Post: Korea Rainy Season 2025
Dates, Statistics & What Travelers Should Expect
The Korean word "jangma" (장마) is believed to have originated from the older form "댱마ㅎ", a combination of "jang (長)", meaning “long,” and "mah", meaning “rain.” This compound first appeared in the mid-1500s, evolved to "쟝마" in the late 1700s, and has been written as "장마" since the Japanese occupation period.
Region | Start Date | End Date | Duration | Rainy Days | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jeju Island | June 19 | July 20 | 32.4 days | 17.5 | 348.7 |
Southern Korea | June 23 | July 24 | 31.4 days | 17.0 | 341.1 |
Central Korea | June 25 | July 26 | 31.5 days | 17.7 | 378.3 |
Based on data from the past 15 years (2011–2025), Korea’s rainy season typically begins:
- around June 19 on Jeju Island
- around June 23 in southern Korea
- around June 25 in central Korea
⏳ The average duration is between 31 and 32 days.
☔ The average number of rainy days is about 17 to 18 per region.
🌧️ Average rainfall:
- Central Korea: 378 mm
- Southern Korea: 341 mm
- Jeju Island: 349 mm
This confirms that jangma is a consistent seasonal period lasting about a month, with rain expected roughly every other day.
🌧️ 2020 brought the wettest and longest jangma of this century.
☀️ Meanwhile, 2014 had one of the driest — barely 10 rainy days nationwide!
Metric | Year | Value |
|---|---|---|
📉 Least rainfall | 2014 | 146.2 mm |
📈 Most rainfall | 2020 | 696.0 mm |
📉 Fewest rainy days | 2014 | 9.9 days |
📈 Most rainy days | 2020 | 28.5 days |
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🌧️ Wettest year of the 21st century: 2020, with 696 mm and 28.5 rainy days.
☀️ Driest season: 2014, only 146.2 mm and 9.9 rainy days.
⏱️ Longest jangma: up to 54 days in 2020, depending on region.
🐢 Shortest season: just 14–16 days in 2018.
📆 Earliest start: June 10 (Jeju in 2020, south in 2011).
🕒 Latest onset: July 3 (in 2021 across all three regions).
📍 Central Korea gets the most rainfall on average — around 378 mm.
⚠️ In 2023, Korea recorded exceptionally high-intensity rainfall (≥30mm/hr) more often than usual.
🌂 Pack a lightweight raincoat or compact umbrella — more practical than a heavy jacket.
👟 Waterproof shoes are essential, especially for walking tours.
📷 Don’t shy away from cloudy skies — wet stone, misty mountains, and deep green landscapes make for magical photos.
🚌 Allow extra time in your plans — rain may cause delays or schedule changes.
☕ Rainy season is perfect for cozy indoor spots — cafés with views, spas, museums, and temple visits feel extra serene in the rain.
Korea’s jangma isn’t just about rain — it’s a season of reflection, green beauty, and quiet discovery.
Traveling during the monsoon can reveal a deeper, more poetic side of Korea.