August marks the end of summer in South Korea, though temperatures and humidity remain high throughout the month. Take a tropical getaway to Jeju Island, where you can spot bottlenose dolphins. On the mainland, travel to the country's popular east coast beaches, but don't forget about the lesser-known (and often less crowded) western shores. The end of the month is the best time to visit, as temperatures and humidity levels drop and children return to school, alleviating crowds.

Weather

August may be the tail end of the season, but for most of the month, it still feels like the height of summer. August shares the distinction of being the hottest month of the year with July, with an average high temperature of 82°F (28°C) and a balmy average low temperature of 68°F (20°C). This month is also nearly as rainy as July, with an average of 14.3 inches (364 mm) monthly rainfall in Seoul. Rainfall and humidity levels slowly decrease as the month continues, but travelers should prepare for rainy days by packing an umbrella and checking the weather frequently. 

Crowds & Costs

Despite rainy and hot weather, the summer season in South Korea draws a high number of domestic and foreign tourists. Summer break for school children in South Korea typically runs from mid-July to late August. As a result, top tourist sites and especially family-friendly destinations can feel crowded, though the crowds begin to diminish toward the end of the month as children return to school, making this an ideal time to visit as humidity levels finally start to drop, temperatures cool marginally, and flight prices decline. 

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Where to Go

Travel to Jeju Island, the country's largest and most populous in the Korea Strait. During summer, the island comes alive with sunbathers and water sports enthusiasts. Tourists can take in the island's biodiversity on a snorkeling or scuba diving excursion and enjoy the island's clear blue waters while sailing, kayaking, and parasailing. Before you leave, book a dolphin-watching tour to catch a glimpse of the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat. 

On the mainland, vacation destinations dot the east coast. The city of Gangneun, which once hosted the 2018 Winter Olympics, now becomes a summertime paradise as visitors flock to Gyeongpo Beach, the largest on the east coast. Continuing south, Pohang offers seaside views and one of the country's most popular fresh fish markets. With seven beaches to choose from, Busan sees thousands of annual summer visitors, including during the celebrated Busan Sea Festival at the end of July and beginning of August.

While the beaches of South Korea's east coast are often touted as the country's best, tourists hoping to soak up the sunshine shouldn't overlook the quieter west coast. Travelers staying in Seoul can beat the heat with a day trip to nearby Boryeong, a mid-sized city along the Yellow Sea less than a two-hour drive from the capital. Driving another hour down the coast will take you to Byeonsan Beach, a cozy spot bordered by a fir tree forest and an excellent location to go tide-pooling for clams, mussels, and other shellfish when the tide recedes. 

What to Do

From spending time at the beach to visiting one of the country's water parks, water-themed vacations top the list for August. Adventure travelers looking for a change of pace from the beach can sign up for a river rafting excursion with popular spots along the Donggang River and Naerincheon Stream. For a more relaxed experience, consider renting a kayak or canoe to tour the country's scenic lakes and rivers.

Connecting with nature through hiking and camping is popular year-round in South Korea, including in the summer. Avoid the highest temperatures by hiking early in the day or choosing a location in the mountains or along the coast where the weather is more temperate. For visitors to South Korea's major cities, the same advice applies: mornings and evenings are the best time to venture out, while sweltering afternoons are best spent enjoying an iced coffee at one of the country's famous cafés.

August offers the last opportunity to attend one of the country's popular summer festivals. At the end of July and beginning of August, tourists can participate in Boryeong's Mud Festival at Daecheon Beach, when the region's mineral-rich mud is trucked onto the beach from the mudflats. The Busan Sea Festival, held around the same time, brings thousands of visitors to party at Busan's beaches. Smaller regional festivals, such as the Muju Firefly Festival and Bonghwa Sweetfish Festival, offer an opportunity for tourists to learn about the unique characteristics of each of South Korea's eight provinces. 

Events in August

Boryeong Mud Festival, Daecheon Beach. Daecheon Beach in Boryeong transforms into a festival honoring the region's mineral-rich mud, including mud wrestling and a giant mudslide in July and August.

Busan Sea Festival, Busan. Spanning five beaches across Busan, this summertime festival at the end of July and beginning of August offers vibrant nightlife, concerts, and dance parties.

Muju Firefly Festival, Muju. This ecotourism festival at the end of August and/or the beginning of September celebrates South Korea's fireflies, which feed on marsh snails native to Muju. 

Bonghwa Sweetfish Festival, Bonghwa. Visitors can fish (barehanded or with a net) for the local delicacy of sweetfish at this summer festival, which also features a lively night market, a children's water park, and more.

Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival, Incheon. This summertime music festival features popular rock musicians from around the world.

Jeongnamjin Jangheung Water Festival, Jangheung. Cool down at Jangheung's annual water festival, with various water-themed games and activities.

More Helpful Information

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Best Time of Year to Visit South Korea
How Many Days to Spend in South Korea