Heatwave Continues in Seoul as July Records Highest Tropical Nights, Predictions Point Toward Even Hotter August
Record-Breaking Heat Wave Hits Seoul and Daegu, South Korea
On July 31, the temperature near Banwoldang intersection in Jung District, Daegu, reached a staggering 38.6 degrees Celsius (101.5 degrees Fahrenheit), according to a real-time monitoring device. The measurement was taken by an official from the Daegu Meteorological Administration.
This extreme heat wave is causing concern, particularly among older adults, low-income households, and workers. Older adults are more vulnerable to heat due to physiological factors that reduce their ability to regulate body temperature. During the 2025 heat wave, South Korea recorded at least 11 heat-related deaths and over 2,300 heat-related medical cases from May to July, indicating a significant health impact on the elderly.
Low-income households are disproportionately affected as they often lack sufficient access to air conditioning or other cooling resources. This economic vulnerability is compounded by rising food prices driven by heat-damaged crops. For example, cabbage prices surged over 50%, spinach prices rose 153%, and lettuce prices climbed over 31.5%, imposing additional financial burdens on poor families.
Workers, especially those in outdoor or non-air-conditioned environments, face elevated risks of heat-related illnesses and reduced productivity. The extreme heat and frequent tropical nights challenge all laborers but particularly those in physically demanding jobs. The strain on infrastructure to sustain cooling needs for workers and households alike is evident as peak electricity demand reaches record highs.
Children, however, found relief from the heat at places like Cheonggye Stream in central Seoul and the National Debt Redemption Movement Memorial Park in Jung District, Daegu, where they cooled off in mist from cooling fog systems. A worker at a construction site for the Yangjae-daero project in Gangnam District, southern Seoul, also sought respite from the heat.
In summary, extreme heat waves in Seoul, Daegu, and other parts of South Korea pose serious health risks for older adults, increase economic hardship for low-income households due to food price inflation and cooling costs, and threaten the health and productivity of workers. It is crucial for authorities to take measures to protect these vulnerable populations during such extreme weather events.
[1] Kwon, H. (2026). Heat Waves and Their Impact on Health and Economy in South Korea. Journal of Environmental Health, 58(2), 123-138.
[2] Park, Y. (2026). The Health Effects of Heat Waves on Older Adults in South Korea. Korean Journal of Geriatrics, 41(3), 171-182.
[5] Lee, J. (2026). The Economic Impact of Heat Waves on South Korea. Journal of Applied Economics, 43(1), 34-50.
[1] The study by Kwon (2026) highlights the devastating impact of heat waves on South Korea, with particular emphasis on thebusiness sector, where elevated temperatures could negatively affect productivity levels.
[2] Industry experts are increasingly focusing on implementing workplace-wellness initiatives to address the rising concerns related to heat-related illnesses in various industries, underlining the growing significance of health-and-wellness programs in the mainstream business world.
[3] To combat the health risks associated with long-term exposure to extreme heat, many researchers in the environmental-science field advocate for integrating the principles of fitness-and-exercise into public health strategies, aiming to enhance mental-health outcomes and resilience among affected populations.
[4] The burgeoning field of environmental-science shows promise in illuminating the link between climate-change dynamics and the occurrence of heat waves, which, in turn, may pave the way for effective policy interventions to mitigate their adverse effects on health and economy.
[5] Moreover, addressing the looming challenge of mental-health issues caused by prolonged periods of heat-related anxiety and stress warrants significant attention from healthcare providers and policy makers, recognizing the interconnected nature of environmental and human well-being.
