Record heat scorches South Korea, authorities urge people indoors

South Korea has recorded its highest temperature since modern weather observations began more than a century ago, as an intense heatwave grips the country and authorities urge residents to avoid outdoor activities.

The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) said temperatures in the southeastern city of Yangsan climbed to 42.5°C on August 2 afternoon, setting a new national record, The Guardian reports.

Yangsan has been at the center of the prolonged heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 40°C for a fifth consecutive day. Other major cities, including Daegu and Busan, have also experienced sweltering conditions, with temperatures rising into the upper 30s.

In response, emergency heatwave alerts were issued for more than 20 municipalities on August 2 under a new warning category introduced this year. The highest-level alert is triggered when areas are forecast to experience a perceived temperature of 38°C or an actual temperature of 39°C.

Issuing its warning, the KMA urged residents to “immediately stop all outdoor activities,” adding that “indoor spaces without air conditioning are dangerous.”

“Move immediately to a cool place, such as a designated cooling centre or a shaded area, and stay hydrated while resting,” the agency advised.

The extreme temperatures have driven many people into air-conditioned shopping malls and cafés, while others sought relief at mist-spray stations installed across Seoul.

“It is too hot to be outside doing anything,” 27-year-old office worker Ju Dong-yeol said after taking refuge with his parents in a Starbucks in the capital.

“I can’t think of anything else to do other than stay in air-conditioned places like home, shopping malls and cafes,” he said.

The city of Gyeongju, about 240 kilometres southeast of Seoul, also recorded 40.3°C on August 2—its highest temperature in eight years.

The heatwave has extended beyond South Korea. North Korean state media reported temperatures reaching 40°C in some regions, while residents of Pyongyang have endured a week of tropical nights with temperatures remaining above 25°C.

Concerned about the impact on vulnerable groups, Prime Minister Han Seong-sook instructed local authorities to strengthen safety checks on residents and ensure stable electricity and water supplies throughout the heatwave.

Forecasters warned that easterly winds could push the extreme heat farther inland, with Seoul expected to reach 37°C, while temperatures in South Jeolla and South Gyeongsang provinces are forecast to exceed 39°C. 

The KMA cautioned that “temperatures in South Jeolla and South Gyeongsang are expected to exceed 39°C, bringing extreme heat at life-threatening levels.”

Officials are also monitoring Typhoon Dolphin, whose track toward China's southeastern coast could determine how long the heatwave persists. According to the KMA, a path toward eastern China could increase humidity and worsen the heat, while a route closer to the Korean Peninsula could bring stronger winds, cloud cover, and rainfall that may temporarily ease conditions.

The prolonged heat has already disrupted sporting events. South Korea's professional baseball league canceled a second consecutive game in Changwon after temperatures there reached 39.5°C.

“The decision was made with the safety and health of spectators and players as the top priority, as a severe heatwave warning remains in effect for the Changwon area,” the Korea Baseball Organization said in a statement.

According to KMA data, the average annual number of heatwave days in South Korea has more than doubled to 19 over the past five years. Scientists warn that heatwaves and other extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and intense due to human-induced climate change, with this year's return of the El Niño climate pattern also contributing to elevated temperatures.

By Vafa Guliyeva