Korea Monsoon and Typhoon Season: What Foreign Residents Need to Know

If you get a weather alert on your phone during a Korean rainstorm and can't read the Korean text, you are not alone. Most foreign residents have been there. This guide explains what the alert means, what to do next, and how to prepare before the rain season starts.

Korea's annual monsoon and typhoon seasons bring heavy, sustained rain to most of the country. The risk is real but manageable. Knowing the alert system, downloading two apps, and understanding the specific risks of your housing type are the three things that make the biggest difference.

When does the monsoon season run?

The monsoon (장마, jangma) is a seasonal weather pattern driven by a stationary front that stalls over the Korean Peninsula and brings a large share of the country's annual rainfall in roughly one month.

Historical averages based on KMA records since 1973:

These are historical averages, not predictions. The KMA does not issue official advance forecasts for monsoon start or end dates. Published predicted dates from third-party sources are projections, not official KMA statements. Some years the monsoon starts earlier; some years it arrives in July.

Typhoon season runs from July through September. The most severe storms typically arrive in August and September. The Pacific typhoon season technically runs April through November, but peak risk for Korea falls in late summer.

July and August overlap both seasons. Plan accordingly.

The alert system: what your phone will tell you

Emergency alert text (재난문자)

When severe weather is forecast or hits your area, the government pushes a 재난문자 (jaenan munja, emergency alert text) to every mobile phone in the affected area. You will hear a loud alert tone even if your phone is on silent.

Since February 28, 2024, these alerts include English keywords alongside the Korean text. For heavy rain events, you will see terms like "Heavy Rain Warning" in English within the message. For earthquakes, "Earthquake" and the magnitude appear in English. Full bilingual messages are not sent because character limits apply.

The Korean text can look alarming if you cannot read it. The English keywords tell you the type of emergency. The two apps below give you the full picture.

KMA heavy-rain thresholds

The Korea Meteorological Administration (기상청, KMA) uses two levels of heavy-rain alert:

(As of 2026, based on current KMA criteria at kma.go.kr/kma/biz/forecast03.jsp, verify at source.)

The warning level is roughly twice the advisory threshold. When you receive a warning-level alert and you live in a ground-floor or semi-basement unit, treat it as a signal to prepare to leave.

For typhoons, the KMA issues a typhoon advisory (태풍주의보) and a typhoon warning (태풍경보). A typhoon warning is issued when warning-level winds, rough seas, or storm surge are forecast, or when total expected rainfall reaches 200 mm or more.

You can check current severe weather alerts in English at kma.go.kr/neng/forecast/warning.do and track typhoons at kma.go.kr/neng/typhoon/typhoon-information.do.

Two apps to download now

Emergency Ready App (English): Operated by the Ministry of Interior and Safety (MOIS), this app provides real-time emergency alerts, shelter locations (대피소), embassy contacts, and a direct 119 connection. Available on Android and iOS. Search "Emergency Ready App" or use the package ID kr.go.nema.disasteralert_eng on Google Play.

안전디딤돌 (Anjeon Didimddol) (Korean): The Korean-language version with the same features. MOIS information is at mois.go.kr/frt/sub/a06/b11/safetyStep/screen.do.

Download at least the Emergency Ready App before rainy season starts. It works without an internet connection once the shelter data is cached.

The banjiha risk: the most important section in this guide

If you live in a semi-basement unit (반지하, banjiha), read this section carefully.

A banjiha is a residential unit partially below street level, with windows at or near ground level. They are common affordable housing for students, low-income residents, and many foreign residents across visa categories.

The specific danger during heavy rain is this: if water pools outside a closed banjiha door before you open it, the water pressure can make the door impossible to open from the inside. SafeKorea flood safety guidance confirms that once water outside a door reaches roughly knee height (around 50 cm), the door becomes extremely difficult or impossible to force open from inside. A door held shut by pooled water cannot be forced open by most people.

In August 2022, extraordinary rainfall struck Seoul. Floods killed residents across the city, including people trapped in banjiha units. One family of three could not escape because water pressure sealed their door shut.

The rule: evacuate early, before water pools outside your door.

Experts advise that if rain continues for 2 to 3 hours without stopping, you should open the door to check whether water is pooling outside and leave immediately. Do not wait for water to enter the unit through gaps. By the time water is coming in, the door may already be impossible to open outward.

Go to an upper floor or to the street. Head to the nearest shelter (대피소). Tell someone where you are going.

What to check before renting a banjiha or ground-floor unit

Before signing a lease for any below-ground or low-lying unit, ask these questions:

• Is the address in a habitually flooded zone (상습침수지역)? Seoul city has formal flood-risk designations; ask your agent or check with the community center (주민센터).
• Has a flood barrier (물막이판, water board) been installed at the entrance? Seoul targeted 20,000 flood-prone banjiha units for barrier installation. Ask to see the existing barrier and confirm it is in working condition.
• Is there a drainage pump on the premises?
• Has the unit flooded before? Ask the landlord in writing.

A written record of these questions protects you and shows due diligence before signing.

What to do when flooding begins

This is the Seoul Metropolitan Government's official guidance for flood situations.

Immediately:

1. Shut off the electric circuit breaker (누전차단기) to prevent electrocution from water contact with electrical systems.
2. Close the gas valve (가스 밸브).
3. If you have time and water is not yet inside, fill the bathtub with clean water. Tap water can become contaminated during flooding.
4. Bring outdoor items inside if you can do so safely. Unsecured items become projectiles in high water.
5. Evacuate to higher ground. Do not wait for water to enter.

While evacuating:

• Do not walk through flowing water. Even 15 cm of moving water can knock an adult down.
• Do not drive through flooded streets.
• Proceed to the nearest designated shelter (대피소). You can find shelter locations on the Emergency Ready App or at eng.safekorea.go.kr.

After a flood:

• Do not re-enter your home until authorities confirm it is structurally safe.
• Do not light a match or lighter before ventilating thoroughly. Gas can accumulate during flooding.
• Do not restore gas or electricity without a safety inspection from a qualified technician.
• Do not eat food or drink water that contacted floodwater.
• Wash any skin that came into contact with floodwater with soap and clean water.
• Document all damage with photos and contact your landlord immediately.

Source: Seoul Metropolitan Government English flood guidance at english.seoul.go.kr/service/living/disaster-evacuation-tips-citizens/flood/

Typhoon preparation

Typhoon season runs July through September. When a named typhoon is forecast to pass near Korea, take these steps before it arrives:

• Bring all outdoor items inside: flower pots, drying racks, bicycles, chairs. These become projectiles in strong winds.
• Stock 3 days of clean water and non-perishable food.
• Know the location of your nearest shelter (대피소) before you need it.
• Avoid outdoor activity and coastal areas during active typhoon warnings (태풍경보).
• Check the KMA English typhoon tracking page at kma.go.kr/neng/typhoon/typhoon-information.do.

Emergency contacts

For flood rescue, call 119 first. If you cannot communicate in Korean, follow immediately with "English please" or call 1330 for interpretation support.

Flood insurance: what tenants need to know

Korea has a government-backed storm and flood insurance scheme (풍수해보험) that covers damage from typhoons, floods, heavy rain, and related events. The premiums are heavily subsidized by the government.

Tenants can enroll in 풍수해보험 to insure their own household goods and movable property (가재도구). Article 5 of the Storm and Flood Insurance Act (풍수해보험법, Act No. 11497) requires the insured to be the "owner of the subject matter of insurance." A tenant owns their own belongings, so they qualify as the insured for those items. Enroll at your local community service center (행정복지센터).

As a tenant, you can also protect your belongings with private home insurance (화재보험) plus a wind and flood damage rider (풍수재손해 특약). This rider extends standard fire insurance to cover damage from typhoons, storms, heavy rain, floods, and tidal surges. It is an additional option, not your only option.

Check with your insurer whether the rider is already included in your policy or needs to be added. Confirm it covers personal belongings (가재도구) and not just the structure.

If you have a dispute about an insurance claim, contact the Financial Supervisory Service (금융감독원).

The responsibility for structural damage caused by inadequate drainage, roof leaks, or building defects generally falls to the landlord under Korean civil law. If you experience structural damage during a flood, document it, contact your landlord immediately in writing, and keep a record of all correspondence.

Finding a shelter near you

The Emergency Ready App shows real-time shelter locations once you download it. The SafeKorea English shelter finder at eng.safekorea.go.kr also lists designated evacuation shelters (대피소) by address.

In the field, look for red-and-white 대피소 signs. Choose shelters on higher ground. Avoid shelters located in basement levels.

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FAQ

When is monsoon season in Korea?

The monsoon season (장마) typically starts around June 25 for the central region including Seoul and ends around July 26, based on historical KMA averages since 1973. These are averages, not guarantees. The KMA does not issue official advance forecasts for monsoon start or end dates.

What is an emergency alert text (재난문자) and can I understand it if I don't read Korean?

A 재난문자 is an emergency SMS pushed to all mobile phones in an affected area. Since February 28, 2024, these alerts include English keywords alongside Korean text. For heavy rain, you will see "Heavy Rain Warning" in English. Download the Emergency Ready App for more detailed alerts in English.

What do the KMA heavy-rain alert thresholds mean in practice?

A heavy-rain advisory (호우주의보) means 60 mm or more of rain is expected in 3 hours, or 110 mm in 12 hours. A heavy-rain warning (호우경보) is issued at 90 mm per 3 hours or 180 mm per 12 hours. The warning level is roughly twice as severe as the advisory. Treat a warning-level alert as a prompt to check your surroundings and prepare to move if you are in a low-lying area.

I live in a banjiha (semi-basement). What should I do when heavy rain starts?

Evacuate early. If rain continues for 2 to 3 hours, open the door to check whether water is pooling outside and leave before it reaches the door frame. SafeKorea guidance confirms that a closed banjiha door can become impossible to open from the inside once water outside reaches roughly knee height. Do not wait for water to enter through gaps in the door.

As a tenant, can I get the government storm and flood insurance?

Yes. Tenants can enroll in the government storm and flood insurance scheme (풍수해보험) to cover their own household goods and movable property (가재도구). Premiums are heavily subsidized by the government. Enroll at your local community service center (행정복지센터). You can also add a wind and flood damage rider (풍수재손해 특약) to a private home insurance policy (화재보험) as an additional layer of protection.

What emergency number should I call during a flood?

Call 119 for flood rescue. Say "English please" when the operator answers. For 3-way interpretation with emergency services, call 1330, available 24/7 in multiple languages including English, Japanese, and Chinese.

Where can I find the nearest evacuation shelter?

The Emergency Ready App shows real-time shelter locations. The SafeKorea English shelter finder at eng.safekorea.go.kr lists shelters by address. Look for red-and-white 대피소 signs in your area. Choose shelters on higher ground.

What should I do immediately when flooding begins in my home?

Shut off the electric circuit breaker (누전차단기) and close the gas valve (가스 밸브) first. Fill the bathtub with clean water if you have time. Then evacuate immediately. Do not walk through flowing water; even 15 cm of moving water can knock you off your feet.

What should I avoid doing after a flood?

Do not re-enter your home until authorities confirm it is structurally safe. Do not use open flame before ventilating. Do not restore gas or electricity without a safety inspection. Do not eat or drink anything that contacted floodwater. Document all damage and contact your landlord in writing.

Is typhoon season different from monsoon season in Korea?

Yes. Monsoon season (장마) runs roughly late June to late July and is driven by a stationary weather front. Typhoon season runs July through September. The two seasons overlap in July and August. Typhoons also bring strong winds, which monsoon rain typically does not. The KMA issues separate typhoon alerts (태풍주의보 and 태풍경보).

@misc{seoulstart-korea-monsoon-typhoon-safety-guide,
  author = {{Seoulstart Editorial Team}},
  title = {{Korea Monsoon and Typhoon Season: What Foreign Residents Need to Know (2026)}},
  year = {2026},
  publisher = {Seoulstart},
  url = {https://seoulstart.com/guides/korea-monsoon-typhoon-safety-guide},
  note = {Last updated July 17, 2026}
}