Traveling to Korea in August: Your Ultimate Guide to Beating the Heat and Embracing Summer Fun
Traveling to Korea in August: Your Ultimate Guide to Beating the Heat and Embracing Summer Fun
Dreaming of vibrant festivals, cool beaches, and delicious icy treats in Korea, but worried about the infamous summer heat? What if I told you August is actually one of the most exciting times to visit?
Last Updated on July 26, 2025. August in Korea is the peak of summer, and it definitely feels like it. The heat is intense, the humidity is high, and the air is thick enough to remind you that this is summer in full swing. But that doesn’t mean you should avoid Korea in August. Not at all. This month has its own energy and excitement if you know how to beat the heat. After nearly two decades here, I’ve come to see August as the season of festivals, beach days, and late-night strolls. Sure, the midday sun can be overwhelming, but mornings and evenings are perfect for exploring. Pack a fan, stay hydrated, and don’t miss out on the vibrant summer scenes—fireworks, water parks, and all the bingsu you can eat. Will you be traveling to Korea in August? Here’s everything you need to know from the weather to the festivals. (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.)
Table of Contents
Understanding August Weather & Typhoons
August in Korea is peak summer, with temperatures soaring to an average of 28°C to 31°C (82°F to 88°F) and humidity levels to match. The heat can feel intense, but you’ll still find locals and visitors alike making the most of the season, from city streets to coastal escapes. While August might not be the easiest month for sightseeing, if it’s when you have time to visit, there’s still plenty to enjoy. Plan for early mornings, late evenings, and indoor breaks to beat the heat, and you’ll uncover the vibrant energy that summer in Korea has to offer. Did you know? In Korea the three hottest days of summer are referred to as sambok (삼복) or boknal (복날). Covering the span of a month, the three hottest days of the summer were traditionally a holiday for the farmers. Getting away to a nearby mountain valley or the coast to cool off before the rice harvest was the plan. Though the hottest days of summer may not be celebrated exactly the same anymore, you can bet that everyone is dreamily looking out of the windows at work wishing they were someplace cooler.
Description: "A cheerful young woman in a wide-brimmed hat sips a cold beverage at a bustling outdoor café in Seoul, with bright sunlight and a few people in the background, captured in a realistic photo style."
Typhoons in Korea
Typhoons usually head to Korea from the south and can hit during the months of July through September. Generally, by the time the rains and wind get to Seoul, it’s not that strong. If you’ll be on Jeju Island or Busan, you’ll want to watch the weather channels vigilantly to know if any storms are headed this way. Typhoon storms can bring high winds, flash floods and landslides. Just be aware of the weather while you’re traveling and if a typhoon is headed to Korea, stay indoors.
What to Know & What to Pack for Your Trip
August is peak summer in Korea, with hot, humid weather and plenty of sunshine once the rainy season ends. Beaches and coastal areas are buzzing with activity, and summer festivals, like the Boryeong Mud Festival, keep the energy high. Speaking of summer fun, evenings are perfect for outdoor markets and coastal sunsets, with slightly cooler temperatures making late-night adventures more enjoyable. While August can be intense, it’s also one of the liveliest months of the year, full of seasonal charm.
What To Pack and What To Wear
August calls for the lightest, airiest clothing in your wardrobe as temperatures and humidity peak. Bring a fan or cooling towel to beat the heat during the day, and don’t forget sunscreen for all the time you’ll spend outdoors. In the evenings, the heat eases slightly, so you might appreciate a light layer if you’re sitting by the water or enjoying a sunset walk.
| What To Pack | What To Buy Here |
|---|---|
| Lightweight, breathable clothes (cotton, linen) | Portable fan (many cute options!) |
| Sunscreen (high SPF) | Cooling towel |
| Hat and sunglasses | Trendy swimwear |
| Comfortable walking sandals/shoes | Skincare with SPF |
| Light rain jacket or umbrella (for sudden showers) | Hydrating face mist |
Description: "A fashionable young woman with a clear umbrella, dressed in light, flowy summer clothing, smiles confidently as she walks down a rainy Seoul street, reflecting city lights in puddles, in a vibrant, realistic photo style."
Public Holidays to Keep in Mind
Liberation Day | August 15: Liberation Day, or directly translated means “Restoration of Light Day”, marks the end of Japanese colonial rule in Korea which was from 1910 until 1945. It celebrates Korea’s independence and freedom. Did you know there are unofficial holidays in Korea? On August 14, some Koreans celebrate Green Day. Not to be confused with Arbor Day or some other eco-friendly day, Green Day is a day to head out to have a picnic and green bottle soju has really jumped on this one promoting their “green” bottles that are just right for this occasion.
Must-Attend Festivals & Events
August in Korea brings lively festivals and events that capture the energy of peak summer. Whether it’s the famous Boryeong Mud Festival or beachside celebrations, August is a time to dive into all the excitement that Korea’s summer has to offer.
- Music Festivals: Klook.com
- Water Festivals: Klook.com
- DDP Seoulight is Back! Check out the various lit up installations around the Dongdaemun Design Plaza and then stay to see the 220 meter façade transformed with lights to create a surreal world of lights.
- Food Festivals: Klook.com
- Nature Festivals
Best Beaches for a Summer Escape
The salty seas refresh and luckily in Korea there are miles and miles of beaches to choose from. The western coast, eastern coast and southern coast of Korea offers up beautiful beaches of all kinds. Here are some of my top picks:
- Surfyy Beach (서피비치): For cool vibes and surfing, Surfyy Beach is the perfect spot on Korea’s east coast, just north of Hajodae Beach. With designated areas for surfers and swimmers, it’s great for mixed groups, offering lessons for beginners and fun waves for seasoned surfers alike.
- Sinduri Beach (신두리해수욕장): Sinduri Beach, located on the west coast in northern Taean-gun, is a sprawling gem with endless ocean views and islands on the horizon. Beyond the beach, it’s home to Korea’s only sand dunes, making it a must-visit hidden treasure for a perfect seaside weekend.
- Songdo Beach (송도해수욕장): Songdo Beach, Korea’s first public beach, was established in 1913 and became a popular seaside retreat for Busan locals by the 1920s. Today, it’s a revitalized leisure hub with modern amenities, including a suspension bridge, offering plenty to see, do, and relax by the sea.
- Hanagae Beach (하나개해수욕장): With dramatic tides perfect for swimming and digging clams, plus a wooden boardwalk for stunning views, this Muuido island is an easy getaway from Seoul. Thanks to a new bridge connecting it to the mainland, it’s a must-visit spot for summer in Korea!
- Naksan Beach (낙산해수욕장): Naksan Beach, located just east of Seoraksan National Park, offers the perfect mix of mountain hikes, seaside relaxation, and a stunning temple perched on a cliff. With its four kilometers of pine-lined shores, camping spots, and a wooden boardwalk, it’s a spacious and scenic destination even during high season, making it ideal for a day trip or a tour combining both beach and mountains.
- Chuam Beach (추암해수욕장): Chuam Beach, a quieter east coast gem south of Gangneung, is now much easier to access. Just 2.5 hours from Seoul and a short taxi ride away, it features a suspension bridge, sculpture park, boardwalk, and charming cafes—all without the big crowds.
- Kkotji Beach (꽃지해수욕장): Kkotji Beach, famed for its stunning sunsets, is a must-visit on Anmyeon-do, where the legendary “Grandmother Rock” and “Grandfather Rock” draw visitors hoping to catch the sun setting between them. Located in Taean-gun, the area offers a perfect weekend escape with its old forests, flower gardens, and endless beaches.
- Gosapo Beach (고사포해수욕장): Byeonsanbando, a stunning blend of Korea’s coastline and mountains, is a must-visit National Maritime Park. Gosapo Beach, with its pine tree grove perfect for camping and unobstructed ocean views, offers breathtaking sunsets and low-tide clam digging for the perfect seaside adventure.
Description: "A drone shot showing the vibrant blue ocean and white sands of Surfyy Beach, packed with young people surfing and lounging, with colorful surfboards and beach umbrellas, captured in a bright, aerial photo style."
Ideas for Making the Most of Your August Trip
Don’t let summer’s heat hold you back. The best way to enjoy the season is by balancing outdoor adventures with cool indoor escapes. Dive into water parks and beach festivals, but also plan for indoor fun like visiting museums, aquariums, or enjoying Korea’s vibrant café culture to cool off.
Delicious Summer Foods to Try
Korean summer delicacies range from cold sweet treats and soups to the hottest of boiling stews. Here’s what to look for when you visit this season.
- Samgyetang (삼계탕) is one of the must-have Korean soups in the summer. There will be lines out of doors on the hottest days of summer for this boiling stew made with chicken and ginseng. Samgyetang is healthy and provides the energy we all need in the summer.
- Jangeo (장어), grilled eel, is another food known to provide stamina so it’s especially popular in the summer. If you like the Korean bbq experience and seafood, try jangeo, or eel.
- Kongguksu (콩국수) is one of my favorite cold Korean soups. Made with buckwheat noodles and a thick soy milk broth, topped with julienned cucumber and sliced tomatoes, it’s filling oh so healthy.
- There are a number of other great cold Korean soups like mulnaengmyeon (물냉면), a combination of julienned cucumbers, sliced Korean pear, radish, and a boiled egg or cold boiled beef, spicy mustard and vinegar make the broth quite tangy. Long, thin buckwheat noodles would traditionally be eaten without cutting symbolizing longevity of life and good health, these days most servers will ask if you’d like the noodles cut as they wield scissors back and forth. My husband’s favorite option is Pyeongyang naengmyeon (평양냉면), which has been made since the Joseon Dynasty. A North Korean delicacy that is served with buckwheat noodles and a mild cold broth.
- Bingsu (빙수) is an icy treat made with shaved ice, glutinous rice cakes, condensed milk and traditionally it has red beans, but these days you can get mango, strawberry, green tea, and all kinds of other bingsu versions.
- Fried chicken is good year round of course, but in the summer as the heat rises, it becomes a very popular late night staple in many Korean households. There’s just something about the crisp of Korean chicken, some light beer, and probably sitting back to watch a soccer match.
Description: "A vibrant, appetizing close-up of a large bowl of mango bingsu with fresh mango chunks, vanilla ice cream, and a drizzle of condensed milk, set on a modern cafe table with a blurred background, in a realistic food photography style."
August Flower Guide: What's Blooming?
The August In Korea Flower Guide:
- Sunflowers (해바라기): Sunflower fields have gained in popularity over the past few years and there are even some great sunflower festivals each year. The biggest thing to look out for though is that if the monsoon rains hit after the sunflowers bloom, it can destroy the fields pretty quickly, so keep an eye on the weather.
- Lotus Flowers (연꽃): Blooming throughout the month of July, lotus flowers make mundane ponds come to life in the most elegant of ways. In Korean Buddhist tradition, the different stages of the lotus flower’s growth are often used as metaphors for the stages of enlightenment.
Day Trips & Adventures from Seoul
While the main article focuses on August in Korea, consider these additional resources for extending your trip or exploring further:
- Gyeongju, Korea: 2-day Itinerary & Guide $3.50
- Andong, Korea: 2-day Itinerary & Guide $3.50
- Jeonju, Korea: 2-day Itinerary & Guide $3.50
Bet you didn’t expect August in Korea to be all about mud festivals, sunset views, and endless summer fun! It’s all waiting for you. Get ready for an action-packed and vibrant trip to South Korea this August. Did you like this post? Pin IT!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Korea in August
While August is peak summer with high temperatures and humidity, it's a fantastic time if you enjoy vibrant festivals, water activities, and lively evening strolls. It’s certainly not for everyone, but if you love summer energy and don't mind the heat, you'll find plenty to do!
Average temperatures range from 28°C to 31°C (82°F to 88°F), with high humidity levels. It can feel quite intense, especially during the middle of the day. Hydration and light clothing are key!
Yes, Liberation Day (Gwangbokjeol) is on August 15th, commemorating Korea's independence from Japanese colonial rule. Some Koreans also unofficially celebrate "Green Day" on August 14th, a day for picnics with green bottle soju!
You absolutely have to try Bingsu (shaved ice dessert), cold noodle soups like Kongguksu or Mulnaengmyeon, and surprisingly, hot dishes like Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) and Jangeo (grilled eel) which are believed to help combat the summer heat!
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