20 Things to Do in Seoul in July: Festivals, Summer Fun, and More

Is Seoul worth visiting in July? Totally! 

Hey, fellow travelers! If you’re planning a trip to Seoul in July, first of all, get ready for the heat! 

But don’t worry, summer in Seoul is also packed with exciting festivals, delicious summer food, and cool indoor spots to escape the heat. 

As someone who lives here, let me spill all the best things you can do in Seoul in July… Including some K-pop-related spots you shouldn’t miss! 😉

Things to do in Seoul in July

Here’s a list of awesome things to do in Seoul in July that’ll make your summer adventure unforgettable.

1. Experience the Boryeong Mud Festival (보령머드축제) 

Okay, technically this isn’t in Seoul, but it’s a must if you’re visiting Korea in July! 

The Boryeong Mud Festival is a wild summer event where you can literally roll around in mineral-rich mud, join mud wrestling, and enjoy K-pop performances in the evening! 

It’s about a 2-hour trip from Seoul, and totally worth it if you love festivals and don’t mind getting messy! 😆

📍 Where: Daecheon Beach, Boryeong
📅 When: Mid-July (Check the exact dates online!)

2. Visit the Han River for a Summer Picnic

One of the best things about Seoul in summer? Han River picnics! Locals love to chill by the river, especially at Yeouido Hangang Park. 

You can rent a picnic mat, order chimac (chicken + beer 🍗🍻), and just relax while enjoying the sunset.

📍 Where: Yeouido Hangang Park, Ttukseom Hangang Park

3. Cool Down at a Korean Jjimjilbang (찜질방)

If the heat gets too intense, jjimjilbang (Korean saunas) are the perfect escape! You can relax in ice rooms, soak in hot baths, and try sikhye (sweet rice drink) while chilling in pajama-style uniforms.

📍 Where: Dragon Hill Spa (Yongsan), Siloam Sauna (Seoul Station)

Tip: Most jjimjilbangs are open 24/7, so you can even sleep there overnight to save on accommodation!

4. Enjoy a Summer Night at a K-pop Café

Calling all K-pop fans! If you want to escape the heat but still do something fun, visit a K-pop-themed café! Many of them play non-stop K-pop music, and some are even owned by idols’ families. 💜

📍 Where:

• Cafe 89 Mansion (Owned by EXO Kai’s family) – Garosu-gil
• Ossu Seiromushi (BTS Jin’s restaurant) – Gangnam
• Café de KONNECT (Kang Daniel’s label café) – Hongdae

Tip: If you’re lucky, you might even run into an idol! (Yes, it has happened before! 🤯)

5. Go to an Outdoor K-pop Concert or Music Show

July is a great time for K-pop concerts and festivals! Many idols perform at summer music festivals, and you can also attend live recordings of music shows like Music Bank (KBS), M Countdown (Mnet), or Inkigayo (SBS).

📍 Where: KBS, CJ ENM Center, SBS Prism Tower

Tip: Check online for ticketing details! Some shows offer free entry for international fans.

6. Try Summer-Exclusive Korean Desserts

Korean summers = dessert heaven! You must try bingsu (빙수), a shaved ice dessert with toppings like red bean, mango, or matcha. So refreshing! 😍

📍 Where:

• Sulbing (설빙) – Famous for its matcha & injeolmi bingsu
• Meal Top (밀탑) – Known for its traditional red bean bingsu

7. Escape to a Themed Indoor Park 

Seoul summers can be brutally hot, so indoor parks like Lotte World are lifesavers! It’s the world’s largest indoor amusement park with roller coasters, parades, and even a magical castle that looks straight out of a fairytale. ✨

📍 Where: Lotte World, Jamsil

Tip: Buy tickets online for discounts and avoid long lines!

8. Visit Everland for a Summer Adventure

If you love theme parks, don’t miss Everland! It’s Korea’s biggest amusement park, featuring fun summer water rides, the legendary T-Express (one of the world’s steepest wooden roller coasters), and even a safari!

📍 Where: Everland, Yongin (1.5 hours from Seoul)

9. Explore the Night Markets for Street Food 

Seoul’s night markets are so fun in summer! Visit Dongdaemun Night Market or Myeongdong Street Market for some of the best street food, like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), gyeranppang (egg bread), and cheese lobster tails. 🤤

📍 Where: Myeongdong, Dongdaemun, Banpo Hangang Night Market

Tip: Some stalls only accept cash, so bring some won with you!

10. Check Out Seoul’s Cooling Stations 

Seoul has installed cooling stations around the city during summer! These shaded rest areas with mist sprays and fans can be found in places like Gwanghwamun Square, Dongdaemun, and Hongdae. Perfect for a quick break from the heat! 😎

📍 Where: Various locations across Seoul

11. Explore Ikseon-dong’s Hidden Alleyways

If you love aesthetic cafes, unique boutiques, and traditional hanok vibes, Ikseon-dong is a must-visit! This area is full of hidden gems, with cafes that feel like you’ve stepped into a fairytale. Perfect for a coffee break and Instagram-worthy shots! 📸

📍 Where: Ikseon-dong, Jongno

Also read: Tourist? Try 7 Best Cafe in Seoul 2025, Instagrammable and Popular!

12. Enjoy a Night View from Namsan Seoul Tower

Namsan Seoul Tower offers one of the best panoramic views of Seoul! At night, the city lights look absolutely stunning. You can hike up, take a cable car, or even leave a love lock like in K-dramas. 💕

📍 Where: Namsan Mountain

13. Discover Starfield COEX Library

If you need an indoor break, Starfield COEX Library is a dreamy spot with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. Even if you’re not a bookworm, the architecture itself is worth a visit! Plus, it’s inside a mall, so you can shop or grab food afterward. 😍

📍 Where: COEX Mall, Gangnam

14. Shop for K-pop Merch at Myeongdong & Hongdae 

No trip to Seoul is complete without K-pop shopping!

Myeongdong and Hongdae have tons of stores selling albums, photo cards, and fan merchandise. Some even have exclusive items you can’t get online! 🛍️

📍 Where: Myeongdong Underground Shopping Center, K-Star Road (Gangnam), Line Friends Store (BT21)

15. Experience Traditional Korea at Bukchon Hanok Village

Want to see real traditional Korean houses? Bukchon Hanok Village is a preserved area full of beautiful hanok homes. You can also rent a hanbok (Korean traditional clothing) and feel like you’re in a historical drama! 🎎

📍 Where: Bukchon Hanok Village, Anguk Station

16. Visit the DMZ for a Unique History Trip

For history lovers, a trip to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is super interesting. You’ll learn about the Korean War, step inside the Third Tunnel, and even get a peek at North Korea! 😲

📍 Where: DMZ, near Paju

17. Watch a Non-Verbal Performance Like NANTA 

Want to watch a fun show without worrying about language barriers? NANTA is a famous non-verbal performance that mixes comedy, cooking, and acrobatics! It’s perfect for all ages and seriously entertaining! 👏

📍 Where: Myeongdong or Hongdae Theaters

18. Chill at a Rooftop Bar with a City View 

Seoul’s skyline is stunning at night, and there are many rooftop bars where you can enjoy cocktails while overlooking the city! If you love a good night out, this is the spot to be! 🌃

📍 Where:

• Mondrian Seoul Itaewon – Trendy & stylish
• Oriole – Cozy and great for dates

19. Have Fun at a Coin Karaoke (코인노래방) 

You can’t visit Korea without karaoke! But instead of booking a big room, try a coin noraebang—you pay per song, so it’s great for solo travelers or quick fun! Many places even have idol-style mic effects! 🎶

📍 Where: Almost everywhere! Look for 노래방 signs in Myeongdong, Hongdae, or Gangnam.

20. End Your Trip with a Han River Cruise 

For a relaxing end to your trip, take a Han River night cruise! The city lights reflecting on the water make for a magical last-night-in-Seoul experience. Some cruises even include live music or fireworks! 🎇

Final Thoughts?

Seoul in July is HOT, but it’s also so much fun! Whether you’re rolling in mud at a festival, fangirling at a music show, or eating your weight in bingsu, there’s always something exciting happening. 

Just bring a fan, sunscreen, and drink lots of water—you’ll thank me later! 😆

Planning to visit Seoul this July? Drop a comment if you need more tips! Safe travels! ✈️💙