Seoul: Take the Airport Express (AREX) to Seoul Station or a Limo Bus across Seoul. Book an Incheon Airport Private Transfer and relax to or from the airport.

Korean Tour Operators: Tour companies that have a big presence in Korea include Klook, Trazy, Viator, and Get Your Guide. These sites offer discounted entry tickets for top attractions.

Seoul City Passes: Visit Seoul’s top attractions for free with a Discover Seoul Pass or Go City Seoul Pass. These passes are great for families and couples visiting Seoul – you can save lots.

How To Get Around: For public transport, grab a T-Money Card. Save money on Korea’s high speed trains with a Korea Rail Pass. To see more of Korea, there are many Rental Car Options.

Travel Money: Use money exchanges near Myeongdong and Hongdae subway stations for the best exchange rates. Order a Wise Card or WOWPASS to pay by card across Korea.

Flights To Korea: I use flight comparison sites such as Expedia and Skyscanner to find the best flights to Korea from any country. Air Asia is a good option for budget flights from Asia.

How To Learn Korean: The language course from 90 Day Korean or Korean Class 101 both have well-structured lessons and lots of useful resources to help you learn Korean.

Family Friendly Indoor Activities In Seoul

Want to find somewhere to take the kids while it’s raining in Seoul? Here are 6 really fun indoor activities in Seoul that kids will love.

Image credit: Lotte World Adventure

Lotte World Adventure Indoor Theme Park

If you’re looking for a full day of indoor fun in Seoul, Lotte World Adventure theme park is perfect for you. Located next to the Lotte World Tower, this gigantic indoor theme park has dozens of attractions for visitors young and old. There are thrilling rollercoasters, rides, an aquarium, games to play, attractions, an ice rink, and lots more. Most of the park is inside (great for a rainy day in Seoul), but there’s also an outdoor section called the Magic Island that is very Disney-esque if you can brave the rain.

Location: Jamsil

Address: 서울특별시 송파구 올림픽로 240

Discover Seoul Pass: Free Entry

Tickets: Discounted Entry Tickets

Image credit: Zoolung Zoolung

Zoolung Zoolung Indoor Animal Theme Park

Enjoy seeing and playing with more than 50 different animal species in Korea’s largest indoor and fenceless zoo. There are animals from around the world, including scaly and furry friends from the Amazon and Africa. Kids and adults will have a great time petting or feeding the animals, or looking from afar. There’s also a 3-storey pirate ship playground to enjoy! Zoolung Zoolung is located inside one of Seoul’s largest shopping malls, Times Square, which offers lots more places to escape the rain.

Location: Yeongdeungpo

Address: 서울특별시 영등포구 영중로 15

Discover Seoul Pass: Free Entry

Tickets: Discounted Entry Tickets

Image credit: Seoul Children’s Museum

Seoul Children’s Museum

The Seoul Children’s Museum in Grand Children’s Park is a great place for active young minds to stay dry and improve their mental and physical skills. The museum offers various programs to enhance children’s creativity and imagination while having fun and learning about the world. Kids can practice skills like being an artist or dancer, learn how to be a vet, and discover how sound travels. They can wander through indoor forests, explore space, and get wet learning how things float.

Location: Grand Children’s Park

Address: 서울특별시 광진구 능동 능동로 216

Discover Seoul Pass: Free Entry

Image credit: COEX Aquarium

COEX Aquarium

Inside the giant COEX shopping centre in Gangnam is the delightful COEX Aquarium. This is a great indoor activity in Seoul for all the family and a chance to see some animals that actually enjoy being wet. This sprawling aquarium introduces some of Korea’s finest fish and will take you on a journey around the oceans of the world. There are feeding shows, touch labs, performances, and so much more to see here. Be sure to check out the rest of COEX Mall, including the Starfield Library.

Location: COEX Mall, Gangnam

Address: 서울특별시 강남구 영동대로 513

Discover Seoul Pass: Free Entry

Tickets: Discounted Entry Tickets

Image credit: Tayo Kids Cafe

Tayo Kids Cafe

This kids playground and cafe area is based on one of Korea’s most popular cartoon characters, Tayo the Little Bus. There are several Tayo Kids Cafes in Seoul and they have a range of activity zones where young children can ride in kid-friendly buses, play safely in toy-filled padded play areas, watch Tayo cartoons in the movie room, and even have a dance party. Food and drinks are available for visitors young and old.

Locations: Various across Seoul

Address: 서울특별시 동작구 보라매로5가길 16

Image credit: Kidzania

Kidzania

Kidzania is a unique kid-friendly area in Lotte World that’s designed to allow children the chance to become grown ups and try working in a variety of different jobs. They can learn to fly a plane, perform surgery, or create delicious dishes as a chef, all in specialist areas that are replicas of those working environments. Children also develop skills like handling money, leadership training, and teamwork.

Location: Next to Lotte World, Jamsil

Address: 서울특별시 송파구 올림픽로 240

Please note: Some activities may be language-dependent. It’s best to check if there are English speaking guides available before booking.

Fun Indoor Activities In Seoul For All

Whether you’re travelling with children, or want somewhere fun to stay dry while it’s wet outside, these indoor activities will keep everyone amused.

Image credit: Dynamic Maze

Alive Museum & Dynamic Maze

The unique Alive Museum features lots of interactive art displays to create ‘illusionistic art’ and makes for some hilarious shots. Want to see one of the family being eaten alive, part of a video game, or racing around the streets of Seoul? This is the place for you.

The Dynamic Maze (in the same area) is exactly what it sounds like: an action packed maze that has a variety of tasks you must complete to find the exit. Obstacles range from climbing walls, missions requiring attention to detail, screaming and dancing, to simple trial and error.

Location: Insadong

Address: 서울특별시 종로구 인사동 인사동길 12

Discover Seoul Pass: Free Entry

Tickets: Discounted Entry Tickets

Image credit: Color Pool Museum

Color Pool Museum

Featuring a rainbow range of coloured halls to check out, each with their own theme, you’re sure to find the chance to take some incredible photos at the Color Pool Museum. Each of the 9 themed rooms has its own colour that reflects its ‘scent’, such as the romantic rose hall (one for couples) or the aquamarine ocean breeze hall (ball pools and unicorns). The rooms are filled with an eclectic mix of giant inflatables, ball pits, slides, balloons, bright colours, confetti, extravagance, and happiness. Discover your true colour and take lots of unforgettable photos at this cool insta-worthy indoor destination in Seoul.

Location: Insadong

Address: 서울 종로구 인사동길 49 안녕인사동 6층

Discover Seoul Pass: Free Entry

Tickets: Discounted Entry Tickets

HiKR Ground (K-Style Hub)

HiKR Ground (formerly K-Style Hub) is an innovative promotional hall that introduces the best of Hallyu (Korean modern culture) to tourists through Extended Reality (XR). Witness some of Korea’s latest cutting-edge technology as you explore 5 floors of cultural displays, each with a different theme. This large, interactive playground is the perfect indoor activity for when it’s raining in Seoul, and offers hours of exploration and technological immersion that’s especially fun for younger travellers (perfect for families). Visit the top floor cafe for a bite to eat and views of Seoul.

Location: Cheonggyecheon Stream

Address: 서울특별시 중구 청계천로 40

Aqua Planet 63

Located in the impressive gold-plated 63 Building on the banks of Yeouido Island in Seoul, Aqua Planet 63 is an immersive aquarium that includes fishy fun and watery plant life to explore. Attractions in Aqua Planet 63 include a mermaid show, Otter Planet, Aqua Garden (with water plants), Penguin Planet, Seal Planet, Coral Planet, Golden Miracle Zone (bright sunflowers), and more. As well as Aqua Planet, why not visit the 63 Tower Sky Art gallery and see rainy sights of Seoul from up high along with paintings and artworks from around the world.

Location: Yeouido

Address: 서울 영등포구 63로 50

Discover Seoul Pass: Free Entry

Tickets: Discounted Entry Tickets

Hongdae Gaming Arcades

You can’t miss the gigantic arcades that take up whole buildings in parts of Hongdae and other cool districts such as Gangnam and Dongdaemun. Inside these shining, beeping caves are dozens of the latest arcade games to play alone or together. Don’t feel like playing? Stand back and watch the pros on the latest dance or rhythm games instead. If you want something more than regular arcade games, try the latest VR games, which include individual and team games where you immerse yourself in other worlds and fight off aliens, race around the world, or even fight against each other.

Location: Hongdae

Address: 서울 마포구 어울마당로 69

Coconut Box VR Cafe

Coconut Box (formerly the Trick Eye Museum) is a great place for all the family, but especially teenagers. Korea is always introducing ground breaking attractions to the world, and this might be a first. Coconut Box is a massive area (2,300 metres) that allows visitors to play virtual reality games, hang out together away from the rain, and enjoy a range of NFT artworks. Learn more about the future of VR, AR, and metaverse gaming while you stay dry from the rain in Seoul. The inside is designed as a tropical paradise, complete with sun-loungers, ball pond, and wooden huts with coffees and snacks.

Location: Hongdae

Address: 홍익로3길 20 서교프라자 지하 2층

Discover Seoul Pass: Free Entry

Tickets: Discounted Entry Tickets

Image credit: SeaLaLa

SeaLaLa Indoor Waterpark

Why get wet outside in the miserable rain when you could move inside and get wet with beautiful seaside-like surroundings. Visit the Sealala Indoor Waterpark and Sauna to enjoy an afternoon of swimming, soaking, and sitting in a hot sauna. There are so many different facilities to check out in this large, luxurious water park in downtown Yeongdeungpo. Kids will love the water slides and pools in Aqua Kids Land.

Location: Yeongdeungpo

Address: 서울 영등포구 문래로 164 지하 2층

Discover Seoul Pass: Free Entry (Sauna)

Image credit: Nanta Cooking Musical

Nanta Cooking Musical

Be sure not to miss Cookin’ Nanta in central Myeongdong. This is a unique, wacky theatrical performance where energetic chefs bang pots and pans while preparing delicious traditional Korean foods. Featuring audience participation, you could have the chance to become part of the action and perhaps even be part of their wedding ceremony during the show! High energy, certain to keep everyone amused.

Location: Myeongdong

Address: 서울특별시 송파구 잠실6동

Tickets: Discounted Entry Tickets

Image credit: Boulder Friends

Boulder Friends Rock Climbing

Feeling fit and want to work out while it’s raining in Seoul? Why not pop into Boulder Friends rock climbing gym in Hongdae and scale their climbing wall with colourful hand holds. The climbing wall is 5 metres high and 50 metres long and caters to all levels. Climb straight up, or push yourself with overhangs and other obstacles. First timers are welcome and rental equipment is available.

Location: Hongdae

Address: 서울 마포구 홍익로 25

Image credit: Real Escape Challenge

Real Escape Challenge

If you’re looking for a brain teasing break from the rain, check out the Real Escape Challenge in Hongdae for some puzzling fun. There are five different escape room scenarios for you to try, including rooms based on Sherlock Holmes, a Korean ghost story, a mad scientist, and more. Escape rooms are popular in Korea and you’ll find plenty of options available in Hongdae.

Location: Hongdae

Address: 서울 마포구 와우산로27길 21 4층

Indoor Sightseeing Locations In Seoul

A rainy day doesn’t have to mean the end of sightseeing in Seoul. It might not be a good time to visit the royal palaces or the N Seoul Tower, but there are still plenty of indoor sights to see.

Lotte World Tower & Seoul Sky Observatory

The Lotte World Tower in Jamsil stands like a diamond finger pointing to the heavens in central Seoul. It’s hard to miss the world’s 6th tallest building which stands at 555 metres above the pristine Seokchon Lake. This is Korea’s largest department store specialising in luxury and duty free goods. When you’ve finished shopping, you can watch the rain from the cafe in the Seoul Sky Observatory on the upper floors. This will give you incredible views of the city, even with the clouds and rain drenching everything.

Location: Jamsil

Address: 서울 송파구 올림픽로 300

Tickets: Discounted Entry Tickets

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) & Galleries

Visiting the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) is an excellent way to spend a rainy day in Seoul and a place I often visit even when it’s sunny. Wander around this iconic building – a futuristic, spaceship-esque design – whilst popping into the various shops, restaurants, cafes, galleries, and curious little spaces. There’s usually an exhibition or two going on at the DDP, as well as temporary installations. From spring to autumn you might find night markets winding through the centre and outside of the main buildings during the weekend.

Location: Dongdaemun

Address: 서울 중구 을지로 281

Gwangmyeong Cave

Although this is located outside of central Seoul, Gwangmyeong Cave is perfect for visiting on a rainy day as it’s all inside. This is the best cave theme park in Korea (there are several) and is based in old mines that were once full of gold, silver, copper, and other minerals. Now you can see awe-inspiring caves with dazzling light and audio displays in areas such as Aqua World Cave, the Golden Waterfall, the Golden Palace, the Underground Lake, and more. You can see the largest dragon sculpture in Korea here, too.

Location: Gwangmyeong

Address: 경기 광명시 가학로85번길 142

Discover Seoul Pass: Free Entry

Myeongdong Cathedral

Myeongdong Cathedral sits at the end of the popular Myeongdong Street Food Alley and is a popular tourist destination for travellers to Seoul whatever the weather. If you’d like a quiet place to escape the rain and reflect on spiritual matters, this could be the place for you. A welcome relief not only from the bad weather, but also the excessive consumerism and greedy treats that Myeongdong is famous for these days. Entry is free and mass is held there every Sunday in case you want to join.

Location: Myeongdong

Address: 서울 중구 명동길 74

Cafe And Shopping Spots In Seoul

If it’s raining, or even if it’s not, these awesome cafe and shopping destinations in Seoul will be a great place to take a break, have a unique experience, and buy some cool souvenirs.

Thanks Nature Sheep Cafe

One of my favourite things to do when it’s raining in Seoul is to check out one of the many animal cafes. My favorite of those is the Thanks Nature Sheep Cafe, where you can see cute sheep while you sip a refreshing coffee. There are two fluffy, gorgeous sheep that you can visit and feed during certain times, as well as take pictures with. They’re well taken care of and friendly with guests. You can also enjoy some of the sweet treats and good coffee in the cafe area.

Location: Hongdae

Address: 홍익로 10 서교푸르지오상가 지하121호

Cat Cafes

You can’t visit Myeongdong or Hongdae and not see somebody dressed in a giant cat costume advertising a cat cafe. There are many to choose from in these areas and they’re really popular with tourists and locals alike. Relax with a coffee and sweet dessert in the cafe area after getting disinfected and enjoy your time playing with the cats. Wash away the rainy day blues with this purrfect place to relax and catch up with some new feline friends.

Location: Hongdae & Myeongdong

Address: 와우산로21길 36-10 3,4층

Traditional Hanok Tea House

What did Koreans traditionally do during a rainy day in Seoul? Hide in a hanok cafe or tearoom and wait for the weather to change. Which is what I recommend doing if you’re near Insadong or the hanok village in Bukchon. Hanok cafes are the perfect place to get a glimpse of traditional Korean life. They have a rustic charm and provide a tasty range of authentic Korean teas, as well as modern coffee-based delicacies.

Location: Various

Address: 서울 종로구 인사동길 47-8

Cafe Yeonnam-Dong 239-20

You might want to check your eyesight when you visit Cafe Yeonnam-Dong 239-20, also known as Greem Cafe. This crazy cafe is designed to look like a black and white comic book and has a unique 2D feel. Not only are the fixtures really stylish, the coffee and desserts are, too. And they’re not overpriced like some other insta-worthy cafes in the area. Take a break from the rain with this unique cafe.

Location: Hongdae

Address: 서울 마포구 성미산로 161-10 그림카페

943 King’s Cross Cafe

Even if you didn’t receive your letter from Hogwarts, there’s still a chance for a magical Harry Potter experience in Seoul. Escape the rain and choose your wand in 943 King’s Cross – a Harry Potter inspired cafe in Hongdae. As you might have guessed, Hongdae is the go-to place for unique cafes. However, few let you have such an immersive experience as this one. A truly magical place in Seoul.

Location: Hongdae

Address: 서울 마포구 양화로16길 24

Grandpa Factory Cafe

The Grandpa Factory Cafe is a hidden charm in Seongsu-dong, close to Seoul Forest and the Ttukseom Han River Park. The name comes from the story behind the cafe – it was a former factory that was gifted to the current owner by his grandfather. He turned it into a large cafe with wide windows looking out on the leafy gardens, but kept an industrial feeling with large statues made from old tires.

Location: Seongsu-dong

Address: 서울 성동구 성수이로7가길 9

Starfield COEX Mall

Shopping enthusiasts won’t want to miss out on the COEX Mall. Asia’s largest underground shopping mall has something for everyone. Local and international brands can be found here, ranging from basic items to the finest luxury bags and goods. Movie lovers will enjoy the 17 screen cinema. You can learn about Korean culture from the various performances on display, too. There’s even the aforementioned COEX Aquarium. Overall, this is a great place for pretty much anyone to spend a rainy day in Seoul.

Location: Gangnam

Address: 서울 강남구 영동대로 513

Seoul’s Traditional Markets

Popping into a traditional Korean Market is one of the things I usually do when it’s raining in Korea. These undercover markets are great for learning about the more traditional side of Korea. They’re also great places for sampling some traditional Korean dishes and picking up some bargains. Check out the underground shops in Namdaemun Market, the indoor shopping in Dongdaemun, the delicious food at Gwangjang Market, and the Seoul Folk Flea Market for some unique experiences.

Location: Various

Address: 서울 종로구 창경궁로 88

Annyoung Insadong

The latest cool place to go in Insadong is the Annyoung Insadong Mall. This building blends Korea’s love of retro and modern concepts to create a bright, open mall with lots of cosy shops and cafes. You’ll find traditional Korean handicrafts, highly addictive Korean snacks, retro Korean goods, unique artworks and accessories by local artists, and lots more. There’s a lot to tempt you in Annyoung Insadong.

Location: Insadong

Address: 서울 종로구 인사동길 49

Lotte Town Department Store

Known as Lotte Town, this is a collection of large stores that sprawl across one street in Myeongdong and include the Lotte Department Store, Young Town, and Avenue L. This is Lotte’s flagship department store and is packed with things to buy, try, and taste. I recommend going to the supermarket area to try free samples of Korean treats or stock up on duty-free goods before you travel home.

Location: Myeongdong

Address: 서울 중구 남대문로 81

Image credit: Visit Seoul

Time Square Mall

Times Square Mall in Yeongdeungpo is one of Korea’s largest shopping malls and features dozens of shops, restaurants, cafes, and activities to enjoy on a rainy day. It’s home to the CGV Starium, the world’s largest permanent 35mm cinema screen, and also has a multiplex theatre for you to hide away in while it rains outside. This is where you’ll find Zoolung Zoolung, the aforementioned indoor animal park.

Location: Yeongdeungpo

Address: 영등포구 영중로 15 타임스퀘어

Image credit: Visit Seoul

Gangnam Underground Shopping

Shop for the latest fashion at the Gangnam Station Underground Shopping Centre directly below Gangnam Station. This is where Seoul’s young and trendy shoppers go to find what’s hot and new in the world of fashion. There are often some great deals here, better than you’ll find at the designer stores in other parts of Gangnam. You can spend hours walking underground here, safe from the rain.

Location: Gangnam

Address: 서울 강남구 강남대로 지하 396

Indoor History And Culture Sights In Seoul

Museums and galleries are one of the best places to visit when it’s raining in Seoul and should be on your travel list regardless of the weather. Please note: some museums close on Mondays.

War Memorial Of Korea

Why not educate yourself by visiting the impressive War Memorial of Korea during a rainy day in Seoul. This museum, dedicated entirely to Korea’s military past, not only includes the ongoing war with the North, but also covers famous military battles with Korea’s neighbours, China & Japan. The interesting displays and models can be enjoyed by anyone and there are plenty of sights to see, such as old castles, historic weapons, and the famous Turtle Ship. Outside there are dozens of planes, tanks, and military vehicles to take photos with.

Location: Yongsan

Address: 서울 용산구 이태원로 29

National Museum Of Korea

Go back to the stone age and see how Korea developed into the modern nation it is now at the National Museum of Korea. Explore dozens of rooms full of exhibitions to learn about, and interact with, Korea’s fascinating history at one of the largest museums in the world! This museum is one of the best free things to do in Seoul in my opinion (special exhibits have a fee) and you can spend a long time wandering this massive museum. Perfect for when the whole day is rained out. There’s also a nice cafe to check out and a well-stocked gift shop.

Location: Yongsan

Address: 서울 용산구 서빙고로 137

Image credit: Korea Tourism Organisation

Seoul Museum Of History

Experience the traditional culture of Seoul at this really interesting collection of all things Seoul at the Seoul Museum of History. Featuring relics from the past few centuries, as well as modern online cyber-displays, you can really immerse yourself in the life of a Seoulite. You might want to bring an umbrella to see the outdoor exhibition. However, it’s worth getting a little bit wet to see the well-preserved artefacts on display and the nearby Gyeonghuigung Royal Palace.

Location: Jongno

Address: 서울 종로구 새문안로 55

Image credit: Korea Tourism Organisation

Seodaemun Prison Hall Museum

The idea of visiting a prison might not sound that fun, but this former prison is actually really interesting and eye-opening. If you want to know more about modern Korean history, the Seodaemun Prison History Hall is perfect. This is where freedom fighters against the Japanese occupation were locked up and tortured, as well as anti-government protestors until the 1980’s. See gruesome torture devices, read about the harsh treatment, and get locked up yourself!

Location: Seodaemun

Address: 서울 서대문구 통일로 251

Discover Seoul Pass: Free Entry

Art Galleries In Seoul

Wandering around slowly, taking in some great art, is one of the best things to do during a rainy day in Seoul. Fortunately, Seoul has many great art museums, so you should be within a short distance of one when the heavens open. New exhibitions and installations pop up all the time in Seoul’s best galleries. My personal recommendations include the Seoul Museum of Art, National Museum of Modern & Contemporary Art, and the Leeum Art Museum.

Location: Various

Address: 서울 중구 덕수궁길 61

Discover Seoul Pass: Free Entry

Eunpyeong Hanok Museum

The Eunpyeong Hanok Museum is located inside the Eunpyeong Hanok Village, one of Seoul’s largest areas dedicated to showing what traditional Korean life was like. The museum houses exhibitions and experiences showing you what life was like in Korea’s past, allowing you to discover the beauty of hanok architecture. Outside the museum, you can run from hanok to hanok, dodging the rain as you go, to explore more fascinating historical houses.

Location: Eunpyeong

Address: 서울 은평구 연서로50길 8

Discover Seoul Pass: Free Entry

Night-Time And Adult Activities In Seoul

Adults who want to go out and explore Seoul’s nightlife might be surprised at the wide range of fun and relaxing activities there are on offer. From bars to spas, BBQ tours to singing rooms, there are many amazing things to do in Seoul at night that will keep you dry and entertained.

Korean Sauna Experience

Known as a jjimjilbang, Korean saunas are a great place to unwind and recharge your batteries in hot (or cold) water, in a steam room, or in the communal hot rooms. There are great saunas all over Seoul and you can even stay overnight in them if you want to. Saunas are great for relieving your aches and pains and washing away the dirt built up after a hard day of exploring. You won’t mind getting wet during a rainy day in Seoul if it’s in a sauna.

Location: Various

Address: 율곡로6길 36 월드오피스텔 지하1층

Korean Spa Experience

Don’t let the bad weather get you down, relax and unwind with a spot of self-indulgence at one of Seoul’s growing range of luxury spas. Using Korea’s premium cosmetic brands, you can experience an evening of pampering that includes cleansing, soft peeling, deep pore cleansing, lymphatic drainage, face massage, amino acid regenerative masks, and more. Your skin and body will feel amazing at the end and you’ll be ready to explore Seoul’s night scene.

Location: Myeongdong

Address: 서울특별시 중구 명동10길 41

Discover Seoul Pass: Discounted Entry

Tickets: Book With Klook

Noraebang (Karaoke)

There are two good reasons why you should visit a noraebang – a Korean karaoke room. First, this is a great place to visit when it’s raining and other places are closed. Second, you’ll be spending the evening as a large number of Koreans do. Singing and dancing in a noraebang is one of the most popular pastimes in Korea. There are hundreds of noraebang across Seoul and you’ll find a mix of Korean & international songs.

Location: Various

Address: 서울 마포구 잔다리로 20

Seoul Night Food Tour

Perfect for any night out in Seoul, whether it’s raining or not, a food tour is a great way to discover some delicious restaurants, make friends, and see the city. There are plenty of food tours that take you to traditional markets or popular spots that locals love, such as Euljiro or Mangwon. Stay indoors eating some of Korea’s finest street foods, often with complimentary beers and other drinks, too.

Location: Euljiro

Address: 서울 중구 을지로3가

Tickets: Book With Klook

Seoul Casino (Foreigners Only)

Gambling isn’t allowed for Koreans in Korea, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some great foreigner-friendly casinos to spend the evening playing casino games or watching others test their luck. Seoul’s casinos come with all modern facilities, including blackjack, roulette, poker, slot machines, baccarat, and more. You’ll also find a wide selection of food and drinks to keep you going through the night. Just don’t forget to bring your passport with you!

Location: Yongsan

Address: 용산구 청파로20길 95 5층

Discover Seoul Pass: Free Entry

PC Gaming Room

Visiting a PC gaming room is what a lot of Korean teenagers (and adults) choose to do regardless of the weather. Online gaming is a massive business in Korea and some of the best players in the world come from Korea. Where do they train? At a PC Room, also known as a PC-bang. You’ll see these all over Seoul, usually near to noraebang and pool halls. If you’re travelling alone, then this could be one of the best things to do in Seoul at night when it’s raining.

Location: Various

Bar Hopping In Seoul

Seoul has plenty of great bars to discover on a rainy night, from Korean establishments serving local beer and soju, to more international venues with global beers, spirits, and cocktails. You’ll find busy bar areas in Seoul in Hongdae, Itaewon, Jonggak, Cheongdam, and across the city. Look for the bright lights and crowds, usually around busy subway stations in each district.

Location: Various

Clubbing In Seoul

Seoul has some great clubs and nightlife. Two of the best locations in Seoul for clubbing are Gangnam and Hongdae. Korea’s nightclubs aren’t reserved for the weekends, as locals like to party any night of the week. You’ll probably find a club open even on a Monday night. If you’re a fan of clubbing, why not escape the rain and dance the night away.

Location: Various

Shooting Ranges In Seoul

Shooting ranges are popular across Korea and you’ll find them tucked away in bar districts with the noraebang and clubs. If you’ve ever wanted to try out a shooting range, then a rainy day in Seoul could be your perfect opportunity. At the Myeongdong Shooting Range you can choose from over 100 firearms, including ones used in Korean action movies and shows.

Location: Myeongdong

Address: 명동8가길 27 션샤인빌딩 3층

Tickets: Book With Klook

Watch A Movie

Watching a movie is a great way to spend a rainy evening in Seoul. There are plenty of cinemas in Seoul, including this IMAX at CGV Yongsan, which includes immersive technologies such as Screen X, which projects the movie on the side walls as well as the main screen. Be immersed in the 4DX technology, which adds in effects, such as rain, scents, and moving chairs.

Location: Yongsan

Address: 한강대로23길 55 현대아이파크몰 6층

Tickets: Book With CineInKorea

Creative Classes In Seoul

If you plan to travel during rainy season, why not make sure you have some interesting and culturally broadening indoor activities to do. These creative classes in Seoul offer just that.

Korean Cooking Class

There are so many wonderful traditional Korean dishes to sample when visiting Seoul, but wouldn’t it be even better if you could learn to make some to share with your friends. Take time out of the rain to get hot and spicy in the kitchen with a Korean cooking class. This Korean cooking class starts with a trip to a local market to buy goods which you’ll use to prepare a traditional Korean meal with 10 different courses.

Location: Mapo

Address: 서울 마포구 방울내로7길 5

Tickets: Book With Klook

Kimchi Making Experience

Spend a rainy day in Seoul indoors learning about the most famous Korean side dish – kimchi. This course is held in a traditional Korean hanok house (the Seoul Kimchi Academy) and will not only teach you how to make kimchi, it will introduce lots of fascinating insights into Korean culture and history. Follow step-by-step instructions to make kimchi, which you can eat for dinner, or take home as a souvenir.

Location: Bukchon Hanok Village

Address: 서울 종로구 계동길 102

Tickets: Book With Klook

Makgeolli making & Tasting

This adult-only course introduces you to the ancient process of making makgeolli – Korean rice wine. Makgeolli has been growing in popularity in Korea and abroad thanks to its sweet, easy-to-drink taste and texture that’s refreshing and cool, especially in summer. On this course you can learn the art of making makgeolli and make your own makgeolli. Of course, you’ll also get to enjoy trying various types of makgeolli, too.

Location: Seongsu-dong

Address: 성동구 왕십리로5길 9-20 B1

Tickets: Book With Klook

K-Pop Recording Experience

Ever dreamed of being a K-Pop star? Well, this indoor activity in Seoul could be the perfect way to stay dry and show off your singing skills. Use professional recording equipment and studio space to record your favourite K-Pop tunes, which will be tweaked using the latest audio editing tech to make sure you sound your best. Once your recording is ready, you’ll get a copy of it, as well as behind-the-scenes pictures of your day in the life of a K-Pop star.

Location: Gangnam

Address: 서울 강남구 삼성로75길 52 B1

Tickets: Book With Klook

Grab An Umbrella And Walk In The Rain In Seoul

This final rainy day in Seoul activity is one of the best. Seoul is an incredible city and there is no excuse to waste a minute of it by staying inside the whole time.

Even when it’s raining, you can still explore with a pair of good boots and an umbrella. You can buy umbrellas from one of the thousands of convenience stores scattered throughout the city.

Make no excuses, get out there, get a bit wet, but see some of the best city views you’ll ever see. Wandering around at night in the rain is a pleasure in itself. If you run out of things to do in Seoul when it’s raining, this is always an option.

Location: Everywhere in Seoul

Visiting Seoul During Rainy Season

If you plan to visit Seoul between June and August, you might find yourself looking for more indoor activities than usual. That’s because summer in Korea starts off with rainy season, which typically runs from late-June until late-July. August is also one of the wettest months of the year in Korea.

Here are a few tips to help you out during rainy season:

Umbrella: You can grab umbrellas at any convenience store, stationery shop, Daiso, or department store. A cheap umbrella shouldn’t cost more than 7,000 – 10,000 KRW depending on size.

Rain gear: If you plan to go outside a lot, bring some rain gear such as a waterproof jacket and rain boots. You can always buy these in Seoul. Head to Namdaemun Market or visit a hiking shop.

Taxis: Taxis in Korea are relatively cheap and taking a taxi can be more convenient than public transport. Check out my guide to Kakao taxi to help you call taxis to you at any time.

I’ve tried to provide cheap or even free things to do in Seoul when it’s raining in this article as I know travelling abroad can be expensive. I have lots of tips for saving money in Seoul that can help out frugal travellers so you have more to spend on days, great Korean food, and souvenirs.

Travelling to Busan during rainy season? Then check out these 40 indoor activities in Busan that you can enjoy whatever the weather. Experience Busan’s luxury hot spring spas, attractions, and activities.

Rainy Day In Seoul FAQs

Finally, here are a few FAQs about rainy day activities in Seoul, in case the above information didn’t cover enough for you. If you have any other questions you’d like to ask, feel free to leave a comment.

When does it rain the most in Seoul?

June and July are the wettest months in Korea. These summer months are classed as rainy season in Korea. August also sees a lot of rainfall. There can be heavy rainfall during the summer in Korea which may result in floods.

When is rainy season in Korea?

Rainy season begins around mid-June each year and lasts until mid-July or late-July. August isn’t part of rainy season, but it can also rain a lot during this month.

Does it rain a lot during winter in Korea?

Winter in Korea is one of the driest times of the year in Korea and January and February see the least amount of rainfall. In contrast, the summer months are the wettest with spring and autumn having occasional rainfalls.

What’s the best indoor activity in Seoul for children?

There are many indoor activities in Seoul for children, such as visiting the Seoul Children’s Museum, an indoor theme park like Lotte World Adventure, a play cafe like Tayo Cafe, or an aquarium. Family-friendly indoor activities in Seoul also include Zoolung Zoolung indoor animal park, the Dynamic Maze, Alive Museum, Color Pool Museum, and playing arcade games.

What’s the best thing to do in Seoul on rainy days?

There are many fun activities to do in Seoul on a rainy day, such as visiting Lotte World Adventure, Zoolung Zoolung Indoor Animal Theme Park, COEX Mall & Aquarium, SeaLaLa Waterpark, various museums and galleries, Korean spas and saunas, noraebang singing rooms, seeing a musical or performance, arcades and VR rooms, escape rooms, cafes, bars, and lots more.

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When To Go Hiking In Korea: Seasonal Hiking Guide 2024

Joel Marrinan — Sun, 25 Apr 2021 04:57:02 +0000

Want to experience the majestic beauty of Korea’s many mountain ranges, but not sure when to explore them? Worried about the weather when you plan to go hiking in Korea? Interested in exploring Korea’s national parks when you visit Korea? Then this Korean seasonal hiking guide has you covered.

This guide provides a season-by-season guide to the kind of weather you can expect, as well as the potential problems (and benefits) the seasonal changes bring. Find out when to watch out for typhoons, when to wrap up warm, and when to bring waterproofs for rainy season.

Hiking in Korea is more than just watching the weather. There are so many incredible sights to see. From cherry blossom-lined streets to the stunning views of autumn leaves, silvery reeds, and snow-capped mountain tops, I’ll show you the best places to see them all. Never miss out on the best mountains at the best time with this essential guide to hiking in Korea’s magnificent mountains.

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links and I may earn commission for purchases made after clicking these links.

When To Go Hiking In Korea For The best Sights

The best seasons to go hiking in Korea are definitely spring and autumn, which both feature warm, sunny days and clears skies while you hike. Summer and winter are tougher, but you can definitely enjoy a day out hiking during these seasons.

Each season in Korea has its own charms – from winter snow to autumn leaves and a lot else in between. There’s not really a bad time to go hiking in Korea, but there are definitely better places to go during each season, and places to avoid.

This Korean seasonal hiking guide will give you a quick overview of the weather in each season, some of the best mountains to hike in each season, what you can expect to see, and how to prepare for hiking at that time of year.

Don’t forget to check out my top 21 Korean Hiking Tips to get even more advice about how to have a fun day out hiking in Korea’s national parks. Also, be sure to check my Complete Guide To Korea’s Seasons to know what to experience in each month. This covers a month-by-month guide to weather, events, activities, and festivals to enjoy throughout the year in Korea.

Planning to visit Korea? These travel essentials will help you plan your trip, get the best deals, and save you time and money before and during your Korean adventure.

Visas & K-ETA: Some travellers to Korea need a Tourist Visa, but most can travel with a Korean Electronic Travel Authorisation (K-ETA). Currently 22 Countries don’t need either one.

How To Stay Connected: Pre-order a Korean Sim Card or a WiFi Router to collect on-arrival at Incheon Airport (desks open 24-hours). Alternatively, download a Korean eSIM for you travels.

Where To Stay: For Seoul, I recommend Myeongdong (convenient), Hongdae (cool culture) or Gangnam (shopping). For Busan, Haeundae (Beach) or Seomyeon (Downtown).

Incheon Airport To Seoul: Take the Airport Express (AREX) to Seoul Station or a Limo Bus across Seoul. Book an Incheon Airport Private Transfer and relax to or from the airport.

Korean Tour Operators: Tour companies that have a big presence in Korea include Klook, Trazy, Viator, and Get Your Guide. These sites offer discounted entry tickets for top attractions.

Seoul City Passes: Visit Seoul’s top attractions for free with a Discover Seoul Pass or Go City Seoul Pass. These passes are great for families and couples visiting Seoul – you can save lots.

How To Get Around: For public transport, grab a T-Money Card. Save money on Korea’s high speed trains with a Korea Rail Pass. To see more of Korea, there are many Rental Car Options.

Travel Money: Use money exchanges near Myeongdong and Hongdae subway stations for the best exchange rates. Order a Wise Card or WOWPASS to pay by card across Korea.

Flights To Korea: I use flight comparison sites such as Expedia and Skyscanner to find the best flights to Korea from any country. Air Asia is a good option for budget flights from Asia.

How To Learn Korean: The language course from 90 Day Korean or Korean Class 101 both have well-structured lessons and lots of useful resources to help you learn Korean.

Spring Hiking In Korea

One of the best seasons to go hiking in Korea. Full of nature, new beginnings, bright flowers, and warm weather. After a long winter, spring brings positivity for the year ahead. The arrival of the cherry blossoms brings a lot of people out into the mountains.

Spring Weather

Still cold from winter in early March, quickly warming and quite hot by the end of May. There can be seasonal fine dust during early spring, but the weather is quite nice apart from that. There can be some showers in early April, but they’re not too strong and you can hike with waterproof clothing.

Best Mountains To Hike

Head to Jirisan or Hallasan (Jeju) for incredible views of Cherry blossoms. Hwangmaesan Mountain in Hapcheon (near Busan) has fields of pink flowers on the mountainside, old fortress walls, and even sheep wondering the hills – a nice secret spot away from the crowds.

Near Seoul, Bukhansan National Park is always good, and you can get views of the greenery returning to parks and palaces across the capital.

Chiaksan National Park near Wonju is packed with more trees and there is also the Wonju Rail-bike Park that offers a fun rail-bike experience along an abandoned train line, passing by lakes, cliffs, and lots of pretty sights.

What You Can See

An abundance of flowers, blossoms, and blue skies. The first blossoms of the season are the plum blossoms (maehwa) in early March, followed up by the Cherry Blossoms in mid to late March and early April. There are also magnolias, azaleas, forsythia, and lots more.

There are many Korean festivals celebrating spring and Buddha’s Birthday that are held in the national parks and mountains. The most popular festivals are the cherry blossom festivals, including the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival, which attracts millions of visitors each year.

What To Watch Out For

Fine dust is the biggest issue in spring. Check the air pollution levels before hiking and bring a mask if you expect it. It won’t stop you hiking, but will often spoil the view.

Crowds can also be an issue, especially during cherry blossom season (late March to early April). If you can hike during the week, it’ll be much quieter than the weekends.

Summer Hiking In Korea

Definitely the toughest season to go hiking in Korea, but one where you can still enjoy getting out and seeing the sights. There are more than just mountains to see and the warm summer nights offer the opportunity for night hiking, particularly in Seoul.

Summer Weather

Hot! It doesn’t get cold during summer unless it rains, which it does a lot during July. This is rainy season, so definitely check the weather forecast and pack appropriately if you’re hiking in summer. Night time is cooler and good for special night hikes.

Best Mountains To Hike

I love Odaesan and Gyeryongsan for summer hiking. They have thick forests that provide shelter from the sun’s heat and aren’t too exposed at the top, protecting you from the sun.

Geumosan Mountain in Gumi (near Daegu) is a nice hidden gem that has a large waterfall you can walk under and a pool to stay cool. You can ride a cable car up to the mountain top and hike back down.

If you’re in Seoul, hike Namsan Mountain at night or along the Seoul City Fortress Walls.

What You Can See

Greenery. After rainy season, plants and trees have a growth explosion and cover everything. Thick leaves, bushes, and plants are everywhere, along with more wildlife and flowers than in any other season.

What To Watch Out For

The heat. Stock up on water and be prepared to sweat. Also be prepared for mosquitoes. They are out in force during summer and you should wear long sleeves to protect against bites. Summer In Korea is tough, but there are many great places to check out, too.

Autumn Hiking In Korea

My favourite season to go hiking in Korea. Long, warm days. Blue skies. And the many colourful autumn leaves that are on display at this time of year. They all add up to one of the best times to be out in nature and hiking. It’s also the most popular time to go hiking in Korea.

Autumn Weather

Lower air pollution than other seasons, more blue skies, and warm (but not hot). The best weather of the year. There are the occasional typhoons, which can be an issue if you’re hiking on Jeju or along the south coast. However, there aren’t as many as in other countries in East Asia.

Best Mountains To Hike

Seoraksan is the most popular destination during autumn, as well as Jirisan, which has loads of maple trees. Naejangsan is considered one of the most beautiful spots for autumn leaves.

Daedunsan Mountain near Daejeon also has incredible views, as well as a suspension bridge and stairway between peaks (with a scary view below).

If you want to find oceans of silver grass reeds, head to Mindungsan in Gangwon-do.

Check out this article for details about How To Get To Naejangsan. If you want to know more about the best time to travel in Korea, check out my Guide To October In Korea, which is packed with info about festivals, sights, must-do activities, and lots more.

What You Can See

Korea’s Autumn Leaves. These start in late September and run through to early November. There are also various cultural festivals celebrating the harvest and different locally produced products are on sale, such as chestnuts, persimmons, and jujube.

What To Watch Out For

Typhoons. Although they aren’t common, the strong winds and heavy rains make it very dangerous to go hiking. Also keep an eye out for snakes hiding in the fallen leaves.

Winter Hiking In Korea

The coldest season in Korea is actually still a good one to go hiking. Be prepared, wrap up warm, and you can see some incredible sights, including snow-capped mountain tops, snow flowers, and lots more.

Winter Weather

Cold! From mid-November the temperature plummets and is often below 0 degrees Celsius in January and February. This can bring snowy weather, but not all the time.

Hiking in the mountains gives you the best chance to see snow. It’ll also be a lot colder as you start climbing higher. The weather is generally dry during winter, which is good for hiking. Watch out for ice though.

Best Mountains To Hike

Deogyusan is my favourite mountain for winter hiking. There’s often snow and the connected ski-resort gives you an easy way down the mountain after hiking to the top. Jirisan also has great winter views.

If you want to experience snowy mountain views, head to Taebaeksan, it’s famous for its winter festival and snowy scenes. You can get a shuttle bus from Seoul during festival time.

Visiting Jeju Island in winter? Then be sure to try winter hiking on Hallasan for incredible snowy sights.

What You Can See

Snow! In the highest mountains (Seoraksan, Jirisan, Deogyusan, Hallasan), there’s a much better chance of seeing snow than in the cities. A lot of the big ski resorts are in Gyeonggi Province or Gangwon Province in the northern part of Korea, close to Seoul.

What To Watch Out For

Ice. If you’re hiking, make sure you pack some spikes (crampons) and hiking sticks. Wrap up warm because winter is cold and the mountains are freezing. You’ll warm up as you hike though. It gets dark quickly, too. Be prepared to end your hike around 5pm.

The Best Places To Go Hiking In Korea

There are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of mountains to choose from if you want to go hiking in Korea. The country is 70% mountainous and knowing which ones are the best ones you should visit can feel a bit overwhelming.

The list below are for the best mountains you can visit from Seoul and then the best mountains you can visit across Korea in case you’re starting from other locations.

Best Mountains To Hike In Seoul

These mountains are all inside Seoul and accessible by public transport

Bukhansan National Park
Namsan Mountain (N Seoul Tower)
Inwangsan Mountain
Gwanaksan Mountain
Cheonggyesan Mountain
Ansan Mountain
Achasan Mountain

Best Mountains To Hike In Korea

For other parts of Korea, here are some of the best national parks that are typically suitable for all levels.

Chiaksan National Park
Seoraksan National Park
Odaesan National Park
Jirisan National Park
Hallasan National Park (Jeju)
Gyeryongsan National Park
Songnisan National Park
Naejangsan National Park

These mountains are some of the Best Mountains To Hike In Korea.

How To Get To The Mountains In Korea

Here are a few tips about how to get to the mountains to start your hiking journey.

By Car

If you have car, then you won’t have many problems getting to the mountains. Look for the national park entrances, there are usually car parks right outside.

Be careful during the busiest times (cherry blossom & autumn leaves season) as traffic can be backed up. Arrive early and leave early to avoid the worst traffic.

By Public Transport

Korea has an amazing bus and train network that goes to the most remote national parks. I don’t own a car and have had to rely on public transport to get to most places.

You’ll need to do some research, and check the routes with Naver / Kakao map apps, as well as Korean bus apps, but it’s certainly possible.

A lot of the major hiking destinations have online guides and you can find out the best way to get there with a quick search. It’s often cheap but be prepared for long journeys. That’s not so bad as you can sleep on the way.

One word of warning: bus drivers in Korea love to turn the heating up to maximum during winter. It’s really, really hot on the bus (way too hot) and you should be prepared to take off most of your winter hiking clothes. The opposite is true in summer when it’s freezing cold with the aircon.

By Taxi

If you travel to nearby towns, getting a taxi is a reasonably priced and convenient option to get to the hiking routes.

For example, if you want to hike Daedunsan near Daejeon or Odaesan near Jinbu, you can get a taxi from these places and be there in 20 – 30 minutes. It’s a lot more convenient as the buses aren’t that frequent.

By Tour Operator

There are a number of great tour operators that provide tours for locals living in Korea or tourists visiting Korea. These can be more expensive than taking public transport, but also get your straight to where you want to go without detours and long waits between connections.

Furthermore, tour operators also provide insights from local guides, extra stops along the way with additional activities you might never get the chance to experience, as well as visiting several famous locations in the same area.

Online tour operators I recommend:

Klook.com
Trazy.com

Facebook-based tour companies operating in Korea:

There’s also the option to hire a private driver to take you to various places and guide you around.

I hope these few sections of this guide to hiking in Korea have helped you to figure out when, where, and how to go hiking.

Why Should I Go Hiking In Korea?

Did you know that one translation of ‘Korea’ is ‘land of high mountains and sparkling streams‘? Whenever you go into the Korean countryside, you’re surrounded by mountains and awe-inspiring views. You’ll easily understand why it has that name.

I hope this guide to hiking in Korea has inspired you to get your boots on and go out and experience the incredible scenes you can find all across Korea. In case you’re not convinced about why hiking is a must-do activity in Korea, here are a few more reasons why you should try it:

It’s great exercise – A day hiking in the mountains can burn hundreds or even thousands of calories and work many different muscles.
To make friends – There are many social clubs where people go hiking together. It’s a great way to meet new people and find people who like to get out and enjoy nature.
You’ll see incredible sights – There are incredible scenes waiting to be discovered out there. Waterfalls, friendly squirrels, forested valleys, frozen lakes, snowy peaks, autumn leaves, cherry blossoms, and so much more.
It’s a cheap day out – Unlike a day at a theme park or visiting expensive attractions, hiking is really cheap. Park entrance fees are a few thousand won and food and snacks don’t cost much at all.
Chance to see snow – if you’re looking for snowy sights, the mountains during winter are the best places to find them.
The best Buddhist temples – whilst Seoul has some nice temples, the best ones are all hiding in the national parks. You can even do a temple stay and enjoy hiking in the mountains at the same time

For those living in Korea, I’d recommend joining a hiking Facebook group such as the Seoul Nature & Hiking Group or Hiking In Korea.

Hiking In Korea FAQs

Finally, here’s a few FAQs about how to go hiking in Korea, in case the above information didn’t cover enough for you.

Is Hiking In Korea Suitable For Families?

Yes. There are many family friendly places to go hiking in Korea and you’ll often see children as young as 4 or 5 hiking, even all the way to the peaks. There are a number of ‘recreational forests’ in Korea which are designated as family-friendly areas for gentle hiking and trekking. Most national parks feature flat walking areas.

What’s The Best Place To Hike Near To Seoul?

Bukhansan National Park. Seoul, like most other places in Korea, is surrounded by several large mountains. The best of these for hiking is Bukhansan National Park, which is actually within the city itself and can be accessed by bus or subway. There are various hiking routes in the park, as well as several Buddhist temples to see along the way.

What’s The Best Place To Hike Near Busan?

Jirisan National Park. Although not in Busan itself, Jirisan National Park, Korea’s largest national park, is only a short drive or ride away from Busan and provides the highest peak on mainland South Korea. There are over a dozen trekking courses around the park, as well as incredible sights of Korea’s famous cherry blossoms and autumn leaves. Alternatively, the southern parts of Geoje provide good hiking, including Hallyeohaesang National Park.

Can I See Snow While Hiking In Korea?

Yes, during winter. Whilst snow isn’t guaranteed, you’re likely to see it while you go hiking in Korea during winter (December to February). The chance of seeing snow increases in the northern part of Korea, which is where you’ll find many high mountains and ski resorts. Mountains such as Seoraksan and Taebaeksan are popular winter hiking spots for people who want to see snow in Korea. You can also see snow as far south as Hallasan Mountain on Jeju Island during some parts of winter.

Do I Need Special Equipment To Hike In Korea?

No. For most mountains in Korea you won’t need any special hiking equipment, just a set of good boots and appropriate clothing. However, if you plan to hike during winter in Korea, hike overnight, or on one of the harder mountains (Seoraksan, Chiaksan, Hallasan), I would recommend preparing special equipment. In winter it’s best to have heat packs, crampons (spikes), heat-warming clothing, removable layers, and hiking poles. If you’re going to hike overnight, be sure to pack a sleeping bag and enough provisions for the entire trip.

Will I Get Altitude Sickness While Hiking In Korea?

No. You won’t get altitude sickness while you go hiking in Korea. Korea’s tallest mountain is Hallasan, which is around 2,000 metres above sea level. Altitude sickness doesn’t start until you reach 3,000 metres above sea level.

When Is The Best Time To Go Hiking In Korea?

Spring and autumn. Although you can go hiking any time in Korea, the best times (and busiest) are definitely in spring and autumn. The weather is warm and sunny, there are fewer insects than you’d find in summer, and there are a lot of incredible natural sights to see, such as cherry blossoms (April) and autumn leaves (October). Summer is a difficult time to hike, but you can still enjoy walking in the cool, shaded valleys. Winter is cold but offers rare sights of snow.

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Summer in Korea – In My Korea

Rainy Day In Busan: 40 Fun Indoor Activities In Busan 2024

Having A Rainy Day In Busan?

What Are You Looking For?

Visit Busan Pass Activities

Booking Activities Online

Family Friendly Indoor Activities In Busan

Poo Poo Land Busan

Brick Campus Busan

Busan Children’s Museum

Laser Arena

KidZania Busan

Busan National Science Museum

Fun Indoor Activities In Busan For All

Breakout Escape Busan

Sealife Busan Aquarium

Running Man

Trick Eye Museum Busan

Busan Museum 1 Exhibition

Cabinet de Poissons At Ananti

Indoor Rock Climbing

Gaming Arcades

Popular Activities In Busan

Rainy Day Sightseeing Spots In Busan

Busan X The Sky

BIFF Square

The Bay 101 Yacht Club

Haeundae Beach Train

Indoor Saunas And Spas In Busan

Spa Land Centum City

Hurshimchung Spa

Songdo Haesupia Sauna

Ananti Cove Water House Hilton

Cafe And Shopping Spots In Busan

Haeridangil Cafe Area

Tea N Books Gwangalli

Centum City Department Store

Bujeon market

Jagalchi Fish market

Underground Shopping Centres

Indoor History And Culture Sights In Busan

Korean National Maritime Museum

Busan Modern History Museum

Busan Museum of Art

Busan Coffee Museum

Bokcheon Museum

Seomyeon Museum Of Art

Night-Time And Adult Activities In Busan

Noraebang (Karaoke)

Watch A Movie

Play At A PC Gaming Room

Try Local Busan Beers

Visit A Busan Casino

Get A Massage

Cultural Experiences And Classes In Busan

Haeundae Korean Cooking Class

Pottery And Market Culture Tour

Tea Ceremony In Busan

Cooking Class & Market Tour

Grab An Umbrella And Walk In The Rain In Busan

Visiting Busan During Rainy Season

Rainy Day In Busan FAQs

When Does It Rain The Most In Busan?

When is rainy season in Korea?

What’s The Best Indoor Activity In Busan For Children?

What’s The Best Thing To Do In Busan On Rainy Days?

Does it rain a lot in Busan?

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