Escape the Heat: The Best Places to Visit in Korea During Summer

Summer is one of the best times to visit Korea to enjoy all of the different cities and activities around the country, as well as immerse yourself in the country’s rich culture!

Whether you like to explore as many cities as possible during your trip or invest yourself and your time in a single location, you can do both this summer in Korea.

South Korea is home to many islands, mountains, beaches, and other outdoorsy spots, so if you love spending time in nature and want to stay cool this summer, this list will help you determine where your trip to Korea will take you.

If you are visiting Korea this summer, or are planning your trip, here are some of the best places to visit in Korea during the summer.

One of the most popular islands in South Korea is none other than Jeju Island, or Jeju-do. This volcanic island is home to the tallest mountain in Korea, Hallasan, and is known for its unique cuisines, such as Jeju black pork and famous tangerines, Hallabong.

The island offers a wide variety of outdoor activities to enjoy during your trip, such as hiking in the mountains or visiting its many beaches, waterfalls, and caves.

As for the island's indoor activities for when it gets too hot outside, you can visit places like Dongmun market, O’sulloc Tea Museum, Jeju Jungang Underground Shopping Center, or the Jeju Teddy Bear Museum!

The island is also home to many Kpop idols and actresses, including Seventeen’s Seungkwan, iKON’s Jinhwan, and idol-turned-actress Kang Mi-na (Mina) of gugudan, to name a few.  

Ganghwa-do, also known as Ganghwa Island, is Korea’s fifth-largest island and is located on the west coast of Korea in the yellow sea, which is just an hour outside of Seoul.

The island is also known for its historical temples, palaces, and fortresses, which include Jeondeungsa Temple, Goryeogung Palace, Huae Dondae Fortress, and Deokjinjin.

Similar to Jeju Island, you can spend your time on Ganghwa Island by visiting its beaches, hiking through the mountains, and exploring local markets and cafes, but one thing you can’t do in Jeju is sightsee North Korea from the Ganghwa Peace Observatory!

Beaches are arguably the best place to go during the summer, so you can spend time outside and swim with your friends on the hotter days!

Since Korea is on a peninsula, the country is almost completely surrounded by water, so depending on where you stay during your trip, you could be a car ride or bus trip away to the nearest beach or coastal city, which is a great thing to keep in mind when booking your trip!

Some of the country's most popular beaches during the summer include; Songjeong Beach, Sokcho Beach, Haeundae Beach, and Woljeongri Beach. Many people flock to Korea's coastal cities and islands for beach trips, including Busan, Sokcho, and Jeju Island.

While some beaches are more popular than others, and some aren’t meant for swimming, you can still find activities like kayaking, snorkeling, surfing, or fishing at various beaches around Korea.

If you are an ARMY, you might recognize this mountain as the one from BTS Run episode 44, when members RM and V had to climb it as a losing penalty!

Besides being able to take pictures in the same spots as these idols, such as the Goguryeojeong Pavilion, Achasan is quite an easy hike and has amazing views of the Han River and Seoul.

The mountain also has maps in various languages at its entrance, making it accessible for everyone visiting. In addition to the maps, you can also pick up a stamp booklet to track your progress for each course you take on your hike.

This mountain is popular among tourists and locals alike for its built-in trail and its proximity to the city. The Bukhansan Dulle Trail is great for families and hikers of all ages, as you can choose which path you take depending on your ability and time constraints.

The mountain has many trails that vary in difficulty, so there is something for everyone, and with it being the capital city’s highest mountain and only national park, you can expect to see the breathtaking views of Seoul as you make your way up the mountain!

If you aren’t a nature person, check out some of Korea’s most popular water parks this summer!

Caribbean Bay is located in Everland Theme Park in Yongin-si, which is on the outskirts of Seoul and is considered by many to be the largest amusement park in Korea. The water park is known for its Wave Pool Stage, where many concerts have been held, including artists like Mamamoo and Jessi.

With a large variety of pools, rides, and other water activities, Caribbean Bay is a great place for families to cool off and have fun in the summertime!

If you are looking at fitting as many activities as you can into your trip, Gimhae Lotte Water Park might just be somewhere you end up going.

With over 40 pools and various water slides and rides, this water park truly has something that everyone can enjoy, whether you like the water or not! Plus, the park comes with a spa that offers hot-spring baths, wet saunas, and much more for those who don’t like the water rides.

With over fifteen restaurants and cafes conveniently placed around the park, you can spend your day having fun with your friends and family without having to worry about bringing lunch or dinner with you! 

And in the event that you get tired out from all of the fun, Lotte Premium Outlet is just a three-minute walk away from the park so that you can fulfill your shopping and waterpark needs in the same day!

In the comments below, let us know what you are looking forward to doing this summer in Korea!