5 Little Tips on How to Survive Seoul’s Hot Summer Days

We all know that Seoul (서울) will have some blazing hot summer weather, and we don’t want to spend a fortune on air conditioning and ice cream either. Therefore, below are some survive tips on how to make most of the summer heat while having fun!

1. Eat Cold Noodles (냉면)

If you don’t know what Naengmyeon is, it is basically a cold Korean noodle dish that will give you a very refreshing feeling especially on a hot summer day. The most common menus you can find at a naengmyeon restaurant are: Mulnaengmyeon (물냉면) and Bibimnaengmyeon (비빔냉면). The first one, Mulnaengmyeon (물냉면), also known as Pyeongyang Naengmyeon (평양냉면), comes from the North Korean capital Pyeongyang. This version is usually topped with slices of cucumbers, asian pears, radish and beef in an icy-cold beef broth that is worth to try. [1]

Mulnaengmyeon (물냉면) (Source: http://koreanoodles.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/1275698418241.jpg)

The second one, Bibimnaengmyeon (비빔냉면), also known as Hamheung Naengmyeon (함흥냉면), is the other North Korean city that’s left its culinary mark on South Korea. This version of the noodle dish has no cold broth to slurp up, but instead, the same ingredients used are included in a massive delicious spicy sauce.

Bibimnaengmyeon (비빔냉면) (Source: https://www.maangchi.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/bibim-naengmyeon.jpg)

One recommended restaurant in Wangsimni (왕십리) is called ‘육쌈냉면’ that serves 물냉면 or 비빔냉면+숯불고기 (grilled meat) for ₩6,000.

Store front (Source: http://cfile25.uf.tistory.com/image/237A833A5660E80D02210C)

Address:

168-78 Haengdang-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 성동구 행당동 168-78)

Directions:

Wangsimni Station (왕십리역) exit 6.

Map:

Source: Google Maps

2. Enjoy Patbingsu (팥빙수)

This is a very popular Korean shaved ice dessert with sweet toppings that can include chopped fruits, condensed milk, fruit syrup, and red beans.

Patbingsu (팥빙수)

Two recommended places are Sicily cafe coffee and waffle in Myeongdong (명동), and Korean Dessert Cafe Sulbing (설빙).

The first place is in the very busy streets of Myeongdong, but the coffee shop itself has a very quiet and artistic atmosphere. You can order individual bingsus, or also order from the set menu, where you can combine waffles, bingsus, and drinks. You can also feel an air of sophistication with the little details put onto every dish. This is a location not to miss when you are doing your shopping on a hot summer day!

Mango Bingsu with a little flower decoration on the side

Set menu including a bingsu, waffle, and drink

Address:

15-1, Myeongdong 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul 04536 (서울특별시 중구 명동4길 15-1)

Directions:

Get off from Myeongdong Station (명동역) exit 5 or 6.

Map:

Source: Google Maps

Korean Dessert Cafe Sulbing is a chain café where you can enjoy your bingsu. They have over 400 locations across the country, therefore you may want to find your closest location here. One location that is close to the university is the one at Konkuk University Station (건대입구역).

Korean Dessert Cafe Sulbing

Address:

1st floor, Hanlim Tower, 7-3 Hwayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 광진구 화양동 7-3 한림타워 1층)

Directions:

Get off at Konkuk University Station (건대입구역) Exit 1, located below the overhead-bridge.

Map:

Source: Google Maps

3. Buy Ice Cups

Source: http://zannahinkorea.blogspot.kr/2013/08/how-to-survive-korean-summer-heat.html

One of the things that can cool you down is eating ice cream, but if you want to have a drink without paying a fortune at a coffee shop, try ice cups. You’ll find these at pretty much any convenience store, a pouch of liquid costs about ₩500, and a sealed cup of ice for another ₩500. They come in a wide variety of flavors, so you can decide how to flavor your own drink. They are very cheap, quick to make, and refreshing. Next time that you walk into a convenience store, try them!

4. Own a Portable Mini-fan

These hand-held portable mini fans are not only cute, but could be saving you from the heat. They come is a variety of colors and design, and can be found almost everywhere around the city for around ₩10,000. You can also buy it online, on G-Market (G마켓). This is an essential gadget to invest in.

Source: http://item2.gmarket.co.kr/English/detailview/item.aspx?goodscode=819829437

5. Use Cooling Sprays

Another popular product to own is the cooling spray. It can be sprayed on the face and the skin to get momentary refreshment. These cans are only quick fixes, but they are portable, cheap and very easy to find. You can buy them at Olive Young and most beauty branded shops. There is a huge selection to choose from, many with added benefits such as SPF and moisturizing qualities. Some sprays are also designed for cooling only certain areas, such as Stress Ssac (스트레스 싹), which is sprayed directly on the scalp. Ssac (싹) means ‘entirely’ or ‘completely’ in English, so this product aims to take away your stress entirely by targeting your scalp. It contains Aloe and Menthol cooling ingredients, and it is said to be cooling and relaxing all over the head.[2]