With June Summer fully arrived in South Korea – Temperatures make a big jump and with that there are endless events and festivals happening in the country! Summer season in Korea comes with a lot of rain, so if you visit Seoul or any other Korean City around end of June, don’t forget an umbrella. Find this and everything else you might have to think of during that season and some fun things to do in this blog post.
How is June in South Korea?
June is the first month of Korean Summer.. It will quickly become really hot and humid, but in my opinion it’s still fine to travel around and see a lot. There are many events and festivals happening in June, so I’m sure you won’t be bored if visiting South Korea during this month.
How’s the weather in June?
Typically, temperatures in June range from around 16°C (60°F) to 26°C (78°F). Because of South Korea’s humid summers it will often feel hotter than it is, but as Korean’s usually turn the Air-Conditioning on full power, you might still want to bring a thin jacket.
June is also the beginning of Korean Monsoon Season with an average of 12 rain days. Check the weather forecast regularly and bring an umbrella if necessary(or see if Koreans carry an umbrella, as they are always prepared :D).
Another thing you should keep in mind is that with warmer temperatures and sunny days the fine dust pollution might also get worse. I highly recommend checking the “AQI” daily and if you see a red number better plan some indoor activities or wear a mask! Be especially careful on days with bad air quality AND rain!
What should I bring to Korea?
Now, onto the important stuff – what to pack. Even though it’s getting warmer, I would still recommend to bring multiple layers. Especially in the evenings and nights Korean weather still can be really chilly! I also always recommend to comfortable footwear, a portable battery and – if you need – a travel pharmacy from your home country as Korean medication hits quite different 😀
Are there public holidays in June?
Yes, there is a Public Holiday in June in 2024. South Korean celebrate Memorial Day (현충일) on Thursday, June 6th. On this holiday Koreans commemorate all the Koreans who have contributed or died while serving the Republic of Korea. A memorial ceremony is held at Seoul National Cemetery and you will see the Korean flag everywhere in the city.
So this day is a so called “red day”, means it’s a public holiday and government facilities, banks and post offices will be closed. Still most private businesses and restaurants will be open normally.
General South Korea Travel Guide
In this South Korea Guide, I cover everything you need to know for an amazing South Korea trip (not related to a specific month) from Basic Information about the country, weather all around the year, Visa and Entry Requirements, best Korean SIM Cards, Transportation, Must Visit Spots and Recommended Activities in Korea.
What to do in Korea in June?
Festivals in Seoul
Early Summer is one of my favorite times to travel to South Korea.. It’s warm but not too hot, it’s less crowded than cherry blossom season, AND Festival Season is back! Here some of the most popular festivals happening in Seoul every year around June.
Han River Drone Show
Witness over 1000 drones above the Han River during this mesmerizing Drone Show at Ttukseom Island in Seoul. This event unfortunately just happens during special times in Seoul. In Busan you can see it every week (depending on weather conditions)
🗓️ 2024: June 1
⏰ Cultural performances 7-8pm & Drone light show 8-8:15pm
💸 Free admission
📍서울 광진구 자양동 435
🗺️ https://naver.me/FfM8DWOQ
Sium Sium Hangang Triathlon Festival
There are three different activities for those who want to enjoy a special summer festival at the Hangang River! It’s a Seoul-style triathlon where you complete three events at your own pace and style! Beginners are welcome too.
🗓️ 2024: June 1 – June 2
⏰ 8am – 6pm
💸 Free admission (20,000KRW Participation Fee)
📍서울 광진구 자양동 435
🗺️ https://naver.me/FfM8DWOQ
Gyeongbokgung Night Viewing
Every year in spring and fall you can experience Seoul’s Main Palace in the dark for a short time. Tickets are usually sold out in advance, but you can get one of 300 tickets on site reserved for foreign tourists.
🗓️ 2024: until June 2
⏰ Tickets: 6:40pm, Entrance: 7pm
❌ except Mondays & Tuesdays
💸 3,000 KRW
📍서울 종로구 사직로 161 경복궁
🗺️ https://naver.me/FLBKTWSB
Doo Doo Festival
This is a festival at the Banpo Bridge right above the famous Han River. This “healing Playground for All Five Senses” is happening every Sunday with various performances, event areas and activities.
🗓️ 2024: June 2, June 6, June 9, June 23
⏰ 1pm – 8pm
💸 free admission
📍서울 서초구 올림픽대로 2085-14 세빛섬
🗺️ https://naver.me/FXZrZlwo
Hangang Boat Parade & Contest
An amazing Boat Parade and Contest happening at Banpo Bridge and passing over 8km of Seoul’s Main River. It is part of the previously mentioned DooDoo Festival!
🗓️ 2024: June 2
⏰ 8-10pm
💸 free admission
📍서울 서초구 올림픽대로 2085-14 세빛섬
🗺️ https://naver.me/FXZrZlwo
Seoul Outdoor Library
Read a book and relax with others at Seoul’s Outdoor Library Events. They usually include some English books, but in general I would recommend bringing your own books and drinks.
🗓️ 2024: May 17 – September 29
💸 free admission
| Gwanghwamun Square | Friday – Sunday | 4-9pm |
| Seoul Plaza | Thursday – Sunday | 4-9pm |
| Cheonggyecheon Stream | Friday – Saturday | 12-8pm |
Seoul Jazz Festival
One of Seoul’s biggest annual Festivals happening in the Olympic Park in the city’s east featuring around 60 diverse artists from home and abroad.
🗓️ 2024: May 31 – June 2
⏰ 11am – 9/11pm
💸 starting from 187,000 KRW
📍서울 송파구 올림픽로 424
🗺️ https://naver.me/5fnj3ZkO
Seoul K-Food Show
There will be a stamp tour at Seoul Plaza from 9am to 5pm and if you are able to get all stamps through fun activities, you can get free drinks, snacks and meals!
🗓️ 2024: June 12
⏰ 9am – 5pm
💸 free admission
📍서울 중구 을지로 12 시청광장지하쇼핑센터
🗺️ https://naver.me/5eGUaJoi
World DJ Festival
This annual DJ Festival happening at the amusement park Seoul Land is the biggest DJ Festival in Korea which first was organized in 2007.
🗓️ 2024: June 15 – June 16
💸 starting from 129,000 KRW
📍경기 과천시 광명로 181
🗺️ https://naver.me/GrSqSow3
Seoul Moon
This helium balloon in the form of a full moon, began its installation work at Yeouido Park’s Grass Field from April 29th! After completion, there will be about 10 days of test to verify safety, and from the end of June, passengers can enjoy it!
🗓️ 2024: starting end of June
⏰ Tuesday – Sunday: 12-10pm
💸 Adults (19-64): 25,000 KRW, Minors (3-18) & Seniors (65+): 20,000 KRW
📍서울 영등포구 여의도동 여의공원로 68
🗺️ https://naver.me/GBfl16RY
Seoul Park Music Festival
This popular Music Festival turns Seoul’s Olympic Park in Jamsil for a few days into a stage for Korean and a few international artists.
🗓️ 2024: June 29 – June 30
💸 starting from 109,000 KRW
📍서울 송파구 올림픽로 424
🗺️ https://naver.me/5fnj3ZkO
Festivals in other cities
I always recommend South Korea Travelers to leave the big cities at least once during their trip. There are many amazing organized group tours or destinations you can travel to by yourself!
Jeju Hydrangea Festival
2024: June & July
A spectacular hydrangea festival is being held for tourists and Jeju islanders alike. The best spots to see it are: Hueree Nature Park, Hallim Park, Camellia Hill, Ilchul Island.
Gangneung Danoje Festival
2024: June 6 – 13
This UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity aims to preserve the folk culture of the Joseon dynasty and has been a popular festival since 1975.
Garden of Morning Calm Hydrangea Festival
2024: early June – early July
Come and see the stunning rows of colorful spring flowers at the famous Garden of Morning Calm just one hour outside of Seoul. If you’re planning a nice spring day out to Gapyeong County, don’t forget to visit Nami Island, a Strawberry Farm, or other places close by.
Ultra Korea Festival Incheon
2024: June 7 – June 9
This outdoor electronic music festival that is a part of the worldwide famous Ultra Music Festival, which has now spread to twenty countries!
Busan One Asia Festival
2024: June 8 – June 9
One of Korea’s mega Hallyu Events with K-Pop Performances, Korean Cultural Programs, Exhibitions and Fan Meetings happening yearly in the coastal city of Busan.
Take a Yacht Tour
One of my all-time favourite activities in Seoul and Busan: A River or Ocean Yacht Tour! There are many options, but I personally tried and can recommend the following two:
Explore other cities
Embarking on a day trip from Seoul is a fantastic way to explore South Korea’s diverse landscapes and historical sites.
A visit to the Korean Folk Village and Suwon, just an hour away from Seoul, allows you to experience the Korean Folk Village and stroll along the UNESCO-listed Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon.
For a more solemn experience, consider a visit to the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone), which takes approximately two hours to reach.
Finally, you can have a day trip to Jeonju and its famous Hanok Village. The area around the city is known for its picturesque landscapes especially during winter.
See the city from above
Perched atop Namsan Mountain in the heart of the city you can find the N Seoul Tower – often simply called Namsan Tower. Not only does it provide breathtaking panoramic views of Seoul’s sprawling cityscape, but it also offers cultural performances every day at 3 PM and has some great photospots like the lock filled walls of the viewing platform.
Another great place for awesome city views is the Lotte Tower’s Seoul Sky Observatory, located in the Jamsil district. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits before ascending to the rooftop observatory or even book the Sky Bridge Tour to have a walk outside on 555m height.
I can also recommend you to have a walk around the Seokchon Lakes and walk to the Lotte World Castle, which you actually can see without going into the amusement park itself.
Have a Selfcare-Day
Combine relaxation and cultural immersion by visiting a Jjimjilbang (찜질방) – a traditional Korean bathhouse. Upon entering, you’re enveloped in a world of soothing saunas, hot baths, and special treatments. The gentle heat of the Korean saunas, ranging from intense to mild, helps release tension and detoxify the body. After a leisurely soak in therapeutic mineral baths, you can indulge in a Korean body scrub that leaves your skin feeling soft and revitalized. Alternatively you can get a massage or one of Korea’s famous skin treatments in one of the great facilities below. This self-care day in Korea allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in a wellness oasis steeped in Korean tradition.
Watch Performances
The “Nanta Cooking Show” and “Painter’s Show” are two captivating performances in Seoul. “Nanta” is a comedy combining cooking and drumming, while “Painters Show” blends live painting, multimedia art, and humor. Both shows offer unique, interactive experiences combined with some Korean cultural insights that entertain audiences of all ages and backgrounds, making them must-see attractions in Seoul.
Take a cooking class
Korean cooking classes provide a hands-on experience in preparing traditional Seollal dishes like colorful rice cakes, Korea’s National dish Kimchi, or a whole set of meals like Bulgogi (marinated grilled meat) or Korean stews. Guided by expert instructors, participants not only learn the secrets of these time-honored recipes but also gain insight into the significance of each dish in Korean Cuisine. It’s a delightful opportunity to connect with the essence of Korean traditions and share in the joy of creating and savoring these delectable treats with loved ones.
Craft your own souvenirs
Instead of buying souvenirs I can highly recommend to try one of many special activities and experiences in South Korea. It’s not just great to make a very personal gift for yourself or your loved ones at home, but it’s also a perfect way to learn more about Korean Culture and connect with locals. You can usually book them in English,
Mother of Pearl
Make accessories with the Korean traditional Najeon Technique!
Perfume Making
Make your own Perfume step by step with English guidance!
Stone Stamp
Make your own traditional Korean stone stamp that was used to sign contracts!
Leather Goods
Make yourself a wallet, small glasses case or a leather hand bag!
Wooden Rings
Special rings made of wood for couples, solo travelers or friends!
Traditional Dyeing
Dye a scarf or tote bag with the traditional Jjokbit Color.
Find more in my FREE Experience Guide ↓
Traveling to South Korea in June means you should prepare for all different kinds of weather and events. From City or Music Festivals all over the country to other events and activities – there are many things to explore! Will you visit Korea in June? Let me know your tips in the comments!
