Monsoon season and typhoons
If you live in a flood-prone area, find out your evacuation point in advance.
Living through the rainy season (June–July)
- Mould — ventilation and dehumidifying are the basics. Use a dehumidifier, moisture packs, desiccant in wardrobes.
- Laundry — when drying indoors, ventilate and dehumidify.
- Food poisoning — don't leave food out at room temperature.
- Leaks — if water comes through the ceiling or window frames, tell the landlord at once and photograph it.
- Semi-basement and low-lying homes — prepare for flooding: flood barriers, check the drains.
When a typhoon comes
- Check the weather warnings — KMA and disaster texts.
- Rather than taping windows, sealing the frame gaps and locking the window is more effective.
- Bring in anything on the balcony or roof. Plant pots and drying racks become projectiles.
- Stay in, and especially avoid rivers, coastlines and underpasses.
- Prepare for power cuts — torch, power bank, drinking water.
- Walk clear of shop signs and street trees.
If flooding begins
- Move to higher ground immediately. People before belongings.
- Cut the electricity, and don't touch anything submerged.
- Basements are the most dangerous — once water rises, doors won't open.
- Call 119. See flood-emergency.
Where to go
- 119 emergency rescue
- Korea Meteorological Administration www.weather.go.kr
- Emergency Ready app (multilingual)
- Community centre (shelters, damage reports)
- 1588-3650 Safety Report
Questions people ask
I live in a semi-basement. How do I prepare? Identify your escape route and shelter in advance. See evacuation-shelters. Some local authorities subsidise flood barriers — ask your community centre.
My home has flooded. Once safe, photograph it and report at the community centre. See flood-fire-support.
I have to go to work in a typhoon. Outdoor work during a typhoon warning is dangerous, and employers must take safety measures. Consult 1350 or 1544-3088.
My car may be submerged. People come before cars. Never drive into a flooded road.
Take care
Never enter flooded roads or underpasses. Water that looks shallow will float a car. Manhole covers may be off, so don't walk through standing water. Walking or fishing near rivers is out of the question.
Related
weather-seasons · flood-emergency · typhoon-emergency · flood-fire-support · evacuation-shelters
Source
Korea Meteorological Administration www.weather.go.kr / As of 2026-08