I’ve always thought of summer in Korea as a season of iced Americanos, weekend trips to the coast, and sweating through my clothes by 10 a.m. But this past week? It’s been a different kind of summer—drenched, dramatic, and honestly, a little bit unnerving.

⛈️ Waking Up to Thunder and Flood Alerts

It started last weekend. I was woken up around 5 a.m. not by my alarm, but by that deep, shaking thunder that feels like it’s rolling through your bones. I grabbed my phone and saw the emergency alert: “Torrential rain. Stay indoors. Landslide risk in low areas.” These alerts are pretty common during the monsoon season here—but something about the tone felt heavier this time.

And then, the rain just didn’t stop.

From my 7th-floor apartment in Seoul, I watched the streets turn into slow-moving streams. Delivery drivers were still out there (bless them), wading through knee-deep water on scooters. I canceled my weekend plans, which honestly felt like a relief—I wasn't going anywhere in that weather.

🛑 Roads Closed, Flights Canceled, and City Life Slowed

By Tuesday, the news was grim: people were being evacuated in the south, Osan had a deadly landslide, and parts of Gwangju were under water. A friend of mine in Suwon said her apartment basement was completely flooded—and worse, one of her neighbors lost their car in the underground garage.

Public transportation kept running, but it was eerie how empty the subways were. Even Seoul Station, normally a buzzing hub, felt quiet and tense—like everyone was just waiting for the next downpour.

💡 Electricity, Emergency Bags, and That Constant Humidity

For the first time in years, I actually packed a small go-bag—just in case. Some snacks, a power bank, documents, a flashlight. My building didn’t lose electricity, but others nearby did. A neighbor told me their power flickered every time lightning struck nearby.

The hardest part, honestly, wasn’t just the rain—it was the humidity. Clothes wouldn’t dry. My apartment smelled like mildew by day four. And there’s a particular kind of cabin fever you feel when you can’t even go for a walk without stepping into ankle-deep puddles.

🌥️ A Break in the Clouds (But Not for Long)

Yesterday (July 18), the rain eased up. You could almost feel the entire city exhale. Kids were out again in parks, cafes were filling up, and the sun peeked through for a brief hour. But forecasts say more thunderstorms are coming early next week, with temperatures rising into the mid-30s (around 93°F).

It’s the classic Korean summer shift: from torrential rains straight into stifling heat.

🌎 Bigger Picture: It’s Not Just “Monsoon Season” Anymore

Growing up, I used to think of 장마 (Changma) season as a short, predictable thing. A couple of rainy weeks and then done. But now? It’s more erratic. It rains harder, floods faster, and the damage cuts deeper. I read that Seoul saw over 200mm in some areas just this week—more than what used to fall in a whole month. Climate change isn’t a distant idea anymore. It’s here. It’s soaking through our shoes and into our routines.

What I’ve Learned (and What I’ll Do Differently)

If this week taught me anything, it’s how fragile daily life becomes when the weather decides otherwise. Here’s what I’ll be doing going forward:

• Always check the emergency alerts, even if they seem repetitive.

• Avoid basements during flood warnings—cars, storage, everything.

• Don’t underestimate the power of a good umbrella (mine flipped inside-out twice).

• And most importantly, have some empathy. Everyone’s coping differently—especially the elderly and those in rural areas hit hardest.

So that’s my rainy week in Seoul. If you’re here too—stay safe, stay dry, and check the weather before you leave the house. And maybe, take a moment to enjoy the sound of rain on your window. It’s not all bad… as long as you’re not outside in it.