3 Things You Actually Need to Survive Summer in Seoul

There’s a version of Seoul in summer that looks perfect: roses in blossom, river picnics, blue skies and sunny days. Then there’s the version you actually experience after about 20 minutes outside: heat, humidity and mild dizziness from walking everywhere. If you’re in Seoul during this time, there are three things that quietly make or break your entire day: sunscreen, deodorant, and hydration. Not glamorous, I know, but very very necessary.

Sunscreen (Non-Negotiable in Seoul)

Seoul in spring feels mild, until you realize how strong the sun actually is. Between walking everywhere, reflective surfaces (hello, river views) and long hours outside you end up getting way more sun exposure than you expect. And because a lot of your day is spent moving around, reapplying matters just as much as applying. This year, is already off to some unseasonably warm weather and I have already seen more than a handful of painfully sunburnt tourists.

What works best here:

• lightweight formulas (humidity is real)
• something you’ll actually reapply during the day
• stick or cushion sunscreens for on-the-go
• Check out MY RECOMMENDATIONS

If you’ve ever finished a full day out and realized your face is noticeably warmer than usual… you already know. Don’t be a lobster person.

Deodorant (Yes, This Needs to Be Said)

This one surprises people. Deodorant isn’t as widely used or heavily marketed in Korea compared to other countries, so it’s not always as easy to find or as strong as what you might be used to. But once sweater weather turns to t-shirt weather? You’ll want it. Between subway transfers, walking up hilly streets and maneuvering through crowded areas… it adds up quickly.

What to know:

• bring one you already like if you can
• or look for imported options at larger stores like Olive Young
• mini sizes are worth carrying in your bag

It’s one of those things you don’t think about until you really wish you had it. Seoul is a very crowded city with lots of communal spaces and you definitely don’t want to be categorized as the “stinky tourist.”

Hydration (More Than You Think)

This is the one people underestimate the most (even locals). Seoul’s humidity sneaks up on you, especially if you’re walking all day, constantly going from outdoors to the subway to outdoors again and staying out longer than you normally would because the weather feels nice. You don’t always feel dehydrated right away, but it hits later. Last year the number of cases surrounding heat exhaustion was incredibly alarming. I even saw someone faint while waiting for the subway.

Easy ways to stay on top of it:

• grab drinks from convenience stores (they’re everywhere)
• carry a reusable bottle when you can
• don’t wait until you’re already tired

With all all the great eats and cafe hopping out here, it is incredibly easy to forget to drink water. It’s a small, but incredibly important thing that can make or break your trip.

These 3 things matter more in Seoul because it’s not just weather related, it’s how you experience the city. Seoul isn’t really a “sit and relax” destination most of the time. You’re going to be doing a lot of walking, exploring and just generally staying out longer than planned. And small things like sunscreen, deodorant, and water end up making a bigger difference than you expect. So keep it simple and protect your skin, stay fresh, stay hydrated and everything else about Seoul in spring and summer will be a lot more enjoyable.