Learn Must-Know Words, Expressions, and Cultural Tips for Korea’s Rainy Season (장마철)

Korea’s 장마 (jangma) or monsoon season typically hits during the summer, bringing heavy rains, high humidity, and weather-related challenges. Whether you’re living in Korea or visiting, knowing key vocabulary and expressions can help you stay dry and safe while navigating daily life during the rainy season.

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☔ Must-Know 장마 Vocabulary in Korean

Korean	Pronunciation	English
장마	jang-ma	Monsoon season
장마철	jang-ma-cheol	Rainy season period
폭우	pok-u	Heavy rain
소나기	so-na-gi	Sudden shower
비	bi	Rain
이슬비	i-seul-bi	Drizzle
비구름	bi-gu-reum	Rain cloud
천둥	cheon-dung	Thunder
번개	beon-gae	Lightning
습도	seup-do	Humidity
곰팡이	gom-pang-i	Mold
침수	chim-su	Flooding
누수	nu-su	Leak
우산	u-san	Umbrella
우비	u-bi	Raincoat
장화	jang-hwa	Rain boots
제습기	je-seup-gi	Dehumidifier

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🌂 Useful Verbs & Phrases for the Rainy Season

Korean	Pronunciation	English
비가 오다	bi-ga o-da	It’s raining
비를 맞다	bi-reul mat-da	To get rained on
우산을 쓰다	u-san-eul sseu-da	To use an umbrella
젖다	jeot-da	To get wet
빨래가 안 마르다	ppal-lae-ga an ma-reu-da	Laundry doesn’t dry
습기가 많다	seup-gi-ga man-ta	It’s very humid
곰팡이가 생기다	gom-pang-i-ga saeng-gi-da	Mold is forming
누수가 있다	nu-su-ga it-da	There is a leak
제습기를 켜다	je-seup-gi-reul kyeo-da	Turn on the dehumidifier

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🗣️ Common 장마 Expressions in Korean

Korean	Pronunciation	English
우산 챙기세요!	u-san chaeng-gi-se-yo!	Don’t forget your umbrella!
오늘 비 많이 와요.	o-neul bi ma-ni wa-yo	It’s raining a lot today.
옷 다 젖었어요.	ot da jeo-jeot-seo-yo	My clothes are soaked.
빨래가 냄새나요.	ppal-lae-ga naem-sae-na-yo	The laundry smells bad.
습기 때문에 불편해요.	seup-gi ttae-mun-e bul-pyeon-hae-yo	The humidity is uncomfortable.
창문 꼭 닫으세요.	chang-mun kkok dat-eu-se-yo	Be sure to close the windows.
장화 신는 게 좋아요.	jang-hwa sin-neun ge jo-a-yo	It’s better to wear rain boots.

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🌧️ 장마 in Korea – Practical Tips & Cultural Notes

📅 When Is 장마?

• Typically between late June and mid-July, lasting about 3–4 weeks.
• Sudden weather changes are common — check daily forecasts (일기예보).

🏠 Home Prep During 장마

• Use 제습기 (dehumidifiers) to prevent mold.
• Open windows occasionally for 환기 (ventilation) if it’s not raining.
• Dry clothes inside with 건조대 (drying racks) or near a fan.

👕 Clothes & Mold Issues

• Avoid drying clothes outside — they won’t dry and may smell.
• Mold can appear in 옷장 (closets), bathrooms, and corners — keep areas dry.

🚨 Outdoor Safety

• Watch for 침수 (flooded roads) and 미끄러운 길 (slippery paths).
• Don’t walk through deep water — it may hide open drains or wires.

☕ Mood & Mental Health

• The gloomy weather may cause 우울감 (depressed mood). Bright lighting indoors and short walks can help.
• Koreans often enjoy 따뜻한 음식 (warm foods) like 칼국수, 김치전, or a warm drink during rainy days.

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🌧️ Bonus 장마 Vocabulary

Korean	Pronunciation	English
젖은 옷	jeo-jeun ot	Wet clothes
통풍	tong-pung	Air circulation
선풍기	seon-pung-gi	Electric fan
방수	bang-su	Waterproof
빗길	bit-gil	Wet road
창문 틈	chang-mun teum	Window gap
곰팡이 제거제	gom-pang-i je-geo-je	Mold remover

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🎯 Vocabulary Quiz

1. What is the Korean word for “mold”?
2. How do you say “It’s very humid” in Korean?
3. Translate: “Don’t forget your umbrella.”

💬 Comment your answers below & share your 장마철 survival tips!

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📚 Want to Learn More?

✔️ Safety in Korean
✔️ Culture shock in Korean
✔️ Ski & Snowboard in Korean

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