South Korea Weather in June: Travel Tips for First-Timers

June is the first of the official summer months in South Korea. Although the beginning of the month can bring with it cool mornings and evenings, most of June is warm and humid. Plenty of rainfall can be expected no matter where you are in the peninsula. June temperatures in the country range from a maximum low of 10°C (50°F) to a maximum high of 28°C (82°F).

June is busy without being overly crowded. The latter half of summer is more crowded. Prices for most things including dining, accommodation, entertainment, and transportation remain modest during June but it's wise to plan and book things in advance.

While you may need a light jacket during the early mornings or late evenings depending on which part of the country you find yourself in, it remains largely warm and humid in most parts of the country during June. As such, we recommend including clothing items made of soft, breathable, fabrics like cotton or linen. Summer dresses, cotton or linen shorts and tops, a pair of comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, a sunhat, sunscreen, an umbrella for the unavoidable rainy days, and swimwear for your June packing list for South Korea.

To get an in-depth understanding of what to expect insofar as weather conditions are concerned during June, keep reading below.

South Korea Weather in June: Overview

• Average temperature range: 10°C – 28°C (50°F – 82°F)
• Rainfall: 136 mm (5.5 inches) in Seoul; 172 mm (7 inches) in Busan; 198 mm (8 inches) in Jeju.
• Rainy days: 7 in Seoul; 9 in Busan; 12 in Jeju.

June brings with it warm and humid weather conditions in the Korean peninsula. Rainfall levels can range from high to heavy. That being said, temperatures are pleasant, and the fresh sea breeze provides respite from the high levels of humidity in coastal cities and towns.

Average maximum daytime temperatures include 27°C (81°F) in Seoul, 24°C (75°F) in Busan, and 24°C (75°F) on Jeju Island. The average minimum nighttime temperatures will plummet to 17°C (63°F) in Seoul, 18°C (64°F), and 18°C (64°F) in Jeju Island.

June is a great time to soak up the sun and relax on the beaches by the South Korean waters. Rainy days can be spent exploring the many tourist attractions available for you to choose from in any South Korean city.

Weather of South Korea's Major Cities in June

Best Places to Visit in South Korea in June

1. Busan

Humidity can touch the 80% mark in the seaside city of Busan in June, but that being said, it's not as sticky and miserable as you might expect. The fresh sea breeze, a mainstay of the June weather in the city, means there's plenty of respite available from the rather high levels of humidity.

It's not as crowded in Busan during June either, meaning you can relax on one of the city's many pristine beaches before it gets busier towards the second half of summer.  

2. Seoul

Seoul provides for the perfect starting point for your trip to South Korea. The capital is home to the ancient royal palace, Gyeongbokgung and the Gwangjang Food Market. The city also provides good access to the DMZ, or the Demilitarized Zone shared between the two Koreas, and plays host to some of the world's best music festivals during the month of June.

It is, however, warm and rainy in Seoul during June, so it's best to carry good sunscreen and a trusted umbrella with you at all times.

3. Jeju Island

Jeju Island, located on the extreme southern end of the country, plays host to some of the best weather conditions of any place in South Korea during the month of June. Although the waters are still a little too cold for you to take a dip, enjoying scrumptious seafood as you sit and relax on the beach is certainly the way to go.

It's important to note, though, that Jeju often experiences summer typhoons. As such, do be sure to consult national weather reports before booking any trips to the island.

June Crowds and Costs

June marks the beginning of the summer season in South Korea but that being said, it's not as crowded in the country in June as it is during the months that follow. Popular tourist attractions, restaurants, and beaches will all remain busy without being overly crowded.

Prices for everything including transportation, accommodation, entertainment and dining will have gone up from the preceding months of spring but they're still moderately reasonable compared to the hike that will be observed during July and August.

For the best prices, especially in accommodation and transportation, we recommend you make your bookings as far in advance as possible.

June Events in South Korea

Memorial Day: Memorial Day is celebrated on June 6th every year in South Korea. It is a national holiday commemorating the lives of, and sacrifices made by, soldiers and civilians during the Korean War. The main memorial service takes place at the Seoul National Cemetery and is attended by high-ranking government officials, the president included.

Although Memorial Day is a national holiday, most restaurants and tourist attractions will remain open on this day.

World DJ Festival: If you like electronic music, you should check out the World DJ Festival in Seoul that takes place over the weekend of June 15th – 16th. The world-renowned music festival, active since 2007, features some of the planet's most talented DJs and electronic music artists and takes place by the Han River in the nation's capital.

This is a huge event in the world of electronic music, meaning you should buy your tickets as soon as possible if you don't wish to be disappointed.

Toechon Tomato Festival: The town of Gwangju hosts its annual Toechon Tomato Festival from June 19th to 21st and welcomes tomato lovers from all around the globe to visit the village and partake in tomato-related activities including a tomato juice making performance and swimming in a pool full of tomatoes, the latter of which is only for children.

If you're not a child, though, don't worry, as you can still appreciate Toechon's internationally acclaimed tomatoes by visiting the festival-organized market and exhibition.

What to Wear in South Korea in June

The weather will change significantly throughout the entirety of June in South Korea. During the beginning of the month, it may be possible to get by and be comfortable wearing pants and lightweight jackets but the eventual rise in humidity levels will force your hand in ditching your jackets for tops made of light breathable fabrics like linen and cotton.

Packing essentials for your June trip to South Korea ought to include shorts, summer dresses, cotton or linen shorts and tops, a pair of comfortable walking sandals, dress shoes, sunglasses, sunhats, a jacket, a raincoat or umbrella, and swimwear for your time on the beach.

It's important to keep in mind that while South Korea is very progressive in terms of style and fashion, we recommend you avoid wearing clothes that are overly revealing if you don't want to draw unnecessary attention to yourself.

Explore South Korea with Global Highlights

Planning a trip to South Korea? Look no further! Our team of travel experts at Global Highlights are here to ensure you have the time of your life when visiting splendid South Korea. With thousands of planned tours under our belt, it's safe to say our specialty is curating trips that go above and beyond in remaining memorable and meaningful for you and your loved ones. We'll keep everything from weather conditions to special interests in mind, so that you can just relax and enjoy the journey!