Korea in August 2027: Heat, Typhoons and Liberation Day

Source: KMA climate normals 1991–2020, stations 108, 159 and 184 (KMA). Seoul's August average is 26.1°C, and its average relative humidity is 73.5%.

These are 30-year averages, not a forecast. Nights are warm: the average low is 22.1°C or higher in all three cities in July and August. Check the KMA forecast in the week before you fly.

Hot spells are 폭염pokyeomHeat wave in Korean. KMA issues a heat wave advisory when a feels-like temperature of 33°C or more is expected for two days or longer, and a warning at 35°C. A severe heat wave warning needs 35°C or more recorded for two days or longer, and 38°C feels-like or 39°C air temperature expected on at least one day. A 열대야yeoldaeyaTropical night advisory covers nights with a low of 25°C or more (26°C in large cities and on the coast, 27°C on Jeju) in areas under a heat wave advisory or higher (KMA). These warnings were reorganized in June 2026, so check KMA for the current rules.

Plan sights outdoors for the morning and use museums, malls and cafés for the afternoon. The last of the three traditional hottest days, 말복MalbokLast hot day, is on 9 August 2027. The solar term 입추IpchuStart of autumn falls on 8 August, although the weather stays hot (KASI).

August is the peak of the typhoon season, 태풍taepungTyphoon. KMA's 1991–2020 normal is 5.6 typhoons forming in the North Pacific in August and 1.2 affecting Korea, the highest of any month. September has 5.1 and 0.8 (KMA). Over a whole year, about 3.4 typhoons affect Korea directly or indirectly (KMA).

Typhoons can cancel flights and ferries to islands, and outdoor events can be postponed. Check the KMA forecast daily, keep your trip flexible, and read the safety guide. Choose flexible tickets for island trips.

• Light, breathable clothes. The Korea Tourism Organization recommends breathable clothing, sun protection products, and an umbrella or raincoat (VisitKorea).
• A hat and sunscreen. Midday sun is strong.
• A swimsuit and quick-dry towel for beaches and the Han River pools.
• A thin layer. Air conditioning is strong on the subway and in cafés.

Source: KASI calendar data 2027. Liberation Day commemorates the end of Japanese rule in 1945 (VisitKorea). Because 15 August 2027 is a Sunday, the Monday substitute makes a three-day weekend. Banks and government offices close.

No organizer had published 2027 dates when this page was written. These are the 2026 dates, to show the usual timing.

Sources: Seoul Metropolitan Government, Busan Metropolitan City, VisitKorea and Seoul pools. VisitKorea credits the Busan festival to the Busan Festival Organization, while the city's release announces it, so confirm the organizer with the festival. None of the 2027 dates is announced. For other events, see the Korea Tourism Organization's festival listings.

The Korea Tourism Organization names July to August as a peak season, when flight prices rise (VisitKorea). Many stores hold sales from June to August (VisitKorea). Beaches and island ferries are busiest on weekends and holidays, so book early and go on weekdays if you can.

• Seoul: indoor sights by day, and the Han River parks in the evening. See the Seoul guide.
• Busan: beaches and the Sea Festival, with 266.5 mm of rain in the month. See the Busan guide.
• Jeju: the warmest city of the three, with highs of 30.1°C. See the Jeju guide.