As monsoon season has returned to the Korean peninsula, the weather will become unpredictable and can bring high humidity and heavy downpours

In order to best cope with the changing weather, here are some essential tips to get by during the rainy season which usually lasts a few weeks.

1.Carry an umbrella or raincoat – Be ready for sudden showers to stay dry and prevent colds.

2.Wear waterproof footwear – Use slip-resistant shoes to protect your feet from infection and injury.

3.Avoid stagnant water – Steer clear of puddles and flooded areas to reduce the risk of disease and mosquito bites.

4.Eat fresh, home-cooked meals – Skip street food to avoid stomach illnesses caused by contaminated or spoiled food.

5.Keep surroundings clean and dry – Eliminate places where mosquitoes can breed, like clogged drains or water containers.

6.Use mosquito repellents – Apply creams or use nets to guard against dengue, malaria, and other insect-borne diseases.

7.Dry clothes properly – Prevent mold, skin infections, and foul odors by drying clothes in ventilated spaces or use a dryer if possible.

8.Protect electronics and documents – Store gadgets in waterproof cases and seal important papers in plastic folders.

9.Beware of mold toxins in grains and nuts – High humidity raises the risk of toxins like aflatoxin or ochratoxin in food.

10.Do not eat moldy food, even after removing moldy parts – Mold toxins can spread invisibly and aren’t destroyed by cooking.

11.Check food appearance when buying – Avoid grains, beans, and nuts with white spots or odd smells.

12.Avoid bulk purchases of susceptible foods – Buy only what you’ll use soon, especially in humid conditions.

13.Store dry goods in cool, dry places – Keep humidity below 60% and temperature under 15℃ for safety.

14.Discard discolored rice-washing water – If it turns blue or black, it may be mold-contaminated.

15.Be careful of manhole covers — There was a recent incident in Busan where a woman fell through an manhole cover after it was dislodged due to heavy rainfall. Water may also erupt due to water surges.