Seoul Weather in July

July: hot and rainy

July feels sticky, with warm days, humid evenings and frequent rain. The month gets 360 mm of rain across 19 days, so sudden downpours can interrupt walks and views. It's not the best time for long hikes on Bukhansan, where wet paths can get slippery. Save outdoor sightseeing for clearer spells, and keep palace visits such as Gyeongbokgung flexible.

Museums, cafés and covered shopping work better when rain sets in. You can spend a wet afternoon around COEX Mall, which connects directly to Samseong Station. Try samgyetang, a hot ginseng chicken soup that's a traditional summer dish.

Events and crowds

July 17 is Constitution Day, but it isn't a public holiday in South Korea. There's no major nationwide July festival to plan a trip around, and rain can make outdoor events less appealing.

If you hate crowds, July may feel easier than May or October at popular sights, but it's not a quiet month everywhere. Korean school holidays begin around this period, and domestic summer trips can make transport and family attractions busier. Prices vary by hotel and dates; don't assume the rain means every stay is cheap.

Making the most of it

Compared with June, July is much wetter: rainfall rises from 131 mm to 360 mm. August is also rainy, though July gets more rain. The heat and damp can make a packed day of walking tiring, so mix indoor stops with short trips outside.

Travelling with kids? Keep a rainy-day option near your plans. From Samseong Station, COEX gives you shops, restaurants and the Starfield Library without needing to cross the city in a downpour. Look for a break in the rain before heading back out to see the city streets.