The rainy season, known in Korean as jangma (장마), is a period of concentrated rainfall that occurs every summer in Korea, typically arriving between late June and early August. In a typical year, the rainy season in the central region (Seoul and the greater capital area) begins around June 25 and ends in late July, lasting an average of approximately 31 to 32 days in total. When accompanied by heavy rain and strong winds, it can lead to flooding, landslides, and casualties. However, because the rainy season can be predicted in advance, preparing ahead of time can significantly reduce the risk. Please read through this guide in advance and do a quick check before the rainy season arrives. For the actual start and end dates of the rainy season, please check the Korea Meteorological Administration’s Weather Nuri website.

Emergency Contact Numbers

If a dangerous situation arises, contact the following immediately.

  • 119: The nationwide number for fire, rescue, and emergency medical services
  • 120 Dasan Call Center: For inquiries related to Seoul city services (for those in Seoul)
  • 1345: The Immigration Contact Center — a multilingual helpline for foreigners covering immigration and residency matters (weekdays 09:00-22:00)

Checking Emergency Alert Messages (CBS)

When heavy rain or a typhoon is expected, the government sends emergency alert messages to mobile phones. The Korea Meteorological Administration sends these messages only to the specific areas where a dangerous situation has occurred, broken down to the level of individual townships, towns, and neighborhoods (eup, myeon, and dong — the smallest administrative units in Korea). If you have a mobile phone activated in Korea, you will receive these messages automatically without any special settings. When a message arrives, always check the contents and follow the instructions. It is also a good idea to keep an eye on news and radio at the same time.

If you install the Safety Stepping Stone app (Andidimol) provided by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, you can check disaster information directly within the app. The Emergency Ready App, a dedicated app for foreigners, is also available for download from your app store.

What to Do Outdoors During Heavy Rain or a Typhoon

  • Do not open an umbrella when there is thunder and lightning. Also stay away from utility poles and large trees. If you hear thunder within 30 seconds of seeing lightning, move quickly to a safe location.
  • Never cross a road or stream that has flooded. Even if the water looks shallow, the current can be extremely strong and dangerous.
  • If you are driving, never drive through a flooded road or a submerged bridge (a low bridge designed to go under water when water levels rise). Stay on familiar roads, keep your gear in low, and drive slowly.
  • Stay away from glass windows and building signage, as strong winds can cause objects to fall. Move to an open area or inside a building as much as possible.

Preparing at Home in Advance

Before heavy rain arrives, please check the following in advance.

  • Check inside and outside your home for any areas that might leak or collapse.
  • Check that gutters and drainage channels are not blocked. If they are blocked, rainwater can back up and flow into your home.
  • Prepare the following items in advance:
    • A water pump (a machine for pumping out water — especially important for those living in basement or semi-basement units)
    • A flashlight and spare batteries
    • Emergency food and drinking water (at least a 3-day supply)
    • Waterproof plastic bags to hold important documents such as your passport, Alien Registration Card, and bank books

If You Live in an Area Prone to Flooding

  • Check your evacuation route and evacuation shelter near your home in advance. Schools and community centers in the area are typically designated as shelters. You can also search for shelter locations at the National Disaster Safety Portal.
  • Save the phone number of your local community center (주민센터 — the neighborhood-level administrative office in Korea). You can search by neighborhood name on Naver or Kakao Maps to easily find the location and contact information.
  • Secure communication tools such as a radio or a loudspeaker. These will allow you to receive information even during a power outage.
  • If you need emergency living support after a disaster, you can receive assistance through the Korean Red Cross Hopeful Pinwheel Emergency Support program.

If You Live in a Rural or Mountainous Area

  • If drainage channels and gutters are blocked, clear them in advance.
  • Old retaining walls (walls built from stone or concrete to hold back soil) and fences can collapse during heavy rain. If you see any area that looks dangerous, put up a warning sign and report it to the local government authority responsible for that area.
  • If a heavy rain or typhoon warning has been issued, do not go outside to check irrigation channels (water channels used to manage water flow in rice paddies).

If You Live in a Fishing Village or Coastal Area

  • Repair any cracks or damaged parts of your facilities in advance.
  • Check that the communication equipment, navigation equipment, and life-saving equipment on fishing boats are working properly and ready for immediate use.

If You Are Camping Outdoors

  • When outdoors in the mountains, at the beach, or at a fishing spot, check weather information frequently using a radio or smartphone.
  • If the weather suddenly deteriorates, evacuate to a safe indoor location without delay. Thinking “I’ll stay a little longer” can be dangerous.
  • If you are camping or swimming near mountain valleys, rivers, or breakwaters and the weather worsens, let the people around you know and evacuate together to a safe location.

Life at an Evacuation Shelter

In Korea, when a disaster occurs, school gymnasiums, community centers, and sports centers are operated as temporary evacuation shelters. When going to a shelter, it is a good idea to bring your Alien Registration Card (or passport), any regular medications, a change of clothes, and a charger. To check whether a shelter is operating, contact your community center (120 or your local government office number), or search for shelter locations at the National Disaster Safety Portal.

Figures and schedules may change depending on circumstances, so for any questions, please contact 1345 or your local Korea Immigration Service office to confirm the latest information.