August is the hottest month of the year in South Korea. The rains may have subsided somewhat compared to the downpours experienced during July leading to a decrease in humidity levels. Temperatures range from the average high of 30°C (86°F) and the average low of 21°C (70°F).
August is a busy month in South Korea. Schools are off for the summer meaning large crowds and high prices can be expected no matter where you go in the country. Students go back to school come the end of August, however, and this is the period in the month when the weather lets off slightly, so you can expect slightly more relaxing surroundings without hordes of local tourists around the end of the month.
If you're planning on visiting South Korea in August, you should pack plenty of linen tops and shorts, plenty of summer dresses, a pair of comfortable walking sandals, dress shoes, sunglasses, sunhats, sunscreen, and swimwear for the beach. It won't rain as much during August as it would during July but that doesn't mean it won't rain at all so you should still carry an umbrella with you at all times.
To get an in-depth understanding of what to expect insofar as weather conditions are concerned during August, keep reading below.
South Korea Weather in August: Overview
- Average temperature range: 21°C – 30°C (70°F – 86°F)
- Rainfall: 260 mm (10 inches) in Seoul; 204 mm (8 inches) in Busan; 175 mm (7 inches) in Jeju.
- Rainy days: 10 in Seoul; 11 in Busan; 10 in Jeju.
Although August is not as wet as July, it does still rain a fair bit during the month in South Korea. Plus, the higher summer temperatures do persist, meaning it's still hot this time of the year.
The maximum daytime temperature averages around the 29°C (84°F) mark in Seoul, 29°C (84°F) in Busan, and 29°C (84°F) in Jeju as well. The minimum nighttime temperature averages around the 21°C (70°F) mark in Seoul, 23°C (73°F) in Busan, and 23°C (73°F) in Jeju. Of all the major cities, Seoul and Incheon receive the most rainfall during August.
August is a good month to visit South Korea if you're looking to spend time relaxing on the beach or hitting up one of the country's many water parks in a bid to beat the heat.
Weather of South Korea's Major Cities in August
| City | Min. Temp | Max. Temp | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seoul | 21°C (70°F) | 29°C (84°F) | 260 mm (10 inches) |
| Busan | 23°C (73°F) | 29°C (84°F) | 204 mm (8 inches) |
| Jeju Island | 23°C (73°F) | 29°C (84°F) | 175 mm (7 inches) |
| Taean | 21°C (70°F) | 30°C (86°F) | 218 mm (8.5 inch) |
| Gyeongju | 23°C (73°F) | 29°C (84°F) | 212 mm (8.5 inches) |
| Daejeon | 21°C (70°F) | 30°C (86°F) | 211 mm (8.5 inches) |
| Incheon | 22°C (72°F) | 29°C (84°F) | 243 mm (9.5 inches) |
Best Places to Visit in South Korea in August
1. Jeju Island
Jeju Island offers visitors plenty to do during the month of August. You can relax on one of the island's gorgeous beaches whilst enjoying lip-smacking seafood, or take a tour of the beautiful gardens at Hueree Natural Park, or beat the heat by spending the warm days at Shinhwa Water Park!
2. Busan
There are fewer cities busier than Busan during August but that being said, there are also fewer cities as pretty as Busan in the summer. The seaside city comes to life during the summer months and provides visitors the chance to spend time on some of the best beaches of anywhere in the Korean peninsula.
3. Gangneung
If you enjoy coffee, beaches, and museums, Gangneung is the city for you. The city isn't as busy as the other two on this list and is home to the nationally acclaimed coffee street, some amazing beaches like Gyeongpo Beach, Jeongdongjin Beach, and Anmok Beach, and some very worthwhile museums like the Museum of Oriental Embroidery and Seongyojang House.
August Crowds and Costs
Most of August carries on from July in terms of remaining busy and crowded. The primary reasons for this steady influx of tourists, both local and foreign, are that most Korean families travel during July and August given students have time off from school, and due to the fact that the rains have significantly subsided relative to the amounts experienced in July. It is going to be especially crowded in popular amusement and water parks, and other major tourist attractions across the country.
The country's coastal cities also remain busy during August given that people want to spend time relaxing by the beach. We recommend getting to the beaches early on during the day so as to avoid the heat and beat the hordes of visitors that are eventually going to show up as the day progresses.
Schools resume classes at the end of August, and most places will become relatively less crowded towards the end of the month. This is doubly good as you can enjoy your favorite destinations in peace and quiet, whilst also doing so in slightly cooler temperatures.
Prices for most things, though, especially accommodation and transportation will remain on the higher side for most of August, so remember to book in advance, eat local, and take advantage of the many inexpensive tourist attractions available for tourists to visit like museums and cultural heritage sites.
August Events in South Korea
Busan Sea Festival: The Busan Sea Festival celebrates the unique nature of the five best beaches in Busan over the course of the first ten days of August. It's a great way to celebrate summer and bid farewell to the heat by taking part in salsa dance performances, attending hip-hop shows, and whiling the night away at lounges and pool parties.
Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival: Hosted by the metropolis of Incheon, the Pentaport Rock Festival takes place over three days from August 2nd to 4th. Some of the absolute best Korean and international indie rock, metal, and folk artists perform at this legendary festival and if you're into rock music, you should definitely carve out time to attend these performances.
Semiwon Lotus Flower Festival: The Semiwon Lotus Flower Festival, held from July 21st to August 18th, celebrates the beauty of the various varieties of lotuses on display at the botanical gardens of Semiwon in Yangpyeong County. The festival makes for a great day trip from Seoul.
What to Wear in South Korea in August
While it isn't as humid or muggy in August as it is in July, you can still expect it to be hot during the month. As such, including clothing items made of soft, breathable, fabrics like linen is the way to go.
While it doesn't rain as much during August as it does in July, you'd still be extremely lucky to not come across any rain at all, so make sure you carry a trusted umbrella or raincoat with you at all times.
A detailed packing list ought to include plenty of linen tops and shorts, summer dresses, comfortable walking sandals, dress shoes, sunglasses, sunhats, sunscreen, an umbrella, and swimwear for time on the beach.
Remember that while South Korea is an extremely stylish country, it's also a largely conservative one. As such, avoid wearing clothes that are overly revealing.
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