When to go · South Korea
South Korea in August
Mixed month. Hottest month and the typhoon season starts; Busan beaches at peak.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Mixed
- Crowds
- High
- South Korea
- Prices
- High
- South Korea
Verdict
Hottest month and the typhoon season starts; Busan beaches at peak.
Weather in August
- Seoul and north-west · Seoul, Incheon, Suwon, the DMZhot
Continental: dry winters down to −15 °C on cold snaps, hot humid summers. Fine dust (yellow dust and pollution) peaks Mar–Apr; the monsoon runs late Jun – Jul.
- Busan and south-east coast · Busan, Gyeongju, Tongyeong, Ulsanstorm or typhoon risk
Milder winters than Seoul, rarely below freezing; typhoons most likely Aug–Sep and ferries to Japan stop when they pass.
- Jeju · Jeju City, Seogwipo, Hallasanstorm or typhoon risk
Windy and wet; the island takes the first hit of most typhoons. Hallasan summit gets snow in winter; flights stop in strong crosswinds.
- Gangwon mountains and east coast · Sokcho, Seoraksan, Gangneung, Pyeongchanghot
Coldest region: ski season Dec–Feb, peak autumn colour mid-October in Seoraksan; summer beaches crowded in late Jul – Aug.
- Seoul30° / 23°, 15 rain days
Festivals and holidays
Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.
Liberation Day
15 Aug
Peak summer holiday week around it; beaches and Jeju fully booked.
Han river summer
July–August · Seoul
Outdoor pools and night markets on the river (check dates); the evening is the time to be outside.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · South Korea
- High
- Prices · South Korea
- High
High-price month: see what to book ahead.
What to pack
- Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen
- A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast
- A spare day in the plan: storms can cancel flights and ferries
Where to go in August
Better another month
Busan and south-east coast
Milder winters than Seoul, rarely below freezing; typhoons most likely Aug–Sep and ferries to Japan stop when they pass.
Jeju
Windy and wet; the island takes the first hit of most typhoons. Hallasan summit gets snow in winter; flights stop in strong crosswinds.
Hottest and most humid; typhoons possible.