How to survive summer in Seoul 2023 Do you all remember last year? We all experienced a rainy summer, and the Korea Meteorological Administration anticipates that we will have the same or even more rain this summer. South Korea is expected to be hotter and wetter than usual this summer due to the El Niño phenomenon. Temperatures from June to August have a 40 percent likelihood of being higher than usual or similar to the average year. The precipitation tends to increase during El Niño events. Don't worry, Stay 14 will provide tips for this summer. Dealing with the Heat in Summer 1. Mini-fan https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2018/06/29/industry/Koreans-beat-the-heat-with-handheld-fans/3050018.html Let's talk about the lifesaver known as the mini-fan in Korea's sweltering summers. Mini-fans in Korea help you avoid heat by providing a personal source of cool air, offering immediate relief and reducing perspiration. Their portability allows you to carry them wherever you go, ensuring you stay refreshed in hot and humid weather. (*It must have cute ears. The cutter, the better.) 2. Find The Shade http://koreabizwire.com/orders-of-shade-structures-surge-but-supply-falls-behind-demand/122625 Seek shade whenever possible and plan your outdoor activities during cooler times of the day. Fortunately, you will find shades whenever there is a crosswalk in public. With the heat wave still going strong, municipalities have been installing large public shade structures near pedestrian crossings. Foods to Survive in Summer 1. Bingsu https://www.dumplingconnection.com/recipes/bingsu-korean-shaved-ice-recipe/ If you roam around cafes in Seoul, you will see that plenty of them started to post a poster that is promoting their new summer menu: bingsu. Bingsu is a popular shaved ice treat that offers a heavenly combination of finely shaved ice and a variety of sweet toppings. It is the most classic dessert to eat during a summer to cool down. There are various types of topping and menu that will capture your taste(my favorite is mango bingsu). 2. Naengmyeon https://www.noodlelovers.com/_kor/developer/m_product_noodle_set/m_index.asp?m_mode=product_view&pds_no=20170616104330332129187&sel_no1=86 Hot summer days in Korea call for a cool and satisfying treat, and that's where naengmyeon comes to the rescue you! Naengmyeon is a traditional Korean dish that consists of cold noodles typically enjoyed during the summer months. There are two main types of naengmyeon: mul naengmyeon and bibim naengmyeon. The difference between mul naengmyeon and bibim naengmyeon is broth and spicy/tangy sause. I strongly recommend to try both versions during this summer. You will immediately fall in love in naengmyeon! Stay Safe in Summer 1. Stay Informed https://www.kma.go.kr/eng/index.jsp The Korea Meteorological Administration's app (KMA), also known as 기상청, is indeed a reliable source of weather forecasts and warnings in South Korea. The KMA is the national meteorological service of South Korea and is responsible for providing accurate and up-to-date weather information to the public. 2. Floodings & Thunderstorm https://edition.cnn.com/2022/08/09/asia/seoul-south-korea-rain-flooding-intl-hnk/index.html Last year, the heavy rain made a number of stations to close due to flooding, with lines temporarily suspended. It is important to stay informed, and avoid visiting lower ground. If there is a flood and if you live in a flood prone area, get to higher ground immediately. If you told to evacuate, do so immediately. Moreover, during the stormy season, there might be lightning strikes. Lightning can strike tall objects or wet surfaces, potentially causing electric shock. The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) recommends avoiding hiking or outdoor water activities when thunderstorms with lightning are forecasted. If you witness lightning and hear thunder within 30 seconds, there is a possibility of a lightning strike. In such cases, people who are outdoors should seek shelter in buildings or cars. It is dangerous to be under large trees. If there is no shelter available, it is advisable to discard long objects like umbrellas, hiking poles, or fishing rods and find a low-lying area, preferably with a depression in the ground. Water is conductive, so it is best to be in an area with minimal moisture. After hearing the last thunderclap, it is safe to wait for about 30 minutes before resuming activities. https://visla.kr/news/etc/202558/ It's expected to be a hot summer, but I hope you enjoy your time in Korea. If you have any additional tips that are not covered in this article, please feel free to leave them in the comments! All rights reserved Stay14 Bespoke