Why Do Koreans Cover Their Faces in Summer? A Local Explains Everything

Not too long ago, I ran into a foreign friend who had just visited Korea. She looked at me with the most serious expression and asked:

"Hey… why are people walking around with umbrellas when it's not even raining? And what's up with everyone covering their entire face and arms? Honestly? It scared me a little."

I burst out laughing. 

To me, it's the most normal thing in the world. But I totally get it — for someone seeing it for the first time, Korean sun protection culture can be genuinely shocking.

If you've ever visited Korea in the summer and thought, "Wait… why do Koreans avoid the sun so much?" — you're in the right place. Let me explain everything.

Umbrellas When It's Not Raining? Totally Normal in Korea

Walk through any Korean street in the summer and you'll spot some interesting scenes.

People strolling under parasols on a perfectly sunny day.

People with their face, neck, and arms completely covered up.

Hikers on mountain trails wearing what looks like a full balaclava.

It can feel a little startling at first — but don't worry. No one is hiding from anything suspicious. 

They're just hiding from UV rays.

Koreans vs. Foreigners: A Completely Different Relationship with the Sun

Head to Haeundae Beach in Busan and you'll feel the difference immediately.

Foreign tourists? Bikinis, towels on the sand, soaking up every ray. In many Western cultures, a tan is seen as healthy, attractive, and desirable.

Koreans? Searching for shade, sitting under parasols, and yes — wearing rash guards even in the water.

Here's a little rule of thumb I've noticed over the years:

If someone on the beach is wearing a full-body rash guard, there's a 100% chance they're Korean. 

Now, to be fair — there are young Koreans who wear bikinis too. Especially in their twenties, when you want to look good on the beach — for that special someone, or just for whoever walks by. 😄 That feeling is universal, after all.

But for the rest of us — regular moms, families, everyday people? Full rash guard, hat, the whole setup. 

So… Why Do Koreans Avoid the Sun So Much?

Honest answer?

"Because we don't want to age."

Let me break it down a little more.

Too much UV exposure leads to dark spots, freckles, and hyperpigmentation. And beyond that, it speeds up skin aging — wrinkles, loss of elasticity, the whole thing.

In Korea, having clear, bright, even-toned skin is something a lot of people genuinely care about. It's not vanity — it's just deeply woven into everyday life.

Sun protection in Korea isn't just a beauty step. It's a lifestyle.

I've Had My Regrets Too

I'm not immune to it, either.

Those days when I left the house without my parasol. When I only dabbed on a little sunscreen and called it good.

Then I'd spend the whole day outside, come home, look in the mirror and think —

"Oh no. I got burned. I should have put on more sunscreen. I should have worn a hat."

Every Korean knows that feeling. 

Having Kids Made Me Even More Serious About It

I have two kids, and they couldn't be more different when it comes to sun exposure.

My older one tans. Gets that warm, bronzy look after a day outside.

My younger one? Completely different story. Fair skin, so the sun turns her red — and a few days later, she's peeling.

Watching that happen made me realize: sun protection isn't optional. It's necessary.

And that's probably why Korea even has sunscreen compacts designed specifically for toddlers.

They look like tiny little makeup compacts — and kids can pat them onto their own faces, just like they're playing dress-up. It's honestly adorable. 

When I told a foreign friend about this, she was genuinely shocked. "Wait… sunscreen for babies that comes in a compact?"

Yep. In Korea, UV protection starts from childhood. It's just what you do.

The Korean UV Protection Arsenal — More Than You'd Expect

The basics start with sunscreen — but Korean sun protection goes way beyond that.

Here's what you'll commonly find:

☀️ Sun parasols (양산) — umbrellas made specifically for UV blocking, not rain
☀️ UV arm sleeves / cooling sleeves — fabric sleeves that cover the entire arm
☀️ Neck covers — to protect the back of your neck and nape
☀️ Face shields / face covers — masks that cover from just below the eyes down to the chin
☀️ Hiking balaclavas — full-face coverage for outdoor activities
☀️ Rash guards — for UV protection in the water
☀️ Wide-brim UV hats — often with a dark underside to reduce UV reflection

Seeing it all listed out might feel a bit intense. But spend one afternoon outside in a Korean summer, and you'll get it immediately. The sun here is no joke.

Walk Into a Daiso in Korea and You'll Understand Everything

If you're visiting Korea, do yourself a favor: walk into any Daiso (Korea's beloved budget store, think of it as a very well-stocked dollar store).

There is an entire section dedicated to UV protection products.

Cooling arm sleeves. Neck covers. Face shields. Wide-brim hats. All in one aisle.

I've genuinely watched foreign visitors stop dead in their tracks in that aisle. 😄

The expression on their face usually says: "Is this… ninja gear?"

And honestly, I understand why. But the prices are great, so if you're spending time outside in Korea — grab something from that aisle. You'll thank yourself later.

What Does SPF50+ and PA++++ Actually Mean?

If you've ever picked up a Korean sunscreen and stared at the label wondering what all those numbers and plus signs mean — you're not alone. Let me break it down for you.

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, and it measures how well a sunscreen protects against UVB rays — the ones that cause sunburn.

SPF30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays. SPF50 blocks about 98%. And SPF50+? That means the protection goes even higher than what SPF50 can measure.

In Korea, you'll mostly see SPF50+ on sunscreens. Anything lower is considered not quite enough for a Korean summer.

Now, PA is a rating system used mostly in Asia, and it measures protection against UVA rays — the ones that cause skin aging and dark spots. The more plus signs, the stronger the protection.

PA+ = some protection. PA++++ = the highest level available.

So when you see SPF50+ PA++++ on a Korean sunscreen, that's basically the gold standard. It's blocking both the burning rays and the aging rays as much as physically possible.

Most Koreans won't even consider a sunscreen without both of these ratings. Now you know why. 😊

How Strong Is the UV Index in Korea During Summer?

You might be thinking — okay, but how bad is the sun in Korea really?

Pretty bad, actually.

During July and August, the UV index in major Korean cities like Seoul and Busan regularly hits 8 to 11 — which is classified as "Very High" to "Extreme" on the World Health Organization's scale.

At UV index 8 and above, unprotected skin can start to burn in as little as 15 to 25 minutes.

And Korea's summer isn't just hot — it's humid too. The combination of intense UV rays and high humidity makes it feel even more brutal outside.

That's exactly why you'll see Koreans fully armored up the moment they step outside. It's not overcautious. Given those UV numbers, it honestly makes complete sense.

If you're visiting Korea between June and September, treat the sun seriously. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially if you're sweating or spending time near water.

Where to Buy Sunscreen in Korea — Tips for Tourists

Good news: sunscreen in Korea is everywhere, and the options are genuinely impressive.

Here are the best places to pick some up during your trip:

🛒 Olive Young — This is Korea's most popular health and beauty chain, kind of like a Sephora meets a drugstore. You'll find hundreds of sunscreen options here, from lightweight gel formulas to cushion compacts. Most major tourist areas have one nearby.

🛒 Daiso — Yes, the same Daiso with the UV accessories aisle. They also carry budget-friendly sunscreens that are surprisingly decent for the price.

🛒 Convenience stores (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven) — In a pinch, Korean convenience stores stock small sunscreen bottles too. Not the widest selection, but they're open 24 hours and literally on every corner.

Korean sunscreens have a huge following internationally — brands like Anessa, Isntree, Beauty of Joseon, and Round Lab are popular even outside Korea. So if you fall in love with one during your trip, you'll likely be able to find it back home too.

My personal tip? Buy a small bottle as soon as you land and keep it in your bag at all times. You'll be glad you did. 

By the way, Korean convenience stores also have great ready-to-eat meals like Ottogi's 3-Minute Curry. Definitely worth trying!

Final Thoughts

Koreans aren't covering their faces because they hate sunshine.

It's because protecting your skin is a deeply rooted part of Korean culture — something passed down through generations, practiced from childhood, and taken seriously by people of all ages.

If you're planning a summer trip to Korea, pack your sunscreen. Seriously. Don't underestimate the UV index here.

And the next time you see someone walking down the street with their face fully covered on a blazing hot day — don't be alarmed.

They're not hiding from people. They're hiding from UV rays. 

Now I want to know — which side are you on?

Are you a tanning person or a sun protection person? Drop your answer in the comments! 👇

If you're planning a trip to Korea, be sure to check out my guide on how to order at a McDonald's kiosk!