So, if you are like me and you hate rain… Korean monsoon season is rough. Actually, it’s more than rough, it is terrible. While I can’t wave a magic wand and get rid of the pain monsoon season brings completely, I can offer you a few tips to help you survive.
The Dreaded Monsoon Season
We all know that monsoon season is just something that shouldn’t exist. It’s hot, humid, sticky, and just gross. I don’t think anyone actually likes this season!
It’s completely unpredictable, rain comes and goes as it pleases. Not one weather forecast is accurate – it’s bright and sunny, then five minutes later the street has literally turned into a river. Plus, it’s 30 degrees (about 90°F). Basically, we live in a sauna for a few months. It’s always in the summer, but no one is ever really sure when it will start and end. Then, sometimes you think it’s over but no – last year’s monsoon season came back for a week in October!
Staying Fabulous During Monsoon Season
Anyways, let’s literally dive into how to survive monsoon season in Korea.
Firstly, last month I wrote an article on my favorite makeup products that are rain-proof. If you prefer staying fabulous at all times, you may want to start by checking that one out! I am sure you will be able to find one or two products that you don’t know you need. Click Here to read about Monsoon Proof makeup
Air Conditioner Settings
Secondly, I am giving you a tip on air conditioning here in Korea. If you don’t have an air conditioner and live in Korea you are not going to survive monsoon season, so get one. Or, move to an apartment/room that has one before summer starts!
When looking at housing in Seoul, the air conditioner is extremely important. A good AC will have a controller with lots of different settings. If you don’t want the humidity to haunt you inside your home, then you have to make sure your AC controller has 2 very important settings.
The button that is labeled as “운전선택” is the one that will change the settings of the air conditioning to be only a fan or a dehumidifier. Once you repeatedly press that button, make sure you find the setting on the screen with the name “제습”. This setting will keep your room dehumidified and cool for a long period of time. If you want a more detailed guide on your controller, you can Click Here.
Dehumidify Your Closet
Another tip is to buy dehumidifying products. They aren’t very expensive but will keep your clothes from smelling like humidity and prevent molding. Why would you need that? Because the humidity is everywhere! Even with the a/c working as a dehumidifier you will need to get rid of moisture in your closet and other confined spaces.
There are several products sold in stores such as Daiso all over Korea. I bought one that comes in a bowl so you can get rid of all the water it collects and then refill it. They also sell hanging ones for closets and sprays that you can put directly on your clothes to get rid of the smell.
ALWAYS Be Prepared to Get Soaked
I also keep with me my umbrella at all times. At Daiso, I got one that you can clip onto your bag so you don’t have to carry it around in your hands at all times. Trust me, an umbrella or a waterproof jacket are indispensable for this time of the year.
Additionally, I also bring a packet of tissues with me wherever I go. Even if it’s not raining, you will sweat because of the humidity, so you may want to get rid of it from your face and neck every once in a while.
Now, all you need to do is have fun and follow my tips so you don’t get soaked this monsoon season!
