Seoul Weather in August

Hot, humid and rainy

August feels sticky in Seoul, with warm nights and frequent showers. Rain can interrupt a walk through Bukchon Hanok Village or a hike up Namsan, and paths may get slippery. The month gets 251 mm of rain across 18 days, so outdoor plans can be hard to rely on.

You'll still find plenty to do between showers. Browse the shops and cafés in Insadong, or duck into the National Museum of Korea. For a cool meal, try naengmyeon, cold noodles popular in summer.

August events and crowds

Liberation Day, or Gwangbokjeol, falls on August 15. It marks Korea's liberation from Japanese rule, and you may see flags and ceremonies around the city, including near Seodaemun Prison History Hall.

If you hate crowds, avoid assuming Seoul will be quiet just because the weather is uncomfortable. Korean school holidays make August a busy time for family outings, and popular sights and hotels can feel more crowded than in September. Prices may also be higher than in calmer months such as May or October, especially around the summer holiday period.

Make the weather work for you

August isn't the easiest month for long walks or a packed day outdoors. Keep palace visits, market wandering and Namsan plans flexible, and use rainy spells for indoor sights. The weather is much wetter than September, which is also cooler.

Travelling with kids? Pair a short outdoor visit with an indoor stop rather than spending the whole day in the heat. Around Gyeongbokgung, you can visit the palace when the rain eases, then head to the nearby National Folk Museum for a break from the weather.