13 Things to Do in Korea during the Summer
Summer in Korea is pretty awesome. There’s a lot to do during the summer months. Between the many festivals, music DJ concerts, and places to bike, there’s a lot you can indulge yourself in. Below are 13 events and places you can do during the summer here in Korea.
Just be warned though. Korea’s pretty hot during the summer, so stay cool and bring water.
1) Han River (Seoul)
If you ever visit Seoul, it’s almost guaranteed you’ll pass along the Han River by subway or bus. The Han River is popular for running, biking, and water sports during the summer. Many people also go here for picnics, dates, and to take the family out. If you’re into free (or relatively inexpensive) strolls along the river, Han River will be up your alley.
Where: All along Seoul
When: Anytime!
2) Everland (Gyeonggi-do)
About an hour away from Gangnam in Seoul, Everland is basically Korea’s Disneyland. Who needs Mickey Mouse and crew when you can ride on a camel here? The amusement park is divided into five sections: Global Fair, Zoo-Topia, European Adventure, Magic Land and American Adventure. And much like it’s Disneyland ｃounterpart, there’s a slew of rollercoasters, ｄrops, and rides to go on. In the summer season, live DJs and singers often come out for an Everland concert.
Just be warned, there’s a ton of kids on the weekend.
Where: Yongin
When: Anytime!
3) Ultra Korea (Seoul)
Are you into electronic dance music (EDM) and DJ scene? If you wanna get your EDM on, you can’t go wrong with Ultra Korea. With a slew of DJs coming from Europe, the US, Japan, and Korea, you’ll easily find a DJ or eight you like. Ultra Korea is a two day event of craziness, beer, and music all rolled into one.
Where: Usually Jamsil Stadium, Seoul
When: 2nd week of June
4) R-16 (Seoul)
Ever seen the “Step Up” movies and go “damn, I wish I could do those b-boy (breakdance) moves!” Even if you’re not a b-boy or b-girl, you can still go out and watch some of the best performers at R-16. R-16 stands for “respect” and the championships, held in Seoul, features the top 16 teams from around the world. The three types of dance include popping, locking, and b-boy. Korea has some of the finest b-boy crews out there, so prepare to be impressed.
Where: Usually Olympic Park, Seoul for the world championships. Gyeonggi-do for the nationals.
When: 1st week of July
Site: http://www.r16korea.com/
5) K-pop concerts (Seoul)
If K-pop and idols are your thing, summer is one of the best times to be in Seoul. Many K-pop groups release their summer albums, and thus, want to promote them shortly after. And what better way to promote it than having a concert. Going to a concert live is an experience all on its own, as the fan chants, cheering, glow sticks, singing will be seen.
Seeing all the preparation of a concert, the choreography, the skits, and dancing non-stop also makes you appreciate how crazy it must be to become a K-pop star.
Where: Usually Olympic Park, Seoul
When: All throughout summer
Site: Ticket Interpark
6) Halla Mountain (Jeju)
Many Koreans say to visit Jeju Island for good reason. Jeju is a beautiful place to visit, especially during the summer. One of places to visit is Halla Mountain, the highest mountain in Korea. It has many hiking trails which are less than 10 km long. Just be careful hiking here, as it can get crazy windy.
Where: Jeju Island
When: Anytime!
7) Ansan Rock Festival (Ansan)
Rock festivals are all the rage in the summer. The Ansan Rock Festival is a three-day event, as attendees can sleep there. The event invites some of the most known rock, folk, and indie bands from not only Korea, but Europe, the US, and Japan.
Where: Ansan (about an hour to an hour and a half from Seoul)
When: Last week of July
8) Pentaport Rock Festival (Incheon)
Much like the Ansan Rock Festival, the Pentaport Rock Festival is the other big rock festival during the summer. The concert invites over 60 bands to check out. Since the festival is hosted in Incheon, you can also check out the port city during your time at Pentaport.
Where: Incheon (about an hour away from Seoul)
When: First week of August
9) Haeundae Beach (Busan)
If you’re into the beaches, sand, water, and seeing beach bodies, it’s all about Haeundae Beach in Busan. While Busan does have more beaches than just Haeundae, this beach has a fun, vibrant, crazy feel during the hot, summer months. The Haeundae area, with its bars, aquarium, and hotels, are awesome as well.
Where: Busan
When: Anytime, but July – August is recommended
10) Buyeo Seodong Lotus Festival (Buyeo-gun, Chungcheongnam-do)
To see some of Korea’s natural beauty, this lotus festival is where it’s at. The performance of Prince Seodong and Princess Seonhwa is the most famous event at the festival. While you’re here, do check out the face painting, drinking lotus tea, and making soap.
Where: Chungcheongnam-do
When: 2nd to 3rd week of July
11) Boryeong Mud Festival (Boryeong)
The event that brings out probably the most international attendees, the Boryeong Mud Festival is all about playing with mud. Mud wrestling, mud sliding, and mud swimming are all fair game at the event. You can even get a mud massage, if wrestling with your fellow attendee isn’t your cup of tea. During all these mud festivities, music can be heard in the background, while fireworks are shot later at night.
Where: Boryeong, Chungcheongnam-do
When: mid-July (10 days)
12) Pohang International Fireworks Festival (Pohang)
If seeing a beautiful night sky mixed with fireworks is your thing, the Pohang International Fireworks Festival is the event to go. Pohang, the city that the festival takes place in, is known for its coast, beaches, and steel industry. Besides the fireworks show, live concerts and art contests take place during the festival.
Where: Pohang
When: Last week of July / first week of August
13) Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (Bucheon)
To get your movie on, this film festival will satisfy your cinema needs. As the 2nd largest movie festival, it houses a mix of sci-fi, thriller, horror, and mystery movies. It also promotes not just mainstream films, but independent films as well.
Where: Bucheon (about 20 min. west of Seoul)
When: 3rd week of July to the 4th week of July (about 10 days)
Article Source: http://seoulistic.com/things-to-do-in-korea/13-things-to-do-in-korea-during-the-summer/
Image Source: http://seoulistic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/1-Han-River-Seoul-800x447.png
VOCABULARY WORDS:
1. Stroll (v.) ~ walk in a leisurely way
2. Skit (n.) ~ a short comedy sketch or piece of humorous writing, especially a parody
3. Vibrant (adj.) ~ full of energy and enthusiasm
4. Mainstream (adj.) ~ the ideas, attitudes, or activities that are regarded as normal or conventional the dominant trend in opinion, fashion, or the arts
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION:
1. What do you like most about summer?
2. Are there any festivals or summer activities in your city/town? If yes, describe it/them.
3. Have you ever attended any events or festivals mentioned above? Which one/s and describe the experience/s.
