Summer in the city ...

I may have to go to Seoul this summer on business. My business contacts are against it, because they say the weather is too bad. But because of family reasons I must visit some time between July 15 and September 1.

I don%26#39;t know what to expect in terms of weather. Is it absolutely impossible to go outside and to sightsee? Pouring rain all the time? Is there any particular time in that six week period when the weather is not awful?

I assume everywhere indoors in Seoul is air conditioned, or will that be a problem too? Does the city empty out during the summer, i.e. many things closing like in France or Italy?

Advice is welcome. Thank you.

Summer in the city ...

Usually monsoon rain season starts around late June and it lasts about 3 to 4 weeks, but the amount of rain has been hard to predict in recent years, it could rain for one whole day or you can see sun breaks out between rain for more than several hours. I think Seoul%26#39;s summer is very similar to D.C. weather, very hot, humid and hazy. But Seoul is very modern city with lots ACs around. Subways have pretty decent cooling system. :)

Although many people do go out on vacation, Seoul doesn%26#39;t get empty out like Europe since they don%26#39;t enjoy month-long vacation like Europeans. So you can definitely enjoy what city has to offer.

Summer in the city ...

There is no problem except weather. Seoul is hottest between July 15 and September 1. I strongly recomend to visit Seoul as late as possible. From August 20, temp falls.

largely agree with other posters; the weather is NOT awful, just warm and humid. I%26#39;ve had worse in NY.

But beware: you may not find a/c turned on a business meetings. I often visit people at this time of year, and I reckon 40 per cent cope without their a/c in the conference room. So, cultivate a liking for iced green tea and take short sleeved shirts. In this scenario, everyone takes their jackets and ties off; Americans I%26#39;ve travelled with have not been comfortable doing this, but it is OK as long as you don%26#39;t start it but leave it to someone else.

The subway is a good place to dive into to get off wet or hot streets.

Rent an umbrella from your hotel, otherwise you%26#39;ll find your business contact getting worried about you, and walking you to the taxi or station using their umbrellas.