Korea Typhoon Season: When to Prepare and How to Stay Safe

Korea Typhoon Season: When It Hits and What You Need to Know

After three years in Seoul, I've learned that typhoon season (태풍 시즌) is something you definitely need to take seriously. Unlike the mild spring and autumn we love here, late summer and early fall can get pretty intense. Let me break down what you need to know.

When Does Typhoon Season Actually Happen?

Typhoon season in Korea officially runs from May to November, but here's the real talk: the serious stuff happens between August and September. This is when the Pacific typhoons (台風, or 태풍) actually reach the Korean peninsula. I've been through some genuinely scary storms during these months, so don't brush this off.

The peak danger window is late August through mid-September. In 2023, Typhoon Hinnamnor hit Seoul pretty hard in early September, and in 2022, Typhoon Noru caused serious flooding. These aren't just rain—we're talking winds that can knock you over and flooding that shuts down subway lines.

How to Stay Informed

Your smartphone is your best friend here. Download these apps immediately:

기상청 (Korea Meteorological Administration app): This is the official government weather app. It's free and gives you real-time typhoon tracking, rainfall predictions, and alerts in English if you set it up. The push notifications have literally saved me from getting stuck outside during storms.

Naver Weather or Kakao Weather: These apps are also solid and popular with locals.

For detailed information, check www.kma.go.kr/eng (English version of the Korea Meteorological Administration).

What Actually Happens During a Typhoon?

When a typhoon warning (태풍 경보) is issued:

Schools and some offices close

Subway service may be reduced or stopped entirely

Buses stop running in affected areas

Convenience stores get picked clean (seriously, the ramen aisle empties out)

Heavy rainfall causes flash flooding in underpasses and along Han River parks

The scariest part? Underpasses (지하차도) flood incredibly fast. Never, ever drive or walk through one during heavy rain. This isn't a joke—people have died doing this.

Practical Preparation Tips

Stock up a week before: Water (2L bottles are around 1,500 KRW), instant noodles, canned food, and batteries

Keep your phone charged: Buy a portable power bank (around 15,000-30,000 KRW at GS25 or CU)

Check your apartment: Make sure windows close properly. Many older Korean apartments have gaps. I use weather stripping tape (around 5,000 KRW) to seal them

Have cash on hand: ATMs sometimes go down during storms

Tell your employer/university in advance: Most places are understanding about typhoon absences

What I Learned the Hard Way

My first typhoon in Seoul, I tried to go to work on the subway. Big mistake. The line was suspended, and I ended up walking home in winds that nearly blew me off my feet. Now I just work from home (재택근무) when a typhoon warning is issued. Most employers expect this during 태풍 season.

Also, don't ignore the warnings. Koreans take this seriously for good reason—this peninsula is genuinely in the typhoon's path.

Quick Tip

Set up Korean emergency alerts on your phone right now. Go to Settings → Notifications → and enable emergency alerts. You'll get real-time warnings in Korean and English. This single thing has prevented me from making dozens of dumb decisions during storms.

Stay safe out there! 🌪️