South Korea Travel Guide: August Edition | Things to do in Korea in August
Here's everything you need to know about traveling in Korea during the month of August, including beach recommendations and K-beauty services!
How is it August already?! Has this year been flying by for you too? If it has, that's probably a good thing, especially if you have a trip planned for this month! August is a fantastic time to travel. While the weather will still be hot and humid like July, we'll have fewer rainy days! With plenty of sunshine, why not head to a beach in Busan, Yangyang, or Sokcho? We'll tell you how to get there! Plus, there are specific Korean foods that taste even better in the summer. Read on to discover what they are!
Weather in August
Source: Yonhap News
Average Temperature
Seoul
- Highs (from 29°C to 27°C, rarely falling below 23°C or exceeding 33°C)
- Lows (from 24°C to 21°C, rarely falling below 18°C or exceeding 26°C)
Busan
- Highs (from 29°C to 28°C, rarely falling below 24°C or exceeding 32°C)
- Lows (from 24°C to 22°C, rarely falling below 20°C or exceeding 27°C)
In South Korea, August is the peak of the hottest period. While it remains hot throughout the month, it's not as intense as late July to early August. There's no need to worry too much about comfort—it's just typical summer weather.
Seoul remains hot in August, and from early to mid-September, temperatures are still very high from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (as indicated by the dark red in the picture). However, by late August, the extreme heat of the "dog days" starts to subside.
While the heat may not be as intense, rain can provide some relief. To escape the heat and avoid the rain, it's a good idea to have some indoor plans as well.
For a guide on what clothes to pack for Korea, check out this blog here!
To prepare for the heat, make sure you have these items to keep you cool!
Things to Do in Korea: August Edition
Events happening this July!
K-pop
Official 2024 K-World Dream Awards Tickets sold right here on Creatrip!
ARTIST LINEUP: ITZY, aespa, Billlie, tripleS, KISS OF LIFE, NCT WISH, ILLIT, QWER, YOUNG POSSE, UNIS, BADVILLAIN, Ha Sungwoon, Lee Mujin, BIBI, Jeong Dongwon, and more TBA!
Beat the heat with... a hot bowl of chicken soup: Boknal (복날)
Boknal (복날) in Korea refers to the three hottest days of summer, based on the lunar calendar: Chobok (초복), Jungbok (중복), and Malbok (말복). These days typically fall in July and August, with this year's Jungbok on July 25 and Malbok on August 14.
Koreans have a tradition of eating nourishing and revitalizing foods, like Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) or any chicken dish, to combat the heat and boost their energy. The practice is rooted in the belief that consuming hot food during the hottest days helps balance the body's energy and improves overall health.
Deliver a warm bowl of soup straight to your hotel with our delivery service!
Or here are some popular Samgyetang restaurants in Seoul:
- Tosokchon 토속촌 @ Seochon
- Baekje Samgyetang @ Myeongdong
- Jiho Hanbang Samgyetang @ Multiple Locations
Other common foods to enjoy during the hot summer are naengmyeon (cold noodles), bingsu (Korean shaved ice), kongguksu (soy bean noodles) & more!
Let's go to the beach!
What’s summer without a day at the beach? While Korea may not be famous for its emerald beaches, there are still great spots where you can relax on the sand and take a dip!
Haeundae Beach in Busan is famous for its wide sandy shores and vibrant atmosphere, making it a popular summer destination with plenty of amenities and festivals.
Yangyang's SURFYY Beach, on the east coast, is ideal for surfing enthusiasts, offering surf-friendly waves, lessons, and a laid-back vibe with beach bars and music events.
Nearby Sokcho Beach provides a more serene environment and easy access to local attractions like Sokcho Lighthouse and Seoraksan National Park.
A convenient and affordable way to get these coastal cities is by riding the express bus! The locals will be heading to the beaches as well so make sure to book your tickets in advance! You can do so on Creatrip.
The public transportation is pretty difficult to get a hang of at these cities, so we recommend hiring a taxi! You can book a taxi tour on Creatrip for quite a low price! Read more about it in the links below!
Go bar-hopping the most popular bars in Seoul!
Seoul's nightlife is something you have to experience during your Korea trip. Nightlife and drinking culture is a huge part of Korean society and culture, so you can find a huge variety of bars to check out. Here's our list of 7 bars in Seoul that you have to visit! Click the link below to check it out!
Did you spend too much time in the sun? Time to head to the skin clinic!
Even if you apply a generous amount of sunscreen, spending a lot of time in the sun can still lead to sun spots. These spots can be particularly stubborn and challenging to remove with over-the-counter skincare products alone. The most effective and quickest way to eliminate them is by visiting a skin clinic.
Fortunately, skin treatments are much more affordable in Korea! For sun spots, we recommend treatments such as Aqua Peel, chemical peels, PICO Laser, and Fraxel Laser. Book an appointment towards the end of your trip to take advantage of these incredible prices and results! You can do so right here on Creatrip!
Here are some of our favorite skin clinics in Seoul:
Check out our full list of skin clinics here!
We hope this helps you plan your trip in August! If you have any other questions, make sure to leave us a comment or send us an email at help@creatrip.com. You can follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook for more information on all things Korea!
