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Refreshing Escapes and Foods to Enjoy in the Korean Summer Sun
- Rosa Gulliver
- Jul 30, 2025
- 5 min read
Rosa Gulliver of TINYGMUSIC | July 31, 2025
Korea may be best known for its bustling cities and rich cultural heritage, but when the summer heat sets in, locals and visitors alike look for refreshing escapes to keep cool. From pristine beaches along the southern coast to high-tech water parks, Korea offers a surprising variety of summer getaways. Here are a few ideas for making the most of the summer months in the Land of the Morning Calm.
What better way to escape the scorching heat than to discover Korea’s coastline stretching over 2,400 kilometres, dotted with beaches that offer stunning views and vibrant local culture.
When you think of beaches in Korea, Haeundae Beach in Busan is likely the first thing that comes to mind. This is possibly Korea's most famous beach and a popular summer destination. On one side, you have crystal-clear waters and silky white sand, where you may enjoy the Sand Festival. On the other side is Busan's gorgeous skyline, complete with all these shiny skyscrapers. Nature surrounds both sides of the beach with the forested promenades of Dalmaji Hill and Dongbaek Island, creating a picture-perfect backdrop.
Moving to the east coast, Gyeongpo Beach in Gangneung, a four-kilometre stretch of white sand, with a backdrop of pine trees all facing the clear water of the Pacific Ocean. Here you can enjoy water sports, bike rentals, and nearby attractions like the Gyeongpo Lake.
Summer would not be summer without a trip to Jeju Island and Jungmun Saekdal Beach. A volcanic beach 560 metres long featuring a variety of sand colours: black, white, red, and grey. This beach is ideal for those wishing to surf the waves. The walking trails that surround the beach offer beautiful viewpoints.
For a more laid-back and spacious getaway from it all beach experience, Dadaepo Beach on the western edge of Busan is a local treasure. It’s known for its wide tidal flats, shallow waters, and spectacular sunsets. A large fountain square nearby hosts seasonal light and music shows, and the relaxed atmosphere makes it perfect for families or travellers seeking a quieter alternative to the vibrant Haeundae.
Not everyone likes to feel the sand between their toes, so if beach life is not for you, Korea has some fabulous water parks to keep you cool, and they are a big part of Korea’s summer fun. The aqua parks offer everything from high-speed slides to lazy rivers. Here are just a few that will keep you cool in the sweltering heat.
Caribbean Bay is located on the outskirts of Seoul and is Korea’s largest and most famous water park. The park is designed with a tropical Caribbean theme, perfect for a full-day escape. It is part of the Everland Resort and offers both indoor and outdoor attractions featuring a beach party vibe, a wave pool, water slides, a river ride, and both indoor and outdoor zones.
Ocean World Water Park is located in Vivaldi Park, Hongcheon, Gangwon-do. Here, the thrilling water rides are nestled with a backdrop of forested hills. You step into an oasis of ancient Egypt, where a Sphinx and a pyramid are the focal points of the park. It’s particularly popular with thrill-seekers and is often ranked among Asia’s top water parks.
Lotte Water Park in Gimhae is a Polynesian theme park with state-of-the-art facilities. Lotte Water Park offers a relaxed yet exciting experience. It features Korea’s largest wave pool and a dedicated kids’ zone, great for families.
If you’re a music lover looking to combine live performances with staying cool, then a must is the Waterbomb Festival. Held annually in major cities like Seoul, Busan, Daegu, and Incheon, the Waterbomb Festival is Korea’s premier summer music and water fight festival.
Attendees are armed with water guns, divided into teams, and encouraged to soak one another as some of Korea’s hottest music acts and global DJs perform on stage. Expect surprise celebrity appearances, synchronised water cannons, and a party atmosphere unlike any other.
It’s the perfect blend of summer heat relief and cultural immersion, offering a truly unique experience for visitors who want to see Korea’s youthful and energetic side up close.
All this fun in the sun requires energy refuelling and hydration, and what better way than with some delicious Korean food and drinks. Traditional cuisine is deeply tied to the seasons, and summer brings a range of lighter, cooling dishes that are both delicious and revitalising. Here are a few dishes to tantalise your taste buds.
Naengmyeon (냉면) is an iconic cold noodle dish, made with buckwheat or arrowroot noodles in an icy broth, a Korean summertime staple. It is often topped with sliced beef, pickled radish, and a boiled egg. Naengmyeon is especially popular after a hot day at the beach.
Samgyetang (삼계탕), although it’s a hot soup, this flavoursome ginseng chicken stew is traditionally eaten during the hottest days of the year (sambok) to restore energy. A young chicken is stuffed with glutinous rice, garlic, and jujubes, and slow-cooked with ginseng.
Patbingsu (팥빙수) is a shaved ice dessert topped with sweet red beans, condensed milk, and fresh fruits. Modern takes now include toppings like mango, matcha, or even cheesecake chunks.
Subak-hwachae (수박화채) is a delicious, refreshing chilled watermelon punch made with fresh fruit, soda, and sometimes milk or honey. It’s light, sweet, and perfect for sharing.
Sikhye (식혜) is a traditional rice punch made from fermented malt and rice. Sikhye is slightly sweet and often served ice-cold after meals. It’s a common sight at Korean spas and traditional markets.
Iced Americano (아이스 아메리카노) is a Korean cultural phenomenon. From students to office workers, it is the drink of choice during the summer months. Bitter, bold, and refreshing, it's available at virtually every café, convenience store, and fast-food chain. You’ll often hear locals say, “Even in winter, iced americano.” That’s how much it’s loved year-round, but especially in the heat.
Whether you're dancing at the Waterbomb Festival, slurping icy naengmyeon, relaxing on a quiet beach like Dadaepo, or cooling off with an iced americano, Korea delivers a vibrant and refreshing take on summer. With its blend of culture, nature, cuisine, and entertainment, it’s a destination that offers multiple options to keep you cool even under the extreme summer sun.
Tips for summer travel in Korea:
Stay Hydrated! Korean summers are hot and humid. Keep bottled water or a reusable flask with you, especially during outdoor excursions or at festivals.
Dress lightly, but respectfully. Lightweight, breathable clothing is key, but remember to dress modestly at temples or traditional sites.
Book Early! Beaches, resorts, and events like Waterbomb sell out quickly in peak season, so plan and reserve in advance.
Most important of all, enjoy what Korea has to offer during the summer season, this is just a fraction of the things to see, do and eat. There is so much more!
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