When summer hits and temperatures soar, you might find yourself reaching for cold drinks, salads, and anything you don’t have to cook. But in Korea, one of the most enduring food traditions flips that logic upside down.
Welcome to the world of Boknal—three of the hottest days of summer in Korea—and the surprising custom of eating hot, steaming chicken soup to cool down and recharge.
Let’s explore what Boknal means, the history behind it, and why it continues to be one of Korea’s most beloved seasonal food traditions.
What Is Boknal (복날)?
In Korea, the “Boknal” days (or “Dog Days of Summer”) mark the three hottest and most humid periods of the year. These days are determined by the lunar calendar and typically fall between mid-July and mid-August.
The three specific days are:
- Chobok (초복) – “Beginning of the heat”
- Jungbok (중복) – “Middle of the heat”
- Malbok (말복) – “End of the heat”
Together, they are known as “sambok” (삼복), and each day is spaced about 10 days apart. During this time, Korea’s summer humidity and high temperatures reach their peak—and so does the tradition of eating specific “restorative” foods.
The Idea Behind the Heat-Eating-Heat Concept
You might be wondering, why would anyone eat hot soup in the middle of a heatwave?
This seemingly paradoxical idea is rooted in traditional East Asian medicine, which believes that fighting heat with heat helps your body maintain balance. When it’s hot outside and your body becomes weak from sweating and lethargy, the belief is that hot, nutritious meals help replenish energy (known as “ki” or 기운 in Korean) and support your internal strength.
In other words, sweating a little more through a hot meal is thought to stimulate circulation, restore lost nutrients, and help your body resist summer fatigue.
Enter: Samgyetang, the Star of Boknal
The most iconic Boknal food is Samgyetang (삼계탕), a steaming bowl of ginseng chicken soup.
This dish consists of a whole young chicken stuffed with glutinous rice, garlic, jujubes (Korean dates), and ginseng, all simmered together into a rich, nourishing broth. The chicken is tender, the soup is hearty, and it’s a dish that feels both comforting and energizing at once.
Koreans have enjoyed Samgyetang for generations as the go-to food to fight heat exhaustion and “recharge” during the dog days. It’s the equivalent of a food-based energy boost—delicious, filling, and believed to be medicinal.
On Boknal days, you’ll see restaurants all over Korea packed with people lining up for a bowl of Samgyetang. Supermarkets will even have special displays and promotions around it.
Boknal in Modern Korea
Even as Korea has rapidly modernized, the tradition of eating well on Boknal has remained strong.
Many people now opt for convenience versions of Samgyetang sold in vacuum-sealed pouches or at convenience stores. Others might go out for Korean BBQ, eel, or even spicy stews. The point isn’t necessarily what you eat—but that you eat something nourishing and warm to rebuild your strength during the hottest days of the year.
Younger Koreans may not know all the ancient origins behind Boknal, but they still recognize it as a cultural moment: a time to pause, take care of your health, and indulge in something comforting.
Can This Tradition Fit into Western Lifestyles?
Absolutely. While most Americans may not schedule meals around the lunar calendar, the idea of seasonal eating and energy recovery is universal. Just like we crave chicken soup when we’re under the weather, Koreans embrace it during intense heat—not because it cools the body down, but because it strengthens it from within.
Next time you’re drained from the sun or feeling sluggish during a summer slump, consider trying a warming, nourishing dish. You don’t have to make a full Samgyetang at home (though you can find recipes or premade kits online), but you could try chicken broth with garlic, rice, and herbs—or your favorite version of comfort food with added nutrition.
When Are Boknal Days in 2025?
If you’re curious and want to align your kitchen with Korean tradition, here’s a rough idea of when Boknal days fall in 2025:
- Chobok: July 15
- Jungbok: July 25
- Malbok: August 14
The exact dates change slightly each year based on the lunar calendar, but the theme is the same: fuel up, take care, and keep your energy strong through the summer.
Final Thoughts
Boknal isn’t just about food—it’s about listening to your body and taking care of yourself, especially during seasonal extremes. In Korea, eating a hot bowl of Samgyetang is a symbolic act of self-care, rooted in history, community, and a deep respect for the power of food.
So whether you’re braving a heatwave in LA or just feeling a little low-energy this July, try channeling a little Korean wisdom: embrace the heat, eat something warm, and give your body the boost it deserves. A simple bowl of soup—like Paldo’s Gomtang or their hearty noodle offerings—can be a comforting place to start.
Because sometimes, sweating it out over a bowl of soup is the best way to cool down.
