Heatwaves have hit South Korea, and if you're traveling soon, be sure to keep these eight travel tips in mind for the sweltering season!
1. Bring an umbrella: Summer in Korea is a mixture of humid and sweaty. Even if the weather is beautiful, constant exposure to the sun can cause sunburn. Carry a small umbrella in your bag; it's not uncommon to carry one around on the streets of Korea!
2. Not a fan of umbrellas? Then bring a sunshade: You might end up looking like an ahjumma (Korean term for middle-aged women), but sun visors are great for protecting you from sun damage.
3. Get a personal portable fan: In Korea, these products are a must-have and can be found in any store. You will see many Koreans walking around with handheld fans to protect themselves from the heat.
4. Avoid metro rush hours: Subway rush hour is one of the worst times to travel in Korea, especially in summer when the stations are humid. Try to avoid rush hour when traveling to your hotel.
5. Take insect repellent: Summer is mosquito season in Korea. Mosquito bites can be itchy and large, so be sure to spray yourself with insect repellent before you go sightseeing.
6. Summer is peak festival season: Korea is home to the most festivals in the summer, from K-Pop concerts to cultural festivals. Be sure to stop by a few festivals for an even better experience!
7. Get water park-appropriate swimsuits: Water parks like Caribbean Bay are popular places to visit in the summer. Be aware that many people wear t-shirts and wetsuits instead of the usual bikinis and swimsuits.
8. Nightlife becomes even busier: Nightlife in Korea is very lively, but it gets even livelier in the summer, as people prefer to go out in the evening when it's cooler. Expect a bigger crowd than usual.
