Sunscreen Is the One Thing You Cannot Skip in Seoul (Here’s What I Actually Use)

There are a lot of essentials people tell you to bring to Seoul during the spring and summer seasons. Comfortable shoes, portable fans, a light cardigan for those chilly cafés. But if there’s one thing that actually changes your entire day here, it’s sunscreen. Not just applying it once in the morning, but having one you’ll actually use throughout the day. Because Seoul in warmer months means walking way more than you planned, being outside longer than expected and sunlight that feels subtle… until it’s not.

So here are the sunscreens I keep coming back to, with no white cast or pilling and why each one works specifically in Korea.

Purito Daily Soft Touch Sunscreen

This is the one I reach for when I want something that feels like… nothing. It’s lightweight, smooth and almost velvety on the skin. What really makes it stand out is how comfortable it is in humidity. It doesn’t feel heavy, sticky, or overly dewy, which matters when you’re walking outside, going in and out of subways and dealing with that early summer heat. It also blends seamlessly under makeup.

Get it on YESSTYLE or OLIVE YOUNG

Benton Air Fit UV Defense Sun Cream

If you don’t like the feeling of sunscreen at all, this is probably your best bet. It has that airy texture, quick absorption and no heavy finish. It’s one of the easiest sunscreens to forget you’re wearing, which is kind of the point. It’s perfect for long walking days, layering under makeup and when the weather starts getting really humid. It has a nice cooling effect, perfect for beating the summer heat!

Get it on YESSTYLE or AMAZON

COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream

This is the sunscreen I’ve been using the longest and honestly feels more like skincare than sunscreen. It’s hydrating, slightly soothing and a little richer than the others. This makes it really good for days when your skin feels tired, after being in the sun too long or when you want that extra layer of comfort. It’s not the lightest option, but sometimes that’s exactly what you want. I find this one particularly helpful for drier skin types.

Get it on OLIVE YOUNG

Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen

This is the “effortless glow” sunscreen and probably one of the most popular ones in Korea at the moment. It gives you hydration, a natural finish and that slightly dewy look without feeling greasy. It works really well for dry or combination skin, on days when you want fewer steps in your skin care routine and really gives that “my skin looks good without trying” vibe. It’s the newest one to my rotation, but I absolutely get the hype!

Get it on YESSTYLE, AMAZON or OLIVE YOUNG

I feel like sunscreen matters more in Seoul not just because of UV levels, but because of how you experience the city. Seoul isn’t somewhere you stay in one place. It’s an incredibly walkable place. You’ll find yourself easily walking between neighborhoods, crossing bridges, sitting by the river and before you know it… you’ve been out all day! Which is why sunscreen becomes less of a “step” and more of something you actively need throughout the day. So be sure to pick a sunscreen you’ll actually reapply, something lightweight and don’t rely on morning-only application.