Swimming Pool & Beach Etiquette in Korea

Quick Summary

• Korean swimming culture comes with a few rules, especially when it comes to hygiene, dress code, and behavior.
• Everyone is required to wear a swim cap in indoor pools, even when you’re bald!
• Koreans cover up, even in the water. Swim fashion is more about function and sun protection than showing skin.
• You’re expected to fully wash before entering the pool.

1. Dress Code: More Covered Than You Think

First things first, the swimwear!

Koreans love to cover their body at the pool or beach for two reasons.

It’s to avoid judgment from other people and for sun protection.

Many Koreans don’t think they’re in good enough shape to show their body, even though they would be considered skinny elsewhere.

Whenever I wear bikinis to enjoy sunbathing in places like Jeju or Busan, my friends kind of freak out and ask me to cover up by handing me a T-shirt or even buying me a rash guard.

I still wear bikinis and get tanned because I’ve got the spirit of a mischievous kid! (Full disclosure: I do get a lot of side-eye, but I’m not letting that ruin a good time!)

You can wear whatever you want but just don’t be surprised if you see more people covered up than showing skin.

Anyway, the dress code changes in each situation as below.

For Women

• Public indoor pools: One-piece swimsuits like an Olympian! Most don’t allow bikinis and rash guards. Swim caps are always required at indoor pools, even at hotels. They usually offer a rental for both swimsuits and caps.
• Beaches, water parks, and rooftop/outdoor pools: Rash guards (long-sleeve swim shirts) are very popular. You can wear anything you want, as long as it’s not a thong bikini.
• Waterfalls, rivers, and lakes: T-shirts or rash guards, and shorts. No bikinis here.

For Men

• Public indoor pools: Speedos like an Olympian. Swim caps are required even when you’re bald.
• Beaches, water parks, and rooftop/outdoor pools: Normal swim trunks are popular. Many Korean guys also wear rash guards or T-shirts to hide their soju belly and/or for sun protection.
• Waterfalls, rivers, and lakes: T-shirts or rash guards, and shorts.

In many hotel and public pools, swim caps are mandatory for hygiene.

2. Indoor Pools: Very Specific Routine for Cleanliness

Indoor pools in Korea are clean and well-maintained.

At the same time, this means the rules are strict.

Before You Swim

• Don’t wear your bathing suit from home. Get changed at the locker/shower. Only at a hotel pool, you can wear it from your room.
• SHOWER first! Koreans really mean it (and the same rule applies to jjimjilbang). You’ll see signs reminding you to wash thoroughly (not just rinse) before entering the pool. Remove your makeup, shampoo your hair, and take a full shower using soap beforehand. Or you’ll hear it from every ajumma around you.

Mandatory Items

• Swimming caps are non-negotiable.
• Proper swimwear only. No cotton shorts, T-shirts, or casual clothing in the water.
• Towels may be rented or provided, but you should bring your own just in case.

Other Do’s

• Pick the right lane for you. There will be slow, medium, or fast lanes.
• Swim with the flow without blocking anyone in the middle of their way.

Other Don’ts

• No food or drink near the pool.
• No running.
• No diving unless clearly allowed.
• Do not overtake or pass other people when swimming.

3. Beaches: Strange Rules for Safety

In July and August, beaches like Haeundae (Busan) or Gyeongpo (Gangneung) get super packed.

During summer, public beaches have lifeguards and business hours like 9 to 6.

Maybe it’s just strange to me, but they blow their whistle to make people leave the water at 6 PM.

Also, Haeundae lifeguards don’t let people in the water when it’s a little foggy.

Something has improved though.

There used to be price-gouging sunbed/parasol mafias in summer, but now the government (like the Haeundae-gu Office) is running it.

You can easily rent parasols, sunbeds, and even floaties for about 10,000 won (7-8 dollars) each.

Sun Protection

• Korean beachgoers are big on avoiding tanning. Many wear long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, and use sun umbrellas.
• Don’t be surprised to see rash guards, swim tights, and face masks (yes, even at the beach).

What to Expect

• Many people don’t go into the water beyond waist-deep, especially women. Wading and floating are more common than serious swimming.
• Lifeguards are very active. They’ll blow the whistle if you swim too far out, enter the water when it’s foggy, or stay in past 6 PM.

Beach Behavior

• Keep noise to a reasonable level.
• You can drink on the beach in Korea. But there’s a new law starting in 2025 that prohibits non-motorized water sports activities while intoxicated or under the influence. So, no more grabbing a beer or two, then water skiing, canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing, surfing, parasailing, wakeboarding, kiteboarding, and paddleboarding. Or, you may get fines of 1 million won (about 730 dollars).

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Swimming in Korea can be fun, as long as you’re aware of the cultural norms.

Don’t forget your swim cap, shower before you jump in, and maybe pack a rash guard. You’ll fit right in.

Hope this helps you know what to expect at a Korean beach or pool!