The sweltering heat is expected to be severe again this summer. According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, the nationwide average temperature for the summer of 2025 was 25.7 degrees Celsius, the highest since 1973. With temperatures and sea surface temperatures also predicted to be higher than average in 2026, warnings are being issued that preparations for heatwaves are necessary.

For foreigners living in Korea, preparing for summer is no longer an option. In particular, learning how to use air conditioners, understand food culture, and manage health in advance can make navigating the unfamiliar heat much easier.

The first thing to pay attention to is the air conditioner. Since the burden of electricity bills in Korea increases with usage, leaving it on all day without thinking can result in a higher bill than expected. When first turning on the air conditioner, it is best to quickly lower the indoor temperature using the high setting and then maintain it at around 26 to 28 degrees Celsius. Using a fan in conjunction with the air conditioner can improve cooling efficiency by distributing the cool air evenly throughout the room. Cleaning the filter is also important. Removing dust every two to three weeks can help reduce the decline in cooling performance.

However, if the temperature difference between the inside and outside is excessive, it can lead to “air conditioning sickness,” accompanied by headaches, fatigue, and indigestion. It is also advisable to avoid prolonged direct exposure to the air conditioner‘s draft.

Knowing about Korea’s summer food culture can also be helpful. A representative restorative dish is Samgyetang. This dish, made by boiling chicken with ginseng and jujubes, is meant to replenish energy in a body exhausted by the heat. Eel is also widely known as a summer stamina food. If hot food is too much of a burden, you can choose refreshing yet nutritious options like Kongguksu (soybean noodle soup) or Memilguksu (buckwheat noodles). It is also important to replenish fluids with seasonal fruits such as watermelon and Korean melon.

Health management is also essential. Excessive sweating causes the loss of electrolytes along with water. Drinking an electrolyte drink along with water after outdoor activities aids in recovery. Vitamin C helps manage fatigue, B vitamins support energy metabolism, and magnesium can help relieve muscle tension and promote restful sleep. However, since nutritional supplements may not be suitable depending on an individual‘s health condition, it is safer to consult a specialist if you have a pre-existing condition or are taking medication.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) is operating its heat-related illness surveillance system again this year. Heat-related illnesses can manifest as headaches, dizziness, muscle cramps, fatigue, and decreased consciousness, and can become dangerous if left untreated. Last year, there were 4,460 reported cases of heat-related illnesses, an increase of more than 20% compared to the previous year.

Korean summers are hot and humid. However, simply following basic guidelines, using air conditioning wisely, consuming foods that suit one’s body, and replenishing fluids and electrolytes can significantly reduce the damage caused by heatwaves. For foreign residents, information is a survival strategy for coping with the Korean summer.

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