Seasonal Survival Tips for Students in Korea: Spring to Summer

Spring in Korea: How to Survive the Dust and Enjoy the Flowers.

Spring in Korea feels magical. Cherry trees bloom quickly, and the air feels soft and smells nice — unless there’s a lot of dust in the air. International students, especially those from countries with cleaner air, might be surprised by the arrival of fine dust (Korean: “mise-munji”). It’s not just inconvenient; it’s a health concern. On days with a lot of dust, you’ll see locals wearing masks and checking the air quality on their phones. They use apps like AirVisual or “미세미세.” If the AQI is “Red,” stay inside and close your windows.

Even though it’s dusty, spring is beautiful. By early April, cherry trees are in bloom, covering parks, campuses, and even sidewalks. You’ll want to go out and enjoy it, but do so with precautions. You should always carry a KF94 mask in your backpack. Don’t forget to wash your hands and face often. If you have sensitive lungs, you should get an air purifier. Want to enjoy cherry blossoms without the crowd? Instead of Yeouido, try Seonyudo Park or Achasan Fortress Trail.

What to Wear and Pack for Spring

Spring in Korea is unpredictable. In March, you might still need a padded jacket. But by late April, it can feel like early summer. The key to making this work is using layers. In Korea, spring weather changes a lot. It’s cold in the morning, sunny in the afternoon, and chilly in the evening.

Here’s a simple packing checklist:

• Light down jacket or windbreaker
• An air-purifying mask (KF94 or better)
• Comfortable shoes for walking
• Allergy medicine (if you’re sensitive to pollen)
• Water bottle that can be used again – spring hikes are common!

Spring fashion in Korea tends to be pastel colours and light fabrics. However, don’t underestimate how windy it can get, especially on campus fields or near the Han River. You’ll see students sipping iced Americano coffees in 10°C weather, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t cold. Be smart — dress smartly.

Top Spring Festivals Worth Visiting

Spring is festival season, and Koreans love celebrating outdoors. Cherry blossom festivals happen all over the country, not just in Seoul. If you’re in Busan, check out the Samnak Eco Park, a hidden gem. In Gyeongju, the cherry blossoms bloom against the backdrop of ancient tombs. Seoul’s Yeouido is crowded but iconic.

Other great options include:

• Gwangyang Maehwa Festival: white plum blossoms in the mountains
• Jinhae Gunhangje: The country’s largest cherry blossom festival, which is often packed
• Tongyeong Hansan Festival: Cherry blossoms and a sea breeze — a rare combination!

Tip: Book accommodations early if you’re traveling outside the city. Guesthouses fill up fast and prices double during festivals. Always check transportation options — some festivals provide free shuttle buses from major train stations.

Summer Survival: Humidity, Heat and Mosquitoes

Summer in Korea is very hot and humid. Temperatures can go over 35°C, and the humidity makes it feel even hotter. But the real enemy? Mosquitoes. They’re everywhere: in the parks, on your balcony, and even inside the classroom if the windows are open. The good news is that Koreans have figured out how to survive the summer.

First, let’s talk about humidity. You’ll need a small portable fan. You’ll see students with USB-powered ones everywhere. Dehumidifiers are common in dorms and short-term rentals. Also, don’t forget to bring wipes for your body. You can find them at any store, and they’re especially useful after you’ve been on the subway.

Rainy Season Realities: How to Stay Dry and Sane

From late June to mid-July, it rains a lot in Korea. Sometimes, it rains for hours without stopping. It’s more than a little rain; it’s a steady rain that soaks your shoes in five minutes. It is humid as well. Because of this, there’s a greater chance of mold growing in your shoes, bathroom, and even your walls.

Here’s what you need to do to get ready:

• Buy a good umbrella. Koreans prefer umbrellas that are wide and dome-shaped.
• Put silica gel or charcoal packs in your closet and shoe cabinet.
• Dry your clothes as soon as you can. Don’t leave wet laundry sitting around.
• Open windows in the right places to reduce the build-up of water droplets on surfaces.

On rainy days, Koreans often eat green onion pancakes called 파전 and drink makgeolli, a traditional Korean rice wine. Try it once, preferably with friends after class. Rainy days can make you feel sad, but they can also make you feel cozy if you let yourself.

Korean Summer Foods That Help You Stay Cool

Korean food is based on the seasons. In summer, people eat cold noodles, shaved ice, and, surprisingly, hot chicken soup. Why? It is thought that sweating helps the body get rid of internal heat. One of the most popular summer dishes is Samgyetang, which is ginseng chicken soup served boiling hot. It’s usually eaten on three special days called 복날 during the hottest part of the year.

Here is a list of foods you should try this summer:

• Naengmyeon: Buckwheat noodles with a cold broth.
• Pattbingsu: A dessert made with shaved ice and red beans or fruit on top.
• Chimaek: Fried chicken and cold beer are a popular combination, especially along the Han River.
• Samgyetang: A whole chicken that has been stuffed with rice and ginseng.

“Eat hot to beat the heat” may sound strange, but it works — at least according to 50 million Koreans.

👉 For more daily life tips as an international student in Korea, check this excellent guide on staying safe and prepared in your host country.

Autumn in Korea: Falling Leaves and Flu Season

Autumn in Korea is amazing. The air gets cooler, the sky gets clearer, and the leaves turn red, orange, and yellow. For international students, it’s the most comfortable season — no extreme weather, no heavy rain, just perfect weather for picnics and walking on campus. But with the drop in temperature comes another issue: sudden colds and allergies. As the weather changes from warm to cold, it’s easy to get a sore throat or sinus problems.

What’s the best part of fall? Look at the leaves. Some of the most popular places to visit are Namsan Park in Seoul, Naejangsan in Jeolla, and Seoraksan in Gangwon-do. Most universities also have places that are perfect for taking pictures. Plan weekend trips during late October to early November to see the leaves change color.

Fall Health & Packing Tips

Here’s a quick list of things to do to get your home ready for fall:

• Long-sleeve base layers and mid-weight sweaters
• Vitamin C tablets and herbal teas for immunity
• Tissue packs — fall winds can trigger nosebleeds
• Moisturizer and lip balm (the air gets dry)
• Comfortable sneakers for weekend foliage hikes

Also, it’s flu season in Korea. You can get one at any local clinic (health center) or pharmacy for a small fee. It’s not required, but it’s highly recommended, especially before the winter term crunch hits.

Winter in Korea: How to Stay Warm and Safe

Winter in Korea can be very cold, especially if you’re used to a warmer climate. In Seoul, temperatures often drop below -10°C, and it snows often in January and February. Many international students experience their first snowfall here. It’s beautiful, but slippery. Korean buildings use ondol, which is floor heating. This makes the rooms feel cozy, but the rooms with large windows can still feel a bit drafty.

You’ll also need to understand how to use your heating system. Most systems are connected to a digital wall panel. It controls both the floor and hot water, but the instructions are usually in Korean. Ask your roommate, RA, or landlord to show you how it’s done. It’s really easy. Also, electricity bills can go up in the winter, so use a ondol heater along with a good electric blanket or hot water bottle.

Snow Safety and Winter Essentials

Korean sidewalks are often slippery after snow, especially in the mornings. Universities try to add salt to their campuses, but residential neighborhoods may not. Wear sneakers or boots with grip soles, or buy detachable ice cleats from Daiso. If you fall, it can ruin your finals week.

Here’s a list of things you need for a winter trip:

• Thermal innerwear (Uniqlo Heattech is popular)
• Electric blanket or hot packs
• Moisture cream and hand lotion
• Wool socks and heat-resistant gloves
• Winter jacket with windproof hood

“Winter in Korea isn’t just cold — it’s dry, windy, and full of hidden ice. Dress smart, stay warm, and walk carefully.”

A Checklist for Seasonal Prep by Month

Month	What to Prepare
March	Dust masks, layered outfits, allergy meds
July	Umbrella, dehumidifier, breathable clothes
October	Light jackets, flu shot, hiking shoes
December	Thermals, heating pad, snow boots

Q&A: Seasonal Living in Korea

1. Do I need an air purifier in the spring?
   Yes, especially if you’re sensitive to fine dust.
2. Are allergy medications easily available in Korea?
   Yes, over-the-counter (OTC) medications like antihistamines are available in pharmacies.
3. Is winter heating included in my rent?
   It depends on your lease condition, but most heating systems are billed separately to tenants except for dorms or goshiwon. Ask your landlord or the school housing office.
4. What’s the recommended app to check air dust quality?
   “미세미세” and AirVisual are both reliable.
5. Where do I find places for work-out in the winter?
   Indoor gyms, Pilates studios, and heated pools are common near universities.
6. Are there mosquitoes around in the fall?
   Not really — they mostly disappear after September.
7. Where can I get affordable seasonal items?
   At Daiso, or buy online at Coupang, and local markets like Namdaemun are great places to go.
8. Can I wear short pants or no-sleeves to summer classes?
   There’s no prohibition about what you wear in Korea unless you’re naked.
9. What foods help during the cold season?
   Most Koreans enjoy gook-bab (brothed soup with rice), hotteok on the streets, and ginseng tea are popular comfort foods.
10. Is snow removal common in Korea?
    In cities, yes. In the suburbs, however, you should be cautious and wear proper footwear.

Explore More Guides for Life in Korea

• Korean Socializing Etiquette Guide – Learn how to communicate politely and blend into Korean campus culture.
• Korea Digital Certification Guide – Understand the tools and apps needed for banking, schooling, and more.