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To be honest, the weather is going to be the biggest factor for your summer trip to Seoul. July and August are incredibly hot and humid—the kind of weather where you start sweating the moment you step outside. Plus, from late June through July, you'll have to deal with the monsoon season (Jangma), which brings sudden, heavy downpours.

To make sure you don't burn out from the heat, here is a realistic, easy-going guide to tackling summer in Seoul!

1. What to Wear & Pack

Always bring a light jacket: Outside is a sauna, but once you step into a mall or the subway, the blasting air conditioning will make you shiver. It’s super easy to catch a cold this way, so always toss a thin shirt or cardigan into your bag.

The umbrella/parasol combo: The summer sun is brutal, and sudden rain showers are common. A small, foldable umbrella that doubles as a parasol is a lifesaver. Also, don't forget to reapply sunscreen!

2. Midday Strategy: Hide Indoors (1 PM – 4 PM)

When the sun is at its peak, your best bet is to stay indoors. Walking outside during these hours will drain your energy instantly.

The Hyundai Seoul or COEX Mall: These spots are directly connected to subway stations, so you can enjoy shopping, great food, and cafes without spending a single second under the sun. The Hyundai Seoul especially has a massive indoor garden area, so it feels refreshing rather than stuffy.

Museums & Art Galleries: Head to the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) near Gyeongbokgung, or the National Museum of Korea in Yongsan. The AC is always blasting, the spaces are huge and clean, and it's a great way to cool down while soaking in some culture.

3. Night Strategy: Head Out After Sunset!

Summer in Seoul truly begins after the sun goes down. Save all your outdoor activities for the evening when things finally cool down.

Chimeek (Chicken & Beer) at Han River Park: Rent a picnic mat and hang out at Yeouido or Banpo Han River Park. Feeling the river breeze is the ultimate way to beat the heat. If you go to Banpo, you can watch the famous bridge fountain show, and ordering delivery chicken right to the park is an absolute must-try experience.

Strolling along Cheonggyecheon Stream: Because of the running water, this downtown stream is noticeably cooler than the street level above. It's a popular spot for locals to sit, dip their feet in the water, and chat. The night lights make it a perfect walking path.

City Views at Naksan Park: This park sits along an ancient fortress wall and is a relatively easy walk up. Once you reach the top, the night view of Seoul’s glittering cityscape is absolutely stunning and totally worth it.

4. Quick Insider Tips

Too cold on the subway? If the subway AC is freezing you out, look for the "Weakly Cool Cars". The temperature there is kept about 1–2°C warmer. On Lines 1, 3, and 4, they are usually cars 4 and 5. On Line 2, they are cars 3 and 6.

Save the bikes for the night: Riding the public bikes (Ttareungi) during the day is a recipe for heatstroke. If you want to ride, wait until the sun completely sets and stick to the riverside paths.

Seoul tour from VIATOR

https://www.viator.com/tours/Seoul/Kick-start-to-Seoul-highlights-with-small-group/d973-301699P4

The area around Seokchon Lake in Songpa-gu, Seoul, has been transformed into a massive cultural space.

Songpa-gu and Nexon are hosting a character exhibition event featuring the IP of the popular game *MapleStory* at the eastern side of Seokchon Lake for one month, until June 21.

At the waterfront of the eastern side of Seokchon Lake, the centerpiece of the exhibition, large art balloons featuring orange mushrooms and slime characters—measuring 15 meters in height and 20 meters in width—have been installed, creating a unique photo zone that harmonizes with the surrounding landscape.

The event is open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and starting at 7:00 PM, media lighting is turned on to present the distinctive and unique night view characteristic of Seokchon Lake.

Visitors who bring receipts for purchases of 20,000 won or more made at nearby restaurants or cafes on weekends during the festival period can participate in an on-site instant prize draw.

There is also a diverse range of experiential programs designed to encourage participation from families and young users. Throughout the entire event area, events such as the Pink Bean Stamp Rally featuring popular characters and mobile treasure mushroom hunting missions based on augmented reality (AR) technology are constantly being operated.

Understand 'Ppalli-ppalli' not as 'hurrying,' but as the concept of 'handling things immediately (swiftness/immediacy).' In other words, it carries a significant meaning of respecting the other person.

■ Behaviors You Can Only Act Comfortably in Korea

1. Thanks to high social trust, you don't have to worry about theft even if you leave your laptop at a cafe.

2. Thanks to 24-hour infrastructure and safe public security, unrestricted activities are possible even late at night. You can only see women walking freely in the early morning or late at night in Korea.

3. Also, drinking on the street is allowed. However, if you stagger around drunk during the day, people will dislike you.

■ Things You Must Be Especially Careful About in Korea

1. Please be quiet. Foreigners don't seem to realize how loud they are. I once rode the number 240 bus with over 20 Foreigners and I thought my ears were going to explode until they all got off.

2. Clumsy Korean can actually be rude. Korean has a very strict system of honorifics and informal speech. You must use honorifics. If you don't know, just don't use them.

3. Many people complain that there are no trash cans on the streets. However, in Korea, you cannot just throw away trash haphazardly; you must purchase designated bags. In other words, you have to pay to dispose of it. That is why free street trash cans are a special service. If you want to dispose of a suitcase, go to a convenience store, buy a large waste sticker, and throw it away.

Sometimes, Koreans might suddenly approach you and strike up a conversation, and that can be overwhelming. I get flustered when that happens to me too. Just know that they want to be friends with you!

'Gunsan Craft Beer and Blues': A Summer Night in June

The ‘2026 Gunsan Craft Beer & Blues Festival,’ the representative festival that kicks off Gunsan’s summer, will be held from June 12 to 14 at the Gunsan Museum of Modern History.

Born in its fifth year, the Craft Beer & Blues Festival combines craft beer, blues music, night tourism, and local food, establishing itself as Gunsan’s signature summer attraction.

This year’s event will showcase a total of approximately 50 varieties of craft beer, featuring four Gunsan Beer companies, five craft beer companies from sister cities abroad (including China, Japan, the U.S., and Taiwan), and six breweries from across the country that use Gunsan malt.

For performances, 13 domestic and international blues bands will take the stage, with the Kang San-e Band on the 12th, the Kim Jong-seo Band on the 13th, and the Kim Kyung-ho Band on the 14th. In particular, Sinchon Blues, considered a representative group of Korean blues music, is scheduled to perform to elevate the festive atmosphere.

On the opening day, the 12th, at 4:00 PM, jazz musician "Jo Yoon Unit" will take the stage for the first time. Jo Yoon, a local performer who graduated from Gunsan Jeil High School and majored in jazz guitar at New York University, will mark the beginning of the festival held in Gunsan.

During the festival period, visitors can also enjoy live broadcasts of the main stage performances at Gunsan Beerport. The Beerport area, where Gunsan beer, music, and the night view of the harbor blend together, will operate as a festival space with a distinct atmosphere from the main venue.

The event runs daily from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and admission is 6,000 won. Visitors will receive a 5,000 won Gunsan Love Gift Certificate, which can be used inside and outside the venue as well as in the downtown commercial district, raising expectations for the revitalization of the local economy.

This year, the number of paid visitors is expected to exceed 30,000 for the first time. Nationwide interest is rising, evidenced by a recent surge in inquiries regarding the event schedule, performance programs, participating beer companies, and accommodation and transportation.

As the festival gains popularity, participation from institutions and organizations is also expanding. Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province is conducting promotional activities for its bid to host the Summer Olympics, while the National Institute of Food Science and Technology, local hotels, and food companies are operating promotional booths.

The venue features approximately 5,000 table seats centered around the Gunsan Beer Live Zone and River View Zone. Additionally, 30 booths featuring famous Gunsan restaurants and 20 promotional halls for companies and institutions are in operation, adding to the culinary and entertainment options.

A new sculpture in Gwanghwamun Square: A comb? Lamb ribs?

A sculpture with far-right political objectives.

As of May 2026, the Mayor of Seoul is under investigation regarding the last election. There is a strong prediction that he will lose the local elections in June.

This sculpture symbolizes saluting with a gun to the nations that dispatched troops to the Korean War. Why is it controversial? Gwanghwamun is a symbol of Korean democracy, and there are many other symbols there. The Mayor of Seoul is attempting to win elections by emphasizing the Korean War, which symbolizes the Cold War, and bringing in outdated ideologies.

The project was completed just three weeks before the local elections on June 3, 2026. Viewed as Mayor Oh Se-hoon's "hasty completion for the election," it is being criticized as a showpiece administration designed to rally conservative votes.

There are persistent criticisms that this large-scale project, with a budget exceeding 20 billion won, was pushed through without sufficient public consensus. Koreans mock this sculpture by referring to it as lamb ribs, a comb, or a gym treadmill.

The sculpture features a militaristic design that turns Gwanghwamun into a parade ground, with the angled columns and their arrangement blatantly embodying the "Present Arms" stance, where a soldier holds a rifle in front of their body.

This is because the installation of a sculpture with an authoritarian and rigid military image in Gwanghwamun—a sanctuary of democracy home to the statues of King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun-sin—undermines the identity of the square.

This sculpture, resembling a "bizarre altar," will be moved to another location by the New Mayor after the election.

The green trend, which was fueled by matcha and Doujjonku, has subsided, and now the purple "Ube" is taking its place. Leading domestic coffee chains, as well as bakeries and convenience stores, are flooding the market with related products.

Ube is a type of purple yam cultivated in Southeast Asia, including the Philippines. It is characterized by a flavor similar to purple sweet potatoes but with a much more vivid purple color. It is said to have captured the tastes of the MZ generation because it can produce vibrant colors without artificial dyes. Furthermore, its image as a "superfood" rich in anthocyanins makes it popular among young people seeking caffeine-free beverages.

Another factor contributing to its spread is that the burden of product development is not significant, as it involves adding color and flavor to existing desserts. It is a raw material that allows for the expansion of series lineups within a relatively short period. Purple is being used because it is loved on social media as an "Instagrammable" color and because it is derived from a naturally occurring purple plant. Twosome Place garnered attention by launching three types of ube beverages and the ‘Ube Abak’ cake. Starbucks Korea made the ‘Ube Basque Cheesecake,’ previously sold only at select locations, available for purchase at stores nationwide. Paul Bassett introduced the Ube Caffè Latte, while the donut specialty brand Knotted successively released six new ube menu items, including donuts and beverages such as the Ube Milky Cream Donut and Ube Dubai Purple Donut.

Paris Baguette launched a fresh cream bread combining ube and custard cream. Dunkin' also recently introduced two types of ube donuts and one beverage exclusively at Wonders stores. Yonsei Dairy also released the ‘Yonsei Milk Ube Fresh Cream Bread,’ reflecting the ube trend. It maximizes the creamy flavor by combining soft milk cream with ube cream. Convenience store chain CU introduced a "Ube Series," launching dessert products utilizing ube—such as rolls, sticky rice cakes, and brioche—in succession, starting with Ube Basque cheesecake. Shinsegae Food also released "Ube Cream Mochi Bread" through its E-mart and Traders bakeries.

It is also gaining popularity overseas. In the United States, Starbucks introduced "Ube Coconut Latte" and "Iced Ube Coconut Macchiato," which have become popular. Major U.S. retailers Trader Joe's and Walmart have also set out to expand their product lineups, including ube ice cream and spreads.

A commemorative event for the "629th Anniversary of King Sejong's Birth" will be held at 6:00 PM on May 15 at the Heungnyemun Plaza of Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul.

"King Sejong's Birth" is a commemorative day held to celebrate the birth of King Sejong on May 15, 1397, and to honor his achievements; it was designated as a national commemorative day in November 2024.

Held under the theme "Yeominrak, Enjoying with the World," this year's event will be hosted by actor Ryu Seung-ryong and will feature traditional arts performances such as the National Gugak Center's "Daechwita" and "Yeominrak," as well as dance performances that reinterpret tradition in a modern way, including "Jeongdaeup Ilmu" and "Polaris and Twenty-Eight."

The awards ceremony for the "Sejong Culture Award" will also take place, presenting prizes to individuals and organizations that have contributed to the creative development of Korean culture across four fields: the Korean language and Hangeul, culture and arts and humanities, national cultural welfare and diversity, and cultural exchange, cooperation, and globalization. Various pre-event exhibitions and hands-on activities for citizens to enjoy will also be held.

From 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on the 15th, activities such as the "Hunminjeongeum Preface Rubbing Experience" (Korean Language Culture Alliance), "Making an Angbuilgu Sundial Experience" (National Science Museum of Gwacheon), the multimedia experience "Hangeul Playground" (National Hangeul Museum), "King Sejong and Korean Medicine" (Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine), the traditional instrument "Danso Making Experience" (National Gugak Center), and the "Making Sejong Era Employee ID Cards" (Federation of Korean Language and Culture Centers) will take place at Heungnyeomun Plaza.

Additionally, on the afternoon of May 14th, the day before the commemorative ceremony, an event will be held in front of the Statue of King Sejong at Gwanghwamun to project congratulatory messages from citizens onto the ground.

Preparing for the KBO Before Going to the Stadium: As of May 10, 2026, the KBO League is past the early part of the season and entering the middle.

1. Current Standings (As of May 10)

The league is currently dominated by a Big 3 consisting of KT, LG, and Samsung.

1st KT Wiz : Dominant leaders with elite balance.

2nd LG Twins : Trailing 1st place by 1.5 games.

3rd Samsung Lions : On a 6-game win streak.

4th SSG Landers : Solidly holding the upper-mid tier.

5th KIA Tigers : Struggling to maintain a .500 record.

6-8th Doosan / NC / Hanwha : Stuck in a tight mid-low tier battle.

9-10th Lotte, Kiwoom : Bottom tier (Kiwoom on a 5-game skid).

2. Analytical Breakdown

The Surge: Samsung Lions

Samsung is the hottest team in the league right now. Their 6-game winning streak is built on a stabilized starting rotation and high-leverage hitting. They have moved from a "contender" to a legitimate threat to the top two spots.

The Standard: KT Wiz and LG Twins

KT Wiz: Their statistical dominance is no fluke. They lead the league in run differential, suggesting their current first-place standing is sustainable.

LG Twins: While they are keeping pace with KT, their performance in high-pressure series (like the recent set against Hanwha) has been the key to staying 2nd.

The Slump: Kiwoom Heroes

Kiwoom’s 5-game losing streak highlights systemic issues. Their bullpen is overtaxed, and the lineup lacks the depth to overcome early deficits. Without a major tactical shift, they risk being distanced from the rest of the pack early.

3. Future Outlook & Predictions

The Battle for 2nd Place: The upcoming series between LG and Samsung (starting May 12) is the most critical matchup of the month. If Samsung maintains their momentum, we could see a swap in the 2nd and 3rd rankings by next week.

The Mid-Tier Bottleneck: The gap between 5th (KIA) and 8th (Hanwha) is negligible. Expect heavy volatility in these positions. The team that manages their pitcher rotation most efficiently during the upcoming humid weeks will likely emerge as the 5th seed favorite.

Roster Adjustments: We are entering the window where underperforming foreign players (pitchers in particular) are typically replaced. Teams in the bottom half, specifically Lotte and Kiwoom, will likely look for "mercenary" upgrades to spark a mid-season turnaround.

The league is currently a top-heavy race. KT Wiz remains the team to beat, but Samsung’s rapid ascent has disrupted the KT-LG duopoly. Keep a close eye on the Samsung vs. LG series—it will dictate the narrative for the remainder of May.

Starbucks Korea, together with the Korea Green Foundation, will hold a customer-participatory eco-friendly event at Seoul Forest on May 15th. The event will feature resource circulation experiences, exhibitions of recycled products, coffee for customers using personal cups, and silent movie screenings.

This event will be held at the Starbucks "Rest Road" rest area and lawn plaza in Seoul Forest, where the Seoul International Garden Expo is being held.

"Rest Road" is a rest area of approximately 300 pyeong created by Starbucks in Seoul Forest Park to commemorate its 22nd anniversary in 2021. It was prepared based on the actions of 4,700 customers who participated in the "Cup Embracing Tree" campaign at the time.

Customers who visit "Rest Road" on the day of the event can participate in the stamp tour. The mission consisted of touring the rest area on the "Rest Road," viewing the recycled product exhibition, participating in eco-friendly activity pledges, and subscribing to the Starbucks YouTube channel. Customers who complete all missions will receive a Starbucks coffee grounds flowerpot using coffee grounds.

An exhibition introducing Starbucks' resource circulation activities will also be held on-site. Flower pots recycled from coffee grounds from the store, notebooks and postcards made from collected milk cartons, and keychains made from waste plastic will be introduced

.

Starbucks also operates the mobile coffee trailer 'S:Buckcha'. Ice coffee will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis to customers who bring their own cups starting at 2 PM.

The silent film screening event 'Green Cinema' will be held at the Seoul Forest lawn plaza at 4:30 PM and 7:00 PM. Visitors will wear wireless headsets and watch the movie. The screening film is the documentary "Whale and I," which deals with changes in the marine ecosystem.

Pre-registration for Green Cinema is available until May 11th on the Starbucks application, website, and the Korea Green Foundation website. We will recruit a total of 600 people, up to 300 per session, through a lottery. Starbucks tumblers will be provided to pre-registered winners.

[NAVER Maps]

Seoul Forest Shieotda Gill Trail

720 Seongsu-dong 1(il)-ga Seongdong-gu Seoul

https://naver.me/Ix0WreM4

The reason why foreigners flock to pharmacies in Jongno for skincare products can be broken down into a few simple points:

In most countries, skincare is divided into "mild" cosmetics (sold in stores) and "strong" medicines (requiring a doctor's prescription).

Korean pharmacies sell high-concentration treatments—like potent scar gels or pigment-correcting creams—over the counter without a prescription.

For foreigners, these are seen as "super-powered skincare" that actually delivers visible results compared to standard lotions.

Korea is a global destination for dermatology procedures (lasers, boosters, etc.).

After getting a treatment, patients need specific creams to help their skin heal.

Jongno pharmacies stock these professional-grade recovery products at a fraction of the price you would pay at a clinic or abroad.

Platforms like TikTok and Xiaohongshu have turned specific Korean ointments into viral sensations.

Products like Acnon (for acne), Noscarna (for scars), and Melatoning (for dark spots) are now famous worldwide.

Foreigners often walk in with a screenshot on their phone, and because Jongno pharmacists are used to tourists, the transaction is incredibly fast and easy.

Jongno 5-ga is famous for its massive, warehouse-style pharmacies.

Prices here are often 20–40% cheaper than those in tourist heavy areas like Myeongdong or Gangnam. International visitors see it as a "bulk-buying" destination—stocking up for themselves and friends for the entire year.

For foreigners, Jongno pharmacies are the ultimate "Beauty Life Hack." They offer high-potency, clinic-level solutions at wholesale prices with the convenience of a regular retail store.

The popularity of Pumpkin Injeolmi (Korean rice cakes coated in crumbs) boils down to a clever blend of tradition and modern dessert trends. Here is an analytical breakdown of why it has become such a hit:

1. The "Cake-like" Texture

Unlike traditional rice cakes that can be very chewy or heavy, Pumpkin Injeolmi focuses on a melt-in-your-mouth softness. By adding a high content of steamed pumpkin to the dough, it achieves a delicate, airy texture. When paired with fluffy castella (sponge cake) crumbs instead of coarse bean powder, it feels more like a premium pastry than a ritualistic rice cake.

2. Subtle Natural Sweetness

In the modern food scene, "not too sweet" is often the highest compliment for a dessert. Pumpkin Injeolmi relies on the natural sweetness of kabocha squash, providing a deep, earthy flavor that doesn't overwhelm the palate. This makes it highly "snackable" and appealing to both health-conscious younger generations and older adults who avoid sugary treats.

3. Visual "Instagrammability"

The vibrant, saturated yellow color of the pumpkin is naturally eye-catching. In the era of social media, the bright contrast between the yellow interior and the snowy cake crumbs makes it look beautiful on camera, driving its popularity through word-of-mouth and "unboxing" videos.

4. Accessibility and Modern Packaging

The rise of "Tteok-keting" (a portmanteau of Tteok and Marketing/Ticketing, referring to the craze of buying famous rice cakes online) changed the game. Many famous shops now offer:

- Individual wrapping: Perfect for quick breakfasts or office snacks.

- Flash-freezing: Allowing the cakes to maintain their original texture even after being shipped across the country.

Pumpkin Injeolmi succeeded because it rebranded a traditional food. It stripped away the "old-fashioned" image of rice cakes and replaced it with a refined, soft, and visually pleasing experience that fits the lifestyle of a modern foodie.

[NAVER Maps]

Ajindang Rice Cake Shop

120-1 Nagwon-dong Jongno-gu Seoul

https://naver.me/G0JgpwPd

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💎 Unlock the Real Seoul: A Private Journey with GJ

"Getting off the bus and lining up to visit tourist attractions? Without even being able to exchange a single word with the locals."

Even in famous places, you can find hidden stories and hidden beauty.

Forget the generic guidebooks. Meet GJ, your savvy local partner who curates a Seoul experience as unique as you are.

🔥 What Makes the GJ Experience Different?

1️⃣ 100% Private & Tailored for You

No strangers, no rigid schedules. Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast, a tech geek, or a fashion hunter, GJ crafts a bespoke itinerary that matches your vibe, your pace, and your interests. It’s not just a tour; it’s a personalized day out.

2️⃣ Hidden Gems Only Locals Know

We dive into the "Hidden Jewels" of the city. From "hole-in-the-wall" rooftop, allies, GJ takes you behind the curtain to see the Seoul that most travelers miss. 📸 (Get your camera ready for some serious "gatekeep-worthy" shots!)

3️⃣ Your New Best Friend in Seoul

Why travel with a script-reading guide when you can hang out with a charismatic and thoughtful host?

Vibrant Energy: GJ’s upbeat and witty personality makes every transition a blast.

Intuitive Care: Need a break? Want to change the plan last minute? GJ’s high-level empathy means your comfort is always the top priority.

🙌 This Tour is For You If...

You want to see the "Hip Seoul" that’s trending on social media right now.

You value privacy and a relaxed, no-pressure atmosphere.

You want a travel companion who is as organized and reliable as they are fun and easy-going.

📩 Ready to Explore?

Tour Type: Exclusive Private Tour (1:1 or your private group)

Duration: Half-day or Full-day options available

How to Book:

https://www.viator.com/tours/Seoul/Kick-start-to-Seoul-highlights-with-small-group/d973-301699P4

"Don't just visit Seoul—experience it. Let GJ curate a day you’ll never forget."