During Korea’s typically hottest month of the year the focus of your trip should be on indoor activities or water related events, so you can embrace the heat and humidity in August. The Korean Monsoon Season slowly comes to an end, means you don’t have to worry about rainy days as much as in June or July. Find tips like this and everything else you might have to think of during that season and some fun things to do in this blog post.
How is August in South Korea?
August is normally the hottest month in Korea and due to the ending Monsoon Season, it feels really humid. Still there are some events and festivals happening in August, so I’m sure you won’t be bored if visiting South Korea during this month.
How’s the weather in August?
Typically, temperatures in August range from around 23°C (73°F) to 31°C (88°F). Because of South Korea’s humid summers it will often feel hotter than it is, but as Korean’s usually turn the Air-Conditioning on full power, you might still want to bring a thin jacket into public transportation or cafes/restaurants.
August is also the end of Korean Monsoon Season with an average of 10 rain days. Check the weather forecast regularly and bring an umbrella if necessary(or see if Koreans carry an umbrella, as they are always prepared :D).
Another thing you should keep in mind is that with warmer temperatures and sunny days the fine dust pollution might also get worse. I highly recommend checking the “AQI” daily and if you see a red number better plan some indoor activities or wear a mask! Be especially careful on days with bad air quality AND rain!
What should I bring to Korea?
Now, onto the important stuff – what to pack. August is crazy hot in Korea, but don’t underestimate the chill temperatures in public transportation due to the fully turned on aircon. For the last rainy days in Korea, bring or buy an umbrella. I also always recommend to bring comfortable footwear, a portable battery and – if you need – a travel pharmacy from your home country as Korean medication hits quite different 😀
Are there public holidays in August?
Yes, there is a Public Holiday in August in 2024. Every year on August 15th Koreans celebrate the National Liberation Day of Korea. It is celebrated in North and South Korea as on this day Korea was liberated from 35 years of Japanese colonial rule. The Republic of Korea was also founded on that day in 1948, so this holiday counts as a so called “Red Day” (Public Holiday). Therefore not everything might be open normally, but most restauratns and shops will be. There is also a bell-ringing ceremony at Bosingak Pavilion like every year.
General South Korea Travel Guide
In this South Korea Guide, I cover everything you need to know for an amazing South Korea trip (not related to a specific month) from Basic Information about the country, weather all around the year, Visa and Entry Requirements, best Korean SIM Cards, Transportation, Must Visit Spots and Recommended Activities in Korea.
What to do in Korea in August?
Festivals & Events in Seoul
August in Korea is still really really hot, but as the monsoon season slowly comes to an end, you will be able to explore the outside a bit more! Here some of the most popular festivals happening in Seoul every year around August.
Seoul Outdoor Library
Read a book and relax with others at Seoul’s Outdoor Library Events. They usually include some English books, but in general I would recommend bringing your own books and drinks.
🗓️ 2024: May 17 – September 29
💸 free admission
| Gwanghwamun Square | Friday – Sunday | 4-9pm |
| Seoul Plaza | Thursday – Sunday | 4-9pm |
| Cheonggyecheon Stream | Friday – Saturday | 12-8pm |
Han River Pools
In some of Seoul’s Han River Parks you can find public outdoor swimming pools! They’re safe, inexpensive and often offer amazing city views. You can rent swimming equipment, picnic mats and get delicious snacks and meals there.
🗓️ 2024: during August
⏰ 9am – 6pm
💸 Children (6-12): 3,000 KRW, Teenagers (13-18): 4,000 KRW, Adults (19+): 5,000 KRW
📍Han River Parks in: Yeouido, Ttukseom, Jamison, Yanghwa, Nanji, Gwangnaru
Seoul Dal
This helium balloon in the form of a full moon, began its installation work at Yeouido Park’s Grass Field from April 29th! After completion, there will be about 10 days of test to verify safety, and from the end of June, passengers can enjoy it!
🗓️ 2024: starting end of June
⏰ Tuesday – Sunday: 12-10pm
💸 Adults (19-64): 25,000 KRW, Minors (3-18) & Seniors (65+): 20,000 KRW
📍서울 영등포구 여의도동 여의공원로 68
🗺️ https://naver.me/GBfl16RY
Summer Han River Festival
This year, the City of Seoul organized multiple different events at the Han River:
Festivals in other cities
I always recommend South Korea Travelers to leave the big cities at least once during their trip. There are many amazing organized group tours or destinations you can travel to by yourself!
Boryeong Mud Festival
2024: July 19 – August 4
This Mud Festival is actually worldwide famous and it is one of Korea’s largest and most popular Festivals. You can enjoy all kinds of mud-based activities like mud slides, mud swimming pools or even a mud prison.
Waterbomb 2024
Incheon: August 3
Daejeon: August 10
Sokcho: August 17
Suwon: August 24
Yeosu: August 31
One of Korea’s most famous summer festivals with powerful water explosions and a fun line up: ZICO, Jay Park, Taemin, Jessi, Hwasa and many more! Right at the beginning you have to choose a team (Yellow or Green) to team up with your favorite artists and soak up your enemies while enjoying amazing music and vibes!
Gapyeong Water Park
2024: July & August
Best thing to do in the burning heat of Korean Summers is going to a waterpark. Gapyeong’s Club Nine Water Park close to Seoul is perfect for a fun day trip with friends!
Muju Firefly Festival
2024: August 31 – September 8
Imagine thousand fireflies in a beautiful Korean forest and some fun activities and classes surrounding those beautiful little bugs. All this and mores is possible to experience at the Muju Firefly Festival.
Take a Yacht Tour
One of my all-time favourite activities in Seoul and Busan: A River or Ocean Yacht Tour! There are many options, but I personally tried and can recommend the following two:
Explore other cities
Embarking on a day trip from Seoul is a fantastic way to explore South Korea’s diverse landscapes and historical sites.
A visit to the Korean Folk Village and Suwon, just an hour away from Seoul, allows you to experience the Korean Folk Village and stroll along the UNESCO-listed Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon.
For a more solemn experience, consider a visit to the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone), which takes approximately two hours to reach.
Finally, you can have a day trip to Jeonju and its famous Hanok Village. The area around the city is known for its picturesque landscapes especially during winter.
See the city from above
Perched atop Namsan Mountain in the heart of the city you can find the N Seoul Tower – often simply called Namsan Tower. Not only does it provide breathtaking panoramic views of Seoul’s sprawling cityscape, but it also offers cultural performances every day at 3 PM and has some great photospots like the lock filled walls of the viewing platform.
Another great place for awesome city views is the Lotte Tower’s Seoul Sky Observatory, located in the Jamsil district. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits before ascending to the rooftop observatory or even book the Sky Bridge Tour to have a walk outside on 555m height.
I can also recommend you to have a walk around the Seokchon Lakes and walk to the Lotte World Castle, which you actually can see without going into the amusement park itself.
Have a Selfcare-Day
Combine relaxation and cultural immersion by visiting a Jjimjilbang (찜질방) – a traditional Korean bathhouse. Upon entering, you’re enveloped in a world of soothing saunas, hot baths, and special treatments. The gentle heat of the Korean saunas, ranging from intense to mild, helps release tension and detoxify the body. After a leisurely soak in therapeutic mineral baths, you can indulge in a Korean body scrub that leaves your skin feeling soft and revitalized. Alternatively you can get a massage or one of Korea’s famous skin treatments in one of the great facilities below. This self-care day in Korea allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in a wellness oasis steeped in Korean tradition.
Watch Performances
The “Nanta Cooking Show” and “Painter’s Show” are two captivating performances in Seoul. “Nanta” is a comedy combining cooking and drumming, while “Painters Show” blends live painting, multimedia art, and humor. Both shows offer unique, interactive experiences combined with some Korean cultural insights that entertain audiences of all ages and backgrounds, making them must-see attractions in Seoul.
Take a cooking class
Korean cooking classes provide a hands-on experience in preparing traditional Seollal dishes like colorful rice cakes, Korea’s National dish Kimchi, or a whole set of meals like Bulgogi (marinated grilled meat) or Korean stews. Guided by expert instructors, participants not only learn the secrets of these time-honored recipes but also gain insight into the significance of each dish in Korean Cuisine. It’s a delightful opportunity to connect with the essence of Korean traditions and share in the joy of creating and savoring these delectable treats with loved ones.
Craft your own souvenirs
Instead of buying souvenirs I can highly recommend to try one of many special activities and experiences in South Korea. It’s not just great to make a very personal gift for yourself or your loved ones at home, but it’s also a perfect way to learn more about Korean Culture and connect with locals. You can usually book them in English,
Mother of Pearl
Make accessories with the Korean traditional Najeon Technique!
Perfume Making
Make your own Perfume step by step with English guidance!
Stone Stamp
Make your own traditional Korean stone stamp that was used to sign contracts!
Leather Goods
Make yourself a wallet, small glasses case or a leather hand bag!
Wooden Rings
Special rings made of wood for couples, solo travelers or friends!
Traditional Dyeing
Dye a scarf or tote bag with the traditional Jjokbit Color.
Find more in my FREE Experience Guide ↓
Traveling to South Korea in August means you should prepare for all different kinds of weather and events. From City or Music Festivals all over the country to other events and activities – there are many things to explore! Will you visit Korea in August? Let me know your tips in the comments!
