South Korea is experiencing a record-breaking heatwave, with temperatures soaring to unprecedented levels and prompting the country’s first-ever severe heatwave warning for its capital, Seoul. The southeast city of Yangsan recorded a temperature of 42.5°C on Sunday, the highest in 122 years of meteorological data, before the intense heat moved westward toward Seoul. On Monday, the temperature in Seoul’s Guro district reached 39°C, with forecasts predicting continued highs around 37°C for several days.
The heatwave has had significant health impacts across the country. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the heat has been linked to 19 deaths, 13 of whom were aged 80 or older, and over 2,000 cases of heat-related illnesses have been reported since mid-May. The government and local authorities have mobilized various measures to mitigate the effects of the extreme temperatures, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and people with chronic illnesses or disabilities.
In Seoul, authorities issued the city’s first severe heatwave warning since establishing the system earlier this year. Emergency measures include welfare officials and medical workers conducting health checks on up to 63,000 vulnerable residents, as well as deploying a fleet of 200 trucks spraying over 1,200 miles of roads with water multiple times daily to reduce urban heat. Mist spray zones have also been set up throughout the city to offer relief to pedestrians. Furthermore, outdoor workers, including construction and food delivery personnel, have reported difficult working conditions with limited ventilation or cooling options.
The Korea Meteorological Administration attributed the heatwave to overlapping high-pressure systems combined with prolonged clear skies and direct sunlight. Additionally, the foehn effect intensified temperatures in certain inland areas like South Gyeongsang Province, where hot, dry winds descend on the leeward side of mountain ranges.
President Lee Jae Myung called the situation a national disaster and urged officials to enhance support measures for affected residents. Speaking at a cabinet meeting, Lee emphasized the need for a fundamental overhaul of South Korea’s national disaster response system, warning that such extreme weather events are likely to become more frequent and prolonged. He also directed increased scrutiny of power infrastructure to cope with rising demands for air conditioning.
The heatwave has also disrupted daily life and activities, leading to the cancellation of events such as baseball games in Seoul and Gwangju. Public safety efforts include using drones equipped with loudspeakers and thermal imaging cameras in crowded areas to broadcast safety messages and monitor heat-related risks.
Overall, the unprecedented heatwave presents a significant challenge to South Korea’s public health and infrastructure amid growing concerns over climate-related extreme weather events.