Sambok in Korea: Why Hot Soup Is the Secret to Beating Summer Heat
- Melissa Edwards-Whittington
- Jul 9
- 8 min read
Updated: Jul 26
What Is Sambok in Korea? Understanding the Dog Days of Korean Summer
Sambok (삼복) refers to the three hottest days of the Korean summer, a traditional time when Koreans battle the intense heat with nourishing foods and time-honored customs. The term "bok" (복) originates from a Chinese character that resembles a dog lying on its stomach, symbolizing how even animals lie flat and avoid movement during extreme heat. The meaning reflects the oppressive nature of the season: it’s so hot that you just want to stay still and not move.
What are Chobok, Jungbok & Malbok?
These days are also known as Boknal (복날), a term commonly used in Korean summer traditions to describe Chobok (초복), Jungbok (중복), and Malbok (말복)—the first, middle, and final days of this sweltering period. While "Sambok" is the formal collective name, "Boknal" is widely used in everyday conversation to refer to these intense summer days.
In Korea, the hottest days of summer are known collectively as Sambok (삼복), which includes Chobok (초복), Jungbok (중복), and Malbok (말복)—three milestone days based on the lunar calendar that mark the beginning, middle, and end of peak summer heat. These days, also called Boknal (복날), are known for a unique tradition: eating hot, restorative dishes like samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) to fight heat with heat.
The Sambok 2025 dates are:
Chobok (초복) – July 20, 2025
Jungbok (중복) – July 30, 2025
Malbok (말복) – August 9, 2025
These dates are based on the lunar calendar and mark Korea’s hottest stretch of summer—also known as Boknal. Each day, from Chobok (the start) to Jungbok (the midpoint) and Malbok (the end), represents a significant moment in traditional Korean summer culture, when people observe specific food customs to combat the heat.
The History and Cultural Significance of Sambok in Korea
The Origins of Sambok and Boknal Traditions in Korea
To fully understand the importance of Sambok in Korea, it’s helpful to explore its historical and cultural origins. Sambok has deep roots in East Asian tradition, originating during the Qin dynasty in ancient China. Historical records show that mid-summer rites during this period included offerings to ward off heat and disease, sometimes even involving dog sacrifices as symbolic protection against illness. The word “Bok” (伏) comes from a Chinese character meaning “to crouch” or “to submit,” reflecting how the intense summer heat was believed to overpower the human body, so much so that even animals were imagined lying flat, drained by the oppressive temperatures.
In Korean history, Sambok was also a time when the government recognized the toll of the weather by easing physical labor and distributing ice to help citizens cool down. Farmers would perform small rituals during these days to pray for health, prosperity, and a bountiful harvest, making Sambok not just a seasonal marker but a meaningful moment in the agricultural and cultural calendar.
What to Eat and Do During Sambok: Korean Foods and Summer Customs
One of the most distinctive features of Sambok in Korea is the way people approach the heat, not by avoiding it, but by leaning into it. This ancient practice is guided by the philosophy of 이열치열 (iyeolchiyeol), meaning "fight fire with fire." It’s believed that eating hot, energy-boosting foods helps the body sweat out fatigue and better cope with the extreme summer heat. Let’s explore the foods and customs that define this season.
One of the most iconic dishes enjoyed during Chobok, Jungbok, and Malbok is Samgyetang, a hot, stamina-boosting soup that reflects the essence of Korean summer traditions.
Samgyetang: Korea’s Ultimate Boknal Wellness Food
This iconic dish is the most widely recognized food associated with Sambok. Samgyetang is a steaming bowl of whole young chicken stuffed with glutinous rice, garlic, jujubes, and ginseng. Though it might seem counterintuitive to eat hot soup on a hot day, Koreans believe this dish replenishes lost nutrients, boosts stamina, and restores balance to the body.
Patjuk: Cooling Red Bean Porridge for the Summer Heat
While more commonly associated with winter solstice traditions, some households also enjoy patjuk during Bok days. Red beans are believed to have cooling properties and are thought to ward off bad energy and heat-related illness. It’s a simpler alternative to Samgyetang but equally rooted in traditional wellness practices.
Seasonal Foods During Chobok, Jungbok, and Malbok
You’ll also find a variety of seasonal fruits like watermelon (수박) and Korean melon (참외), which offer hydration and natural sweetness during the hot season. Cold noodle dishes such as naengmyeon (냉면) are also popular, especially in the days surrounding Sambok. For those seeking a stamina boost, grilled eel (장어) dishes are another traditional favorite said to increase energy and vitality.
These foods offer both relief and strength during Boknal, helping Koreans nourish their bodies throughout Chobok, Jungbok, and Malbok.
Avoiding Cold Baths & Gentle Cooling Rituals
Korean Cooling Rituals for Sambok Days
Interestingly, Korean folk tradition advises against taking cold showers or baths during Sambok, as it’s believed that a sudden drop in body temperature could lead to illness. Instead, people might opt for foot baths, gentle cooling cloths, or even sand baths by the beach, where the heat of the sun-warmed sand is said to draw toxins out of the body and promote circulation.
These customs reflect Korea’s holistic approach to seasonal health—where food, tradition, and environment work together to help people endure and even embrace the hottest days of summer.
Sambok in Korea: Practical Tips for Expats and Travelers
If you're new to Korea and find yourself here during Sambok, you might be surprised to see locals lining up for hot soup on the hottest days of the year. But this isn’t a culinary contradiction—it’s a time-honored wellness practice based on the philosophy of 이열치열 (iyeolchiyeol), or “fighting heat with heat.” Koreans believe that eating hot, nutrient-rich meals like Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) during peak summer helps stimulate sweating, detoxify the body, and regulate internal temperature.
Embracing Chobok, Jungbok, and Malbok Like a Local
To fully embrace the season, try visiting a 삼계탕 전문점 (Samgyetang specialty restaurant) during one of the Bok days. Many restaurants offer seasonal specials, and it’s a unique cultural experience that both locals and expats enjoy. Beyond food, Sambok is also a time for summer festivals, especially along Korea’s coastlines and in rural areas, where traditional music, games, and cooling rituals are celebrated.
Whether it’s your first Chobok in Korea or your fifth Malbok, joining locals in these meals offers a firsthand glimpse into Korean summer traditions rooted in seasonal wellness and cultural heritage.
Travel Tips for Staying Healthy During Boknal
When exploring during the summer heat, make use of apps like KakaoTaxi for easy navigation, and don’t forget your T-Money card, a prepaid transit card that makes subway and bus travel seamless. As for cooling off, resist the urge to jump into an ice-cold shower. Korean folk wisdom suggests that sudden cold exposure on Bok days can lead to illness. Instead, opt for gentler cooling methods like foot baths, shade breaks, and plenty of hydration to help your body adjust naturally.
By following these customs and tips, you can not only survive the Korean summer—you can thrive in it like a local.
Sambok Resources for Expats and Curious Travelers
Curious to experience Sambok like a local? These resources offer valuable cultural insight and practical tips:
South of Seoul – Cooking Samgyetang offers a helpful guide to making this traditional ginseng chicken soup at home, perfect if you want to embrace the spirit of Sambok in your own kitchen.
South of Seoul – Samgyetang Restaurants in Pyeongtaek features tried-and-true local spots where you can enjoy Samgyetang prepared by professionals. This is especially useful if you live in or are visiting the Pyeongtaek area.
Soul of Seoul - What to Do on the Hottest Summer Days in Korea Packed with fun activity ideas—from cooling rituals to festival tips—this guide helps you make the most of Bok‑day energy and avoid the midday slump.
Seoul Space – Sambok (삼복) Explained Seoul Space offers an informative breakdown of Sambok’s meaning, background, and its place in modern Korean life—a great resource for history buffs and curious travelers.
90 Day Korean – Sambok Explained breaks down the history, traditions, and seasonal customs behind Sambok in an easy-to-understand format, along with relevant Korean vocabulary to enhance your cultural understanding.
Travel Tip: To find Samgyetang restaurants near you using Naver or Kakao Maps, search “삼계탕 맛집” (Samgyetang matjip), which means “Samgyetang hot spot” or “best Samgyetang places.” You’ll get a list of highly rated restaurants, complete with reviews and photos.
These resources will help you make the most of Korea’s hottest season, with a deeper appreciation for its food, culture, and traditions.
Want to try making Samgyetang yourself? Check out this video from our YouTube channel, KimchiRednecks, where we walk you through the steps to prepare this nourishing ginseng chicken soup at home. It’s a simple and satisfying way to celebrate Sambok and embrace the fight heat with heat tradition from your own kitchen.
Final Thoughts: Embracing Korean Summer Traditions During Sambok
Sambok, including Chobok, Jungbok, and Malbok, is more than just a series of hot days; it’s a vibrant blend of tradition, culinary culture, and seasonal wisdom that reflects Korean summer traditions and the country’s deep-rooted connection to nature and holistic wellness. Whether you choose to make your own Samgyetang at home or enjoy it at a local restaurant, participating in Bok-day customs is a flavorful and memorable way to immerse yourself in Korean culture.
For foreigners living in or visiting Korea, Sambok is a great opportunity to slow down, savor traditional foods, and connect with the rhythms of local life. From eating nourishing soups and cooling off with gentle rituals to exploring regional festivals or learning about the cultural significance of each Bok day, there are countless ways to make the most of this uniquely Korean summer experience.
So, keep warm with hot soup, stay hydrated, and embrace the heat with open arms! Sambok is a season worth celebrating.
FAQ About Sambok in Korea
Why do Koreans eat hot soup like Samgyetang during the hottest days of summer?
This practice is rooted in the Korean wellness philosophy 이열치열 (iyeolchiyeol), which means “fight heat with heat.” During Boknal—the three hottest days known as Chobok, Jungbok, and Malbok—Koreans eat hot, nutrient-rich dishes like Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) to encourage sweating, balance internal temperature, and combat fatigue from the intense summer heat. It's one of the most enduring Korean summer traditions.
What are the Sambok dates in 2025?
In 2025, Sambok falls on:
Chobok (초복) – July 17
Jungbok (중복) – July 27
Malbok (말복) – August 6
These Boknal dates are based on the lunar calendar and mark the start, middle, and end of Korea’s dog days of summer—a period deeply tied to seasonal food customs and traditional wellness practices.
What foods are traditionally eaten during Sambok?
The most iconic Boknal dish is Samgyetang, a steaming chicken soup made with ginseng, garlic, and glutinous rice. Other traditional foods include grilled eel (장어) for stamina, Patjuk (팥죽) for its cooling properties, and hydrating seasonal fruits like watermelon (수박) and Korean melon (참외). Naengmyeon (냉면), a chilled noodle dish, is also a popular choice around Chobok, Jungbok, and Malbok.
Is it okay to take cold showers during Sambok?
In traditional Korean summer customs, cold baths or showers during Sambok are discouraged. Sudden exposure to cold is believed to cause shock or disrupt the body’s balance during this intense heat. Instead, people turn to gentle cooling rituals like foot baths, cooling cloths, and shaded rest to stay healthy during Boknal.
Can I make Samgyetang at home?
Absolutely! Samgyetang is a popular at-home meal during Chobok, Jungbok, and Malbok. You’ll need a small chicken, ginseng, glutinous rice, jujubes, garlic, and a few herbs. If you’re ready to try this Korean summer tradition yourself, check out our KimchiRednecks YouTube video for a step-by-step guide.
How can I find Samgyetang restaurants near me in Korea?
To enjoy Samgyetang during Boknal, use Naver Maps or Kakao Maps and search for “삼계탕 맛집” (Samgyetang matjip), which means “best Samgyetang spots.” Many restaurants offer Chobok to Malbok specials, so it's a perfect time to experience this uniquely Korean seasonal custom.