Summer is in full swing in Korea, and as temperatures soar, some of the best-loved pastimes can become unappealing as the sun beats down and energy levels drop. But whether you’re searching for activities to keep you cool or simply to relax in the sultry weather, there are still plenty of places across Korea to enjoy. Take a look at our list of the top five ways to have fun whilst beating the heat in Korea this summer.
1. Indoor Scares at Everland’s ‘Horror Maze’
What better way to keep yourself cool in the summer heat than with a few exhilarating scares designed to make the blood run cold? From July 21st, Korea’s biggest theme park Everland is bringing back its signature Horror Maze for the very bravest of visitors. Since 2011, the Horror Maze has been renowned for its wickedly creative scares, with over 30% of visitors unable to complete the course in the last two years alone.
Visitors are offered the chance to explore the twisted world of “Doctor K”, a mad young scientist with some dark secrets. Brave adventurers are given 10 minutes to escape from eight themed rooms, including a torture chamber and Doctor K’s laboratory, all whilst fending off formaldehyde-soaked mysteries, the ghosts of the Doctor’s unlucky victims and spooky sculptures.
For those looking for bone-chilling scares without the unease of traversing the maze, there is also a VR Experience Zone, allowing you to indirectly experience all the thrills with virtual reality gear and 4-D Motion chairs.
The Maze is open from 12 noon to 9pm. Discover more about Everland’s unique attractions here.
2. Bamboo Tranquility at Damyang Juknokwon
While traversing the outdoors might not seem like the ideal activity in the summer heat, deep in the heart of Jeollanam-do lies the enchanting Juknokwon Bamboo Garden, perfect for an afternoon of calm and cool exploration away from busy city life. This solitary forest of bamboo trees is a popular spot for rest, relaxation and meditation, with eight themed paths totaling 2.4km for visitors to tour.
Visitors can stay cool under the shade of the bamboo trees and enjoy the fresh air emanating from the flowing streams that run through the forest. For those looking for even more refreshment and respite from the heat, bamboo leaf ice-cream is available in the Juknokwon souvenir shop.
The summer opening hours for the Juknokwon Bamboo Garden are 09:00 to 19:00; visitors can find more information here.
3. Ice Climbing at Kolon Climbing School
Hiking and climbing are two incredibly popular pastimes in Korea, and explorers are spoilt for choice all over the country for the perfect adventuring spots. But when the sun starts to beat down relentlessly, where can intrepid explorers go to get their adrenaline fix? The Kolon Climbing School’s ice wall offers a pretty unique – and cool – alternative.
Standing at 20 meters, it is the world’s tallest indoor ice wall, and is sure to keep you cool as the temperature is set at -15 degrees Celsius year-round. Never tried ice climbing before? The northern Seoul-based School offers a Lesson Experience package to teach you the basics, as well as providing you with all the necessary equipment.
Check out the Kolon Climbing School’s website here for full activity information.
4. Relax and Refresh at Caribbean Bay Water Park
Looking for a more refreshing way to escape the summer weather? Then Caribbean Bay is the perfect stop for you. The largest indoor and outdoor water park in the world, visitors can keep cool whilst having fun in the sun, with over 78 square miles of attractions on offer. If you’re looking for some summertime adventure, the world-famous water slides, such as Mega Storm, Aqualoop and Tower Boomerang Go, are sure to keep you exhilarated in the heat. Click here to find out more about all the different types of water slide Caribbean Bay has to offer.
For further refreshment, the spa facilities in the Aquatic Center provide the perfect place to relax and rehabilitate before heading back out into the scorching Korean summer. Visitors can enjoy the hot spring waters in a variety of spas, each with their own unique health benefits, or just chill out in the Relax and Sleeping rooms.
Caribbean Bay is located next to Everland Resort in Yongin and is open 7 days a week (opening hours vary by day).
5. Chill Out in Hongdae’s Ice Museum
While the heart of Seoul’s bustling Hongdae district might not seem like the best place to find respite from the city heat, the basement of the famous Trick Eye Museum in fact provides the perfect way to escape. The Ice Museum is kept year-round at temperatures below freezing – the perfect antidote to the dog day heat of summer.
The Ice Museum offers a fun range of unique scenes for visitors whilst keeping cool, including an ‘Ice Hotel’ complete with bedroom and bathroom, an igloo and an ice slide. Surrounded by ambient lighting and cool attractions, the Ice Museum provides a fascinating place to beat the heat in the middle of the metropolitan hustle and bustle.
The Trick Eye and Ice Museum is accessible by Hongik University metro station, and is open 365 days a year, 09:00 to 21:00. Find out more information here.
