…It was summer. A sentence that runs through the seasons. It’s been consumed as a meme, but the impression it leaves is powerful. A time of year when the sound of cicadas is deafening and the heat is unbearable. If you’re wondering what to do during your vacation and school break, check out the list of the best things to do in summer in Seoul below.
1. Han River Swimming Pools & Water Playgrounds
There are quite a few Han River pools and water playgrounds in Seoul. Ttukseom, Yeouido, Jamwon, Jamsil, and Yanghwa Nanji are the main ones. They are open from June 20 to August 18 without closing. Adults can enter for 3,500 won and children for 1,300 won, making it an affordable way to enjoy clean, safe water. For more information, visit Hangangang Park Official Website.
2. Ito Junji Horror House
Summer is the season of horror. Instead of the usual scary and brutal protagonists, there are horror house experiences where you are greeted by epic characters. Ito Junji Horror House is a horror exhibition based on the works of horror manga master Junji Ito. It is open until September 8 and is recommended for ages 14 and up. Tickets can be purchased here.
3. Yang Yang
A place where it’s true what they say: the Seoul-Yangyang express bus is already sold out every weekend. Yangyang was hot last year and this year too. Zimbimb’s Hazodays Party will be held on July 20 and August 17, respectively, and the underground music festival Rainbow Disco Club (RDC) will be held on August 23 and 24. Check out these festivals and parties to plan your trip to Yangyang.
4. Comer with Chroma Summer Pool Party
Throw a pool party at Cimer in Paradise City. It’s held in the massive outdoor pool with a top-notch lighting and sound set-up. The pool party is organized in collaboration with Chroma Club, and guests who attend the pool party at Cimer will also receive access to Chroma Club. It is held every Saturday until August 31, and a shuttle bus departs from Apgujeong Rodeo. For tickets and packages, check fever.
5. Coffeeboating
When other cafes with Han River views offer bay windows or terraces, Cafe Hay offers coffee boating. It is a time to drink a cup of coffee in the cool river breeze on a running blue jean boat. At the same location, Hyundai Yacht on the Han River also offers the Sunset Package, where you can sip beer while sailing at sunset. For more information, check out Hyundai Yacht Official Instagram.
6. Han River Water Leisure
The Han River is also a large and wide body of water. This makes it the perfect place to enjoy water leisure. There are a variety of water leisure companies and programs, from yachting to windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking, paddling, paddle yoga, and more. Thanks to a collaboration between the Seoul Metropolitan Government and CakaoT, booking and paying for water leisure is now as easy as booking a taxi, so let’s head to the Han River for water leisure.
7. Shilla Hotel Urban Island Pool Party
To kick off the 2024 summer season, The Shilla Hotel in Seoul is hosting its first ever pool party. The party will be themed around a trip to Urban Island and will feature a variety of themes. It is open to adults over 19 years of age, and the schedule and reservations can be found on Shilla Hotel’s official Instagram.
8. Gapyeong Puk
Paju, a term used to describe water sports such as tubing, boats, and rides on the river, is one of the most popular vacation destinations in summer. The Bukhan River is lined with companies that offer water sports. There are also package deals that allow you to enjoy water sports, barbecue, and accommodation all at once.