[Mission] Summer in Korea: How Korean People stay refreshed Between Tradition and Modernity
2025-07-31
Korea's summers are hot and humid, yet Koreans have developed a range of strategies to combat the sweltering temperatures.
One of the primary methods for staying cool indoors is the widespread use of air conditioning. Homes, offices, shopping centres, and public transport systems are extensively equipped with air conditioning units, offering a crucial respite from the heat. However, the high cost of electricity means that constant air conditioning use is not always feasible for everyone. Consequently, electric fans serve as a popular and more economical alternative. For those venturing outdoors, handheld fans are a common accessory.
Korean culinary traditions also play a significant role in summer refreshment. A variety of foods and beverages are enjoyed for their cooling properties. Popular choices include naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles), bingsu (a shaved ice dessert), refreshing watermelon, and shikhye (a traditional sweet rice drink).
Despite the intense heat, Koreans embrace outdoor activities during the summer months, particularly enjoying beaches and water parks. Haeundae Beach in Busan and Gyeongpo Beach in Gangneung are highly frequented coastal destinations, while water parks such as Caribbean Bay in Everland are also popular. In addition, temporary pools are set up as part of the Seoul Beach Festival near Gwanghwamun Square and are open to visitors daily throughout the event.
Evenings offer a welcome drop in temperature, allowing for leisurely strolls and outdoor pursuits like busking. Parks and riverside areas, notably the Han River, become popular spots for evening walks, picnics, and exercise.
Finally, two traditional Korean practices offer fascinating insights into historical cooling methods:
*Deungmok: This traditional cooling method involves splashing water onto the back of a person lying face-down with their arms and legs in an upright overhead position and on the ground. This practice helps to lower body temperature by cooling the numerous blood vessels located on the back, providing relief during hot weather.
*Jukbuin: Known as a "bamboo wife," this is a woven tube crafted from bamboo strips with deliberate open spaces. It earned its affectionate nickname because men often embrace it during the summer months as an alternative to their actual wives. The open weave of the bamboo allows for excellent air circulation, making it a comfortable and effective tool for staying cool.
As temperatures climb globally, the resourceful approaches adopted by Koreans to navigate their humid summers offer valuable insights. From ingenious traditional practices to modern comforts and a vibrant culture of outdoor enjoyment, their methods reflect a deep understanding of climate adaptation. Perhaps, by embracing some of these strategies – whether it's cooling foods, a relaxing evening stroll, or even the intriguing concept of a 'bamboo wife' – one might discover not only relief from the heat but also a deeper appreciation for the ingenuity embedded within different cultures.
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