Exact Korean solar calendar dates for 2026 Sambok — the three hottest days of Korean summer. Includes traditional foods, a historic comparison table, and cultural background.
Sambok dates are traditional Korean seasonal markers calculated from the Gyeong day sequence after Summer Solstice (Haji) and Start of Autumn (Ipchu), not official public holidays. Dates are based on Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute reference data. Food recommendations reflect traditional Korean customs — consult your doctor if you have medical conditions or allergies. This service bears no medical or legal responsibility.
Sambok refers to Korea's three hottest days of the summer, corresponding to the traditional lunar-solar calendar. Chobok is the 3rd Gyeong day after Haji (Summer Solstice, Jun 21). Jungbok is the 4th Gyeong day. Malbok is the 1st Gyeong day after Ipchu (Start of Autumn, Aug 7). In 2026, the dates are Jul 15 (Wed), Jul 25 (Sat), and Aug 14 (Fri). Chobok to Jungbok is always 10 days, but Jungbok to Malbok is either 10 or 20 days depending on Ipchu timing.
Chobok = 3rd Gyeong day after Haji (Summer Solstice). Jungbok = 4th Gyeong day after Haji. Malbok = 1st Gyeong day after Ipchu (Start of Autumn). Gyeong days recur every 10 days in the traditional Korean sixty-cycle calendar.
When Jungbok to Malbok spans 20 days instead of 10, it's called Wolbok — happens when Ipchu falls more than 10 days after Jungbok. 2026 is a Wolbok year: Jungbok (Jul 25) to Malbok (Aug 14) is 20 days.
No, Sambok is a folk seasonal marker, not a statutory public holiday in Korea. Regular workdays apply, but Koreans traditionally eat nourishing food to beat the heat.
Protein-rich traditional dishes like Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup), eel, abalone porridge, and mudfish soup are classic. Modern Koreans also enjoy cooling foods like watermelon and patbingsu. Choose based on your health and preferences.
Exact dates for Korea's 2026 three dog days: Chobok Jul 15 (Wed), Jungbok Jul 25 (Sat), Malbok Aug 14 (Fri). Learn the calculation method, Wolbok determination, traditional foods, and year-by-year comparison. Based on the Korean lunar-solar calendar.