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In Korean, the word for “summer” is 여름 (yeoreum). It is used in everyday language to describe the warmest season of the year.
- 여 (yeo) is the first syllable of the word.
- 름 (reum) is the second syllable of the word.
Context and Usage
여름 can be used in various contexts to describe anything related to summer.
For example:
- 여름 방학 (yeoreum banghak) – summer vacation
- 여름 옷 (yeoreum ot) – summer clothes
Summer in South Korea, spanning from June to August, is characterized by warm to hot temperatures, high humidity, and frequent monsoon rains. This season brings both challenges and delights to residents and visitors alike.
Table of Contents
Summer Weather and Climate in South Korea
South Korean summers can be quite hot, with the hottest month being August. The humidity levels are high, making the heat feel more intense. The country also experiences a monsoon season, known as 장마 (jangma), which typically starts in late June and lasts until the end of July or the beginning of August. During this period, heavy rainfall is common, sometimes leading to serious flooding and landslides in certain areas. The typhoon season in Korea typically overlaps with the summer months, especially from July to September.
Summer Festivals in South Korea
Despite the sometimes oppressive weather, summer in South Korea is a vibrant time filled with various festivals and events. Some of the notable summer festivals include:
보령 머드 축제 (Boryeong Mud Festival)
The 보령 머드 축제 (Boryeong Mud Festival) is held in July at Daecheon Beach, 보령 (Boryeong). This festival is famous for its mud-based activities, including mud wrestling, mud sliding, and mud baths. It’s a super popular event for both locals and tourists. The first Boryeong Mud Festival was held in July 1998.
부산 바다 축제 (Busan Sea Festival)
The 부산 바다 축제 (Busan Sea Festival) is an annual summer event held in early August in Busan, South Korea. This vibrant festival celebrates the beautiful beaches of Busan with concerts, water sports, cultural performances, fireworks, and various food stalls across popular beaches like Haeundae and Gwangalli. First held in 1996, it has grown into a major attraction, celebrating Busan’s coastal charm and attracting both locals and tourists for a week of fun and festivities.
대구치맥페스티벌 (Daegu Chimac Festival)
The 대구치맥페스티벌 (Daegu Chimac Festival) is an annual event held in Daegu, celebrating two beloved staples—치킨 (chicken) and 맥주 (beer), known together as 치맥 (chimaek), however the name of the festival is romanized as Chimac. Typically occurring in July, the festival attracts thousands of locals and tourists who gather to enjoy a wide variety of fried chicken, ice-cold beer, and live music performances. It’s a lively and fun-filled event that showcases the vibrant food culture and festive spirit of Daegu, making it a must-visit for food lovers and those looking to experience local traditions.
부천 국제 판타스틱 영화제 (Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival, BIFAN)
The 부천 국제 판타스틱 영화제 (BiFan) is an exciting annual event held in Bucheon. The film festival takes place in July and showcases South Korean and international fantastic films from around the world.
Summer Outdoor Activities in South Korea
Summer is a great time to explore South Korea’s natural beauty. Below are a few fun and popular outdoor activities.
Beach Visits
There are lots of beautiful beaches in South Korea, especially along the east and south coast. 해운대 해수욕장 (Haeundae Beach) in Busan and 경포 해수욕장 (Gyeongpo Beach) in Gangneung-si are popular picks.
Hiking
Despite the heat, many people enjoy 하이킹 (hiking) especially in the cooler early mornings or late afternoons. National parks like 설악산 (Seoraksan) and 지리산 (Jirisan) offer stunning trails.
Water Parks and Pools
To beat the heat, many families visit water parks (워터 파크) like Caribbean Bay (캐리비안 베이) near Seoul or other public swimming pools (수영장).
South Korean Summer Food and Drinks
Korean cuisine adapts to the summer heat with refreshing dishes and drinks, focusing on providing a cool and rejuvenating experience to cater to the needs of the season. Below are a few Korean summer favorites.
냉면 (Naengmyeon, Cold Noodles)
냉면 (Naengmyeon) is a popular Korean dish consisting of long, thin noodles. This dish, typically served in a cold broth or with a spicy sauce, is perfect for cooling down.
삼계탕 (Samgyetang, Ginseng Chicken Soup)
삼계탕 (Samgyetang) is a nutritious soup made with a whole young chicken stuffed with glutinous rice and simmered with various ingredients such as Korean ginseng, garlic, jujube (red dates), and ginger. Surprisingly, this hot soup is traditionally eaten during the hottest days of summer, known as 삼복 (Sambok) or 복날 (boknal), based on the belief that it helps restore energy.
식혜 (Sikhye)
식혜 (Sikhye) is a traditional sweet Korean rice drink made from fermented malt water and cooked rice. It has a mild sweetness and often contains floating grains of rice. This refreshing beverage is commonly served cold and is a popular dessert drink in South Korea.
빙수 (Bingsu, Korean Shaved Ice)
빙수 (Bingsu) is a popular Korean summer dessert which comes in various flavors, with toppings like sweet red beans, fruits, and condensed milk.
Korean Summer Vocabulary Recap
The table displays several Korean vocabulary words mentioned in this post.
| Hangeul | Revised Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| 여름 | Yeoreum | Summer |
| 여름 방학 | Yeoreum banghak | Summer Vacation |
| 여름파티 | Yeoreum Pati | Summer Party |
| 여름 옷 | Yeoreum ot | Summer Clothes |
| 장마 | Jangma | Rainy Season (monsoon) |
| 축제 | Chukje | Festival |
| 머드 | Meodeu | Mud |
| 바다 | Bada | Sea, Ocean |
| 치킨 | Chikin | Chicken (fried) |
| 맥주 | Maekju | Beer |
| 치맥 | Chimaek | Chicken and Beer |
| 영화 | Yeonghwa | Film, Movie |
| 영화제 | Yeonghwaje | Film Festival |
| 야외 활동 | Yaoe hwaldong | Outdoor Activity |
| 해변 | Haebyeon | Beach |
| 해수욕장 | Haesuyokjang | Beach |
| 빙수 | Bingsu | Shaved Ice |
| 하이킹 | Haiking | Hiking |
| 워터 파크 | Woteo Pakeu | Water Park |
| 수영장 | Suyeongjang | Swimming Pool |
| 음식 | Eumsik | Food |
| 음료 | Eumnyo | Drink |
| 냉면 | Naengmyeon | Cold Noodles |
| 삼계탕 | Samgyetang | Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) |
| 식혜 | Sikhye | Sikhye (fermented rice drink) |
Overall, 여름 (summer) in South Korea is a season of dynamic contrasts, balancing between the heat and humidity with the vibrancy of festivals, outdoor activities, and seasonal culinary delights.
