Korea Monsoon Safe-Driving Guide
Wet-road rules, flooded-car emergency response and insurance process — all in one.
1. Pre-monsoon inspection (4 weeks before)
Korea's monsoon (jangma) typically runs mid-June through late July with frequent 30mm/hour downpours. Worn wipers, low-tread tires, dim headlights — any one of them can cause an accident in such conditions. Inspect and replace the items below at least 2~4 weeks before monsoon onset.
- Wiper blades — replace every 12 months; immediate replacement if streaks/chatter.
- Tire tread — replace below 4mm. Coin-test with a 100-won coin works in Korea.
- A/C and defog — must give cold air without odor in 5 minutes; both front/rear defog working.
- Battery — get a CCA test if older than 3 years.
- All exterior lights — visibility in rain matters more than you think.
- Cowl drains and rubber seals — clean under-hood drains, check door/trunk seals.
2. Wet-road driving rules
- Cut speed to 80% of the posted limit (50% in heavy rain).
- Headlights ON — even during the day, for visibility to other drivers.
- Double your following distance — wet braking distance is 1.5~2× longer.
3. Flooded-car emergency
Never crank a flooded engine. Water inside causes hydrolock and destroys the engine instantly. Call your insurer for a tow.
4. Flood insurance claim
Korean comprehensive (자차) coverage handles flood. Liability-only does not. Photograph the scene heavily, file with your insurer, accept the towed shop assignment, then total-vs-repair decision depends on damage level.
5. Avoid flood-prone parking
When a heavy-rain advisory is issued, move the car to high ground immediately. Riverside, semi-basement, and underground parking are statistically the worst.