Safety Rules Foreigners Must Know During the Rainy Season

Frequent Heavy Rain, Flooding, and Traffic Delays... Checking Disaster Alerts Is Essential

Summer in Korea is accompanied by the sweltering heat and the arrival of the rainy season. The rainy season (Jangma) is a phenomenon characterized by continuous rainfall caused by the influence of the monsoon front, which is formed when the North Pacific high-pressure system meets the Okhotsk Sea air mass. Generally, it lasts from late June to late July, and recently, due to the effects of climate change, torrential downpours—where large amounts of rain fall in a short period—are occurring frequently.

In particular, foreigners and international students unfamiliar with life in Korea often experience inconvenience because they are unaware of Korea‘s disaster response system, including disaster alerts, weather advisories, and traffic controls. Experts emphasize that “during the rainy season, small preparations determine safety.”

The first thing to check is weather information. In Korea, when heavy rain is expected, the Korea Meteorological Administration issues heavy rain advisories and warnings. Additionally, if a dangerous situation occurs, emergency disaster alerts are sent to mobile phones. Recently, English guidance services have been expanded in some regions, gradually improving information accessibility for foreigners.

Weather conditions can be checked through the Korea Meteorological Administration’s “Weather Nuri,” various weather applications, and map services. Simply getting into the habit of checking rainfall amounts and weather advisories before going out can prevent many risks.

It is easy to think that preparing just an umbrella is sufficient during the rainy season, but in reality, waterproof shoes and bags can be even more important. When heavy rain falls, water often pools on sidewalks and crosswalks, causing regular sneakers to get soaked easily. Wearing wet shoes for extended periods is not only uncomfortable but also detrimental to foot health.

If you are a student who frequently carries a laptop or tablet, preparing a waterproof backpack cover or pouch is also helpful. This is because cases of electronic devices being damaged by sudden heavy rain occur repeatedly every year.

Avoiding areas at risk of flooding is another important safety rule. On days with heavy rain, it is best to avoid underpasses, areas near rivers, and densely populated semi-basement housing. In areas where water rises rapidly, passage can become difficult within minutes, and accidents where vehicles and pedestrians become isolated actually occur.

In particular, access to Han River Park and riverside walking paths is often restricted during torrential downpours. You must check for control signs and announcements. Experts advise against crossing roads where water rises above the knees. This is because it can be extremely dangerous, as manhole covers may be open or it is difficult to check road conditions.

Traffic delays are another major inconvenience during the rainy season. Heavy rain can cause bus operations to be delayed or certain sections to be closed due to traffic congestion. Subways also experience delays due to safety inspections or concerns about flooding.

On days with important exams, interviews, or classes, it is advisable to leave about 20 to 30 minutes earlier than usual. Real-time traffic information can be checked via Kakao Map, Naver Map, the Seoul Metro app, and KorailTalk. It is important for international students to also check their school websites or department announcements to ensure they do not miss information regarding the transition to online classes.

It is also necessary to know key contact numbers in preparation for emergencies. You can use 119 for fire, rescue, and medical emergencies; 112 for crime reports; 1339 for emergency medical consultations; and 1345 for inquiries regarding foreigners. Even if your Korean is not fluent, you can request assistance using simple English, and some organizations also provide interpretation services. Health management is also essential. During the rainy season, high humidity makes it easy for mold and bacteria to multiply. It is advisable to ventilate indoor spaces frequently and wash wet clothes immediately. Since high humidity raises the perceived temperature and can easily lead to fatigue, sufficient hydration is also necessary.

When using an air conditioner, it is best to avoid creating an excessive temperature difference between the inside and outside. Utilizing the dehumidification function in conjunction with the air conditioner can help maintain a more comfortable environment.

The key to safety during the rainy season is preparation, not excessive anxiety. Checking weather information and following basic safety guidelines can prevent most dangers.

The rainy season is a representative summer phenomenon in Korea, but recently, unpredictable torrential downpours have become more frequent. In particular, for foreigners and international students, knowing basic safety rules in advance—such as checking disaster alerts, avoiding flooded areas, and memorizing emergency contact numbers—can be the first step toward a safe life in Korea.

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