Introduction
In Korean fortune telling and seasonal traditions, Sambok (Three Bok Days) – Chobok, Jungbok, and Malbok – mark the hottest periods of summer according to the lunar calendar. These days have cultural, agricultural, and even astrological significance within Korean astrology and the Four Pillars of Destiny (Saju) system. This guide explores the history, meaning, and customs of Sambok, keeping in mind its symbolic connection to Yin-Yang and the Five Elements.
| Year | Chobok (First Day) | Jungbok (Second Day) | Malbok (Last Day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | July 20, 2025 | July 30, 2025 | August 9, 2025 |
| 2026 | July 15, 2026 | July 25, 2026 | August 14, 2026 |
| 2027 | July 20, 2027 | July 30, 2027 | August 9, 2027 |
| 2028 | July 14, 2028 | July 24, 2028 | August 13, 2028 |
| 2029 | July 19, 2029 | July 29, 2029 | August 8, 2029 |
| 2030 | July 14, 2030 | July 24, 2030 | August 13, 2030 |
| 2031 | July 19, 2031 | July 29, 2031 | August 8, 2031 |
| 2032 | July 13, 2032 | July 23, 2032 | August 12, 2032 |
| 2033 | July 18, 2033 | July 28, 2033 | August 17, 2033 |
| 2034 | July 13, 2034 | July 23, 2034 | August 12, 2034 |
| 2035 | July 18, 2035 | July 28, 2035 | August 17, 2035 |
| 2036 | July 12, 2036 | July 22, 2036 | August 11, 2036 |
| 2037 | July 17, 2037 | July 27, 2037 | August 16, 2037 |
| 2038 | July 12, 2038 | July 22, 2038 | August 11, 2038 |
| 2039 | July 17, 2039 | July 27, 2039 | August 16, 2039 |
| 2040 | July 21, 2040 | July 31, 2040 | August 10, 2040 |
National Folk Museum of Korea – Sambok (Korean)
Overview of Sambok (Chobok, Jungbok, Malbok)
Sambok:
Three specific days between the 6th and 7th lunar months.
Chobok (First Bok):
The third Gyeongil (庚日) after the Summer Solstice (Haji).
Jungbok (Middle Bok):
The fourth Gyeongil after the Summer Solstice.
Malbok (Last Bok):
The first Gyeongil after the Beginning of Autumn (Ipchu).
In the Heavenly Stems system of Korean astrology, Gyeong represents the Yang Metal element, linking these dates to the seasonal shift from summer’s Fire element to autumn’s Metal element.
Sambok and the Five Elements in Korean Astrology
In Korean astrology and Four Pillars of Destiny, the Five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) are fundamental:
- Spring = Wood (목)
- Summer = Fire (화)
- Autumn = Metal (금)
- Winter = Water (수)
- Earth (토) mediates between seasons.
Sambok occurs during the dominance of Fire (summer) when Metal (autumn) begins to emerge. On Gyeongil days, Metal’s energy “bows down” to the overwhelming Fire, symbolizing seasonal energy conflict.
Proverbs Related to Sambok
- “A shower on Chobok is worth more than a chest full of pearls.” – Symbolizes the value of rain for rice crops in the midsummer heat.
- “If it rains on Bok Day, the jujube trees in Cheongsan and Boeun will cry.” – Refers to the negative effect of rain on jujube fruiting in these regions.
- “초복날 소나기는 한 고방의 구슬보다 낫다.” – 무더운 여름, 농작물에 귀중한 비의 의미.
- “복날에 비가 오면 청산 보은의 큰애기가 운다.” – 대추농사에 비가 악영향을 미친다는 지역 속담.
Seasonal Customs During Sambok
Traditionally, Koreans performed Bokje (伏祭), offering food in the fields for a good harvest. Other customs included:
- Cooling off in mountain streams or beaches
- Eating summer fruits like watermelon and melon
- Taking “Bok baths” for health
- Government officials receiving ice from royal ice storage
Foods for Sambok
Sambok is famous for energy-boosting foods in Korean fortune telling traditions, symbolizing balance restoration:
- Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup)
- Porridge with red beans to ward off evil spirits
- Cold fruits with ice for cooling
- Dog meat soup (historical, now controversial) as a source of strong Yang energy
Agricultural Significance
Farmers observed that rice “ages” one year on each Bok Day:
- Chobok → First joint forms
- Jungbok → Second joint forms
- Malbok → Third joint forms before heading
Weather on these days was used for harvest predictions.
Origins of Sambok
Sambok originated in China over 2,000 years ago and was introduced to Korea, evolving into a unique cultural tradition. Records in the Dongguk Sesigi (Korean seasonal customs book) describe animal sacrifices, especially dogs, to prevent pest outbreaks during extreme heat.
Doosan Encyclopedia – Sambok (Korean)
Conclusion
In Korean astrology and Korean fortune telling, Sambok reflects not only seasonal energy shifts but also the cultural blending of agriculture, health, and spirituality. Understanding its meaning deepens appreciation for how the Four Pillars of Destiny connect to Korea’s living traditions.
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