Boknal is the hottest period during the Korean summer, divided into Chobok (the first hot day), Jungbok (the middle hot day), and Malbok (the last hot day) between July and August each year. In 2024, Chobok falls on July 15, Jungbok on July 25, and Malbok on August 14. Chobok marks the beginning of the intense heat, and after Malbok, the heat is considered to be waning. During the hot summer season, Koreans seek to stay healthy through vacations to the sea, valleys or mountains and replenishing their heat-drained energy with the right food.
Popular vacation spots for escaping the heat include beaches like Naksan Beach and Mangsang Beach on the East Sea, as well as valleys in the mountains where the shade and breeze are cool. Families or friends visit these beaches or valleys to enjoy water activities and eat summer fruits like watermelon, escaping the heat while having fun together.
Additionally, various protein-rich foods are popular during Boknal. Contrary to Western practices of eating something cooling like ice cream or frozen yogurt to cool down in the summer, a lot of the popular Summer food in Korea is hot! Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup), Chueotang (loach soup), and grilled eel are good for replenishing energy during the hot summer. Koreans particularly favor Samgyetang during Boknal to endure the hot weather. Samgyetang is known to be beneficial to the body, containing various ingredients and medicinal herbs like jujube, ginseng, glutinous rice, and garlic. This warm chicken dish helps to warm the organs, promote metabolism, and relieve fatigue. Recently, besides Samgyetang, chicken dishes have also become popular, making Malbok a peak season for fried chicken restaurants.
If you’re travelling to Korea this summer, why not try spending it like a local and dedicate a day of escape to the valleys or sea, and eat some traditional summer fare to nourish your body? Of course, you can also consider attending a Korean language course with Sejong Korean Language School (online Korean classes or physical Korean lessons available) to prepare for your Korean trip! Once you learn Korean, all you’ll need to do is pack your beach or hiking gear and you’re ready for Summer in Korea!
Written by: Ms Im Minju, July 2024