The thick of summer

Summer is Korea is marked by four phases. There’s early summer, which lasts from May until about mid-June.

Then the monsoons (자마) arrive, and last though early August. We’re just about done with that, though there are still a few good rains left.

The third phase is just about here. These days, the weather is so hot and humid it’s just about unbearable. I’ve been going to work early just so I don’t have to sit at home directly in front of a fan.

When you step outside, the humidity is so intense you can feel your palms start to sweat. About the only time it isn’t so humid is when it’s raining, but that’s little comfort because it ends so quickly.

After two or three weeks of this, the weather will become semi-decent again. I can hardly wait.