Seoul in July

Summer and the monsoon season are in full swing in July and Seoul is hot, humid, and wet. Don’t, however, let this put you off visiting this incredible city. July is a month packed full of beautiful places to visit, plenty of activities, and vibrant festivals,

The bustling capital of South Korea has so much to offer in summer. From scenic national parks and grand palace complexes to family-friendly attractions and rocking music festivals. Beat the heat during the day by exploring cool, air-conditioned galleries and museums or shop until you drop into one of the many vast shopping malls.

When the heat abates in the evenings, experience Seoul’s buzzing nightlife with cocktails at glamorous rooftop bars and dancing the night away at outdoor festivals. Pub crawl around the hip Hongdae neighborhood and rock out under the stars at the Spectrum Dance & Music Festival.

What’s the Weather like in Seoul in July?

July is one of the hottest and wettest months in Seoul. Days tend to be cloudy and overcast with an average relative humidity of 81.3%. Temperatures range between lows of 20°C / 68°F and highs of 27°C / 81°F.

The monsoon season is in full swing, and you can expect rain almost every day. This hot, sticky, and wet weather can be uncomfortable if you’re not used to it, but nothing a cool latte, an icy bingsu, and a good umbrella can’t cure!

July’s hot weather makes it an ideal time for escaping the city and heading into nature. Explore one of the many beautiful national parks around Seoul or enjoy cool river breezes on the Han River.

Best Things to do in Seoul in July

Home to gorgeous gardens and scenic nature reserves, fun-filled adventure parks, and magnificent palace complexes, Seoul has a wealth of fantastic things to see and do in July.

Discover Seoul’s Best Museums

Whether you’re into art, culture, or kimchi, Seoul has a wonderful array of museums to explore on a hot day.

Head to the vast National Museum of Korea for all things Korean and enjoy a fantastic collection of artifacts and artworks detailing Korean history and art. Don’t miss the Tigers in Moonlight and Pine Grove painting from the Joseon Dynasty and the monumental jar coffins from the Baekje period.

Delve into the history of the city at the Seoul Museum of History and take in some stunning furniture design at the Korea Furniture Museum. The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art is a must for lovers of modern art, and you can enjoy an impressive display of works by contemporary Korean artists.

Seoul also has its fair share of quirky museums like the Museum Kimchikan, a foodie favorite that’s dedicated to the fermented cabbage dish. Another fun spot is the Color Pool Museum, where you can use your pass to visit the Piece of Time: Seasons exhibition. Experience Korea’s changing seasons through flower art and digital projections at this interactive exhibition.

Have Fun on the Water

Seoul is home to a wealth of beautiful urban green zones and lush parks that offer a cool respite from the sticky heat of the city. From the leafy green Haneul Park to the lush woodlands of Yangjae Citizen’s Forest, shady havens can be found across the city.

If you’re looking for cool and healthy summer activities in Seoul, why not rent a kayak in Ttukseom Hangang Park and paddle around the Han River? You can also enjoy other watersports like windsurfing and water skiing at the riverside park.

For a gentler river pursuit, you can paddle around in quirky duck boats. The park also has a massive outdoor swimming pool and water park where you can spend the day in the water.

If you prefer to be on top of the water instead of in it, take a cruise on the Han River and see Seoul from a different perspective. Use your pass to enjoy a one-hour Han River Cruise in the afternoon or at sunset and experience the city from the water.

Hop on board at Yeouido Dock and cruise past famous sites like Dongjak and Seogang Bridges, the tiny untamed isle of Bamseom Island, and the majestic Banpo Rainbow Bridge. An evening cruise will include the sunset Moonlight Rainbow Fountain Show from the Banpo Rainbow Bridge – a spectacle not to be missed!

Explore Seoul’s Night Markets

When the sun goes down, it’s the perfect time to explore. Seoul’s bustling night markets are the best places to spend the hot summer evenings. Known as the Seoul Bamdokkaebi Night Market, this unique night market is held in four different venues every Friday and Saturday evening.

Each market has its own theme, and you’ll find a variety of food trucks serving traditional Korean food, stalls offering global cuisine, and small shops selling handcrafted items. Head to Banpo Hangang Park, Cheonggye Plaza, Dongdaemun Design Plaza, or Yeouido Hangang Park to experience one of these one-of-a-kind night markets.

When you’re done shopping, take in some spectacular views of the city by night from the top of the Namsan Seoul Tower.

Use your pass to reach the observation deck at the top of the 236-meter-high (774-foot) tower and marvel at the twinkling city lights of Seoul.

Splash Around in Caribbean Bay

Escape the city and spend the day cooling off in Everland’s Caribbean Bay. Located in Yongin, just 39km from Seoul, Everland is Korea’s largest theme park with five unique themed zones, including Caribbean Bay.

Modeled after the spectacular beaches of the Caribbean, Caribbean Bay is the perfect place to beat the heat with a plethora of water rides and slides, swimming pools, and a luxury spa.

Use your pass to experience the thrills and spills of South Korea’s biggest theme park with the Everland Shuttle Bus. Enjoy a full-day trip to the family-friendly theme park and all the entertainment Everland has to offer before returning to Seoul in the evening.

Escape to Nami Island

Another lovely spot to escape the heat of the city is the picturesque Nami Island. Use your pass to hop on the Nami Island Shuttle Bus and enjoy a round trip to this lush oasis of woodlands, tree-lined lanes, and riverside walks.

The beautiful island is an all-season gem with blooming cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, spectacular fall foliage in autumn, and a wonderland of snow in winter.

Stroll down the picturesque Central Korean Pine Tree Lane leading to the center of the island. Take in the magnificent giant redwood trees in Metasequoia Lane. Stroll around the water’s edge along the lovely riverside paths and take in the stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.