Once 장마철 (jang-ma-cheol) or monsoon season starts in Korea, the skies pour suddenly, humidity skyrockets, and the air feels 꿉꿉하다 (kkub-kkub-ha-da) or damp and muggy. Have you ever wondered what essential items are in every Korean’s rainy-season survival kit? Meet 장마템 (jang-ma-tem), the must-haves that keep monsoon days manageable and even a little fun. Let’s dive in!
1.우산 (U-San) – An Umbrella
Let’s start with the rainy day basics: an umbrella. A clear 투명우산 (tu-myeong-u-san), or transparent umbrella, is especially popular—not just for its practicality, but for its effortlessly cool aesthetic. Think of all those K‑drama rainy scenes. Gone are the days of boring black umbrellas! In Korea, your 우산 (u-san) can be a fashion accessory, a statement.
2. 레인부츠 (Le-In-Bu-Cheu) – Rain Boots
Stepping into a puddle with sneakers? That can be a total disaster or 최악 (chwae-ak)! That’s why 레인부츠 (le-in-bu-cheu) or rain boots are a true 장마템 (jang-ma-tem), a rainy season must-have. In Seoul, you’ll find them in pastel colors such as 베이비핑크 (bae-i-bi-ping-keu), baby pink and 민트색 (min-teu-saek), cutesy mint—turning gloomy mornings into Instagram‑worthy moments.
Bonus: Pair them with cute 양말 (yang-mal), socks for some extra flair.
3. 방수 파우치 (Bang-Su Pa-u-chi) – Waterproof Pouch
A 방수 파우치 (bang-su pa-u-chi), or water resistant pouch, is a total lifesaver. Koreans love practical yet pretty ones. You’ll spot pouches with 귀여운 캐릭터 (kwi-yeo-un kae-rik-teo) meaning cute characters like 카카오프렌즈 (ka-ka-o-peu-ren-jeu), Kakao friends, or BT21. Pop in your phone, earbuds, and lipstick, and you’re ready to face the storm.
4. 미니 수건 (Mi-Ni Su-Keon) – Mini Towel
Humidity means surprise drizzles and 땀 (ttam) or sweat. After walking through the 비바람 (bi-ba-ram), rainy wind, a fluffy 뽀송뽀송한 수건 (ppo-song-ppo-song-han su-keon), or a soft and fluffy towel, can be a lifesaver. Perfect for wiping your hands, face, or saving your makeup from melting. You’ll find them sold in 다이소 (da-i-so) with everything from 곰돌이 (gom-dol-i), or bears, to designs with slogans in Korean or 한글 슬로건 (han-geul seul-lo-geun).
5. 헤어 에센스 & 스프레이 (Hae-Eo Aye-Sen-Seu) – Hair Essence & Spray
Rainy season means lots of unwanted 습기 (seub-gi), humidity for your hair. Girls often carry 헤어 에센스 (hae-eo aye-sens-seu), or hair essence, to smooth out flyaways and 고정 스프레이 (go-jeong seu-peu-re-i), or setting spray, to tame that wild volume. It’s basically self-care in a bottle, a true essential.
With the right 장마템 (jang-ma-tem), even a rainy day can become a fashion moment, a comfort moment, and most of all—a survival win! Whether you’re hopping puddles or chilling in a café watching the rain fall, you’ll be stylish, dry, and totally ready.
다음 장마에 또 만나요~ (da-eum jang-ma-e tto man-na-yo) – See you in the next monsoon~
Written by: Ariba
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