Why Koreans Say “Dogs Don’t Catch Summer Colds” – Meaning and Samgyetang

Summer colds often occur when immunity drops due to excessive air conditioning and sudden temperature changes. When my child unexpectedly caught a summer cold, my day also unfolded differently than planned. In this post, I take a closer look at the meaning behind a Korean proverb about summer colds, why samgyetang is loved as a nourishing summer dish, and simple preventive habits that can be practiced in everyday life.

⭐ Summer Colds at a Glance (FAST-ANSWER)

• What is a summer cold? A type of cold that often occurs when immunity drops due to excessive air conditioning, sudden temperature changes, or dehydration.
• Meaning of the proverb The saying “Dogs don’t catch summer colds” does not mean people cannot get sick in summer. It is a humorous warning that colds caught during hot weather should be taken more seriously.
• Key idea – Iyeol Chiyeol A traditional Korean concept meaning “fight heat with heat.” Eating hot foods encourages sweating and blood circulation, which may help regulate body temperature.
• Representative food: Samgyetang A nourishing soup made with chicken, ginseng, and jujubes, traditionally enjoyed to restore energy, support immunity, and ease summer fatigue.
• How to prevent summer colds Keep the indoor and outdoor temperature difference within 5°C, stay well hydrated, get light exercise, and maintain proper sleep.
• Especially important for children Avoid overuse of air conditioning, offer foods that are not overly cold, and allow enough rest until full recovery.

What Does “Dogs Don’t Catch Summer Colds” Mean in Korea?

The proverb “Dogs don’t catch summer colds” does not mean that people cannot get sick during summer. Rather, it is commonly used to warn that colds caught in hot weather should be taken more seriously.

Last night, my younger child grew restless, waking up often with a cough. I thought to myself, “This is going to be a long night—please let tomorrow be uneventful.” But in the morning, they threw up what they had eaten, and I knew we’d be spending the whole day together at home. I had given fever medicine at dawn, but the fever still hadn’t gone down.

On our way back from the clinic, I stopped by the market with my child, who had little appetite. The colors, smells, and sights of the market seemed to lift their spirits a little, even in the middle of being sick. We shared a cold slushie, some freshly fried sweet hoddeok (Korean pancakes), and steamed corn that had just been harvested. Since they had hardly eaten anything, I just wanted them to enjoy something—anything—that would give them a bit of energy.

Children with summer colds often lose their appetite. In our case, my child had barely eaten due to nausea, so I simply hoped they could have something familiar, even in small amounts. Sometimes, foods they already like can feel easier to eat when they are not feeling well.

What Is Iyeol Chiyeol? Why Koreans Eat Hot Food in Summer

When I was younger, I never gave much thought to this saying. It was only after experiencing a summer cold firsthand that I began to understand why people still use it today. It’s an old saying used to poke fun at someone catching a cold in the heat of summer. Experiencing it firsthand, I realized it’s nothing to take lightly. I think my tendency to overuse air conditioning played a part, and I felt sorry for my child. So, with the idea of “fight heat with heat,” I decided to make samgyetang.

In Korean, this concept is called 이열치열 (Iyeol Chiyeol), which literally means “fight heat with heat.” It’s a traditional belief that eating hot food in hot weather may help regulate body temperature. The idea is to respond to a condition with something of the same nature—strength against strength, heat against heat. It is often said to help by promoting sweating and improving circulation, which in turn cools the body. It’s the same principle behind going to a sauna in summer or drinking iced coffee in the middle of winter.

Why Samgyetang Is Eaten in Summer – Energy and Immune Support

Seeing my child unwell made me feel it was somehow my fault, and I wished I could take their place. I wanted to give them something warm and nourishing. So, I bought chicken, jujubes, garlic, and ginseng from the market and the grocery store, and made samgyetang. These days, you can buy pre-packaged sets with all the side ingredients, which makes it easier. (Since my child is still young, I didn’t add too much ginseng or other strong ingredients.)

Samgyetang (蔘: ginseng, 鷄: chicken, 湯: soup) is, quite literally, chicken soup made with ginseng. The saponins in ginseng are known to activate immune cells, while the vitamin C in jujubes supports the immune system through antioxidant effects. The protein and amino acids in chicken help build immune cells. It’s also great for boosting energy and relieving fatigue—which may be why people enjoy it during Boknal, the hottest days of summer. And honestly, it’s delicious!

In Korea, samgyetang is traditionally eaten during Boknal, the three hottest days of summer. Many people line up at restaurants or prepare it at home as a seasonal ritual, believing it helps restore energy lost to the heat. It is not just a meal, but a cultural habit tied to how Koreans cope with summer.

If you're curious about Boknal and how Koreans traditionally spend these hottest days of summer, I hope to share a more detailed story about it sometime in the future.

When I think back to being sick as a child, I don’t remember the exact symptoms as much as I remember what I ate. For my younger sister and me, it was bananas. At that time, imported fruit was rare and expensive, so bananas felt extra special. My hope is that my child won’t remember the discomfort of this summer cold, but will remember the warmth and love that filled the table.

Tips for Preventing Summer Colds

Summer colds are often caused by air conditioning, sudden changes in temperature, and dehydration. It helps to keep the indoor-outdoor temperature difference within 5°C, drink plenty of fluids, and get light exercise to work up a gentle sweat. And, of course, don’t forget good sleep. These small habits may seem trivial, but they can make a big difference in protecting against summer colds—especially for children.

Moments like this remind me to be thankful to God for the simple, everyday routines. Today wasn’t like any other day, and I didn’t have much time for myself, but walking around the market and spending that time together with my child made it a day worth remembering. I hope you all stay healthy and find gratitude in the everyday moments too.

I hope it brings you a bit of comfort and inspiration—just like a warm moment on an unexpected day. 👉 Why Koreans Eat Samgyetang on the Hottest Days – Benefits, Easy Recipe, and Summer Health Tips