- Record heatwave spreads across the Korean peninsula, with extreme heat previously concentrated in South Korea's southeast now affecting the Seoul metropolitan area and western regions, while North Korean state media reported temperatures approaching 40°C and a fifth straight tropical night in Pyongyang.
- The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) issued its first-ever severe heatwave warning for parts of Seoul and Gyeonggi Province, warning that the heatwave is likely to persist.
- The KMA reported that Yangsan recorded 42.5°C on Sunday, marking the highest temperature in 122 years of weather observations.
- Data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency indicated 14 deaths and 1,889 heat-related illnesses since mid-May.
- Prime Minister Han Seong-sook ordered ministries and local governments to mobilise resources after raising the heatwave response alert to the second-highest level.
- Local governments expanded cooling shelters and water distribution, while the Korea Baseball Organization cancelled games in Busan and Changwon due to dangerous conditions.
- At Seoul's Cheonggyecheon stream, families sought relief at a summer water festival, with one resident noting, "Forty degrees is not a number we used to see in Korea, but now it feels like we see it all the time."
- In North Korea, state media reported that heat advisories would remain in place through the week, with tens of thousands of visitors to the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone during July.
A record heatwave is gripping the Korean peninsula, with temperatures soaring to 42.5°C in Yangsan, marking the highest in 122 years of weather observations. The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) issued its first-ever severe heatwave warning for parts of Seoul and Gyeonggi Province.1234567
As the heatwave spreads, South Korea's government raised its heat response alert to the second-highest level, mobilizing resources to combat heat and drought risks. Prime Minister Han Seong-sook emphasized the need for local governments to protect vulnerable residents, leading to expanded cooling shelters and distribution of free water and sun umbrellas.910
Data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency reported 14 deaths and 1,889 heat-related illnesses since mid-May. Emergency measures are in place as electricity consumption is expected to reach record highs due to increased air-conditioning use.8
In North Korea, temperatures are also nearing 40°C, with state media reporting heat advisories across much of the country. Tens of thousands flocked to the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone in July, seeking relief from the oppressive heat.15
Local events, such as the summer water festival at Seoul's Cheonggyecheon stream, have been organized to help families cool down, as residents adapt to the new reality of extreme temperatures. “Forty degrees is not a number we used to see in Korea, but now it feels like we see it all the time,” said Park Jin-woo, a local father.1314
“The KMA recorded 42.5°C in Yangsan on Sunday, the highest temperature in 122 years of observations, after the southeastern city broke the national record on the two preceding days. Health data through Sunday showed 14 deaths and 1,889 heat-related illnesses since mid-May.”
