Extreme heat triggers warnings, advisories across 176 regions of Korea

Social Affairs

Published: 25 Jul. 2024, 11:30 Updated: 25 Jul. 2024, 18:56

Extreme heat triggers warnings, advisories across 176 regions of Korea

People line up outside a samgyetang restaurant in downtown Seoul to enjoy the popular traditional chicken soup dish Thursday, marking jungbok, the beginning of the second phase of the midsummer heat. Koreans eat chicken on this day to replenish their energy. [YONHAP]

Heat wave alerts were issued for much of the nation, including Seoul, as of 10 a.m. Thursday, which is also the second of the three boknal.

Boknal are known as the three hottest days of summer between June and July in Korea. Thursday marks jungbok, the second boknal.

The extreme heat, with apparent temperatures reaching up to 33 degrees Celsius (91.4 degrees Fahrenheit), is expected to persist throughout the week.

As of 10 a.m. Thursday, 176 out of the 183 regions in the country were under heat wave warnings or advisories, including Seoul, Gyeonggi and Jeju Island, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA).

Heat wave warnings are issued when the high heat index is expected to reach 35 degrees Celsius or more for over two consecutive days.

Thursday's alerts also marked the first time heat wave warnings have been issued for all of Seoul.

Among the affected areas nationwide, more are under heat wave warnings than advisories — 106 to 70.

Heat wave advisories are issued when the highest perceived temperature is projected to be 33 degrees Celsius or higher for more than two days.

A boy splashes in a fountain in Gwanghwamun Square in Jongno District, central Seoul, on Wednesday, as the midday temperature in the capital reached a high of 31 degrees Celsius (87.8 degrees Fahrenheit). [YONHAP]

Unexpected rain showers also occasionally dampened the nation and disrupted the public.

In response to the extreme heat, the KMA urged the media to immediately broadcast warnings about the high risk of heat-related illness, as the apparent temperatures exceed 33 degrees Celsius.

The administration also advised individuals to avoid outdoor activities if possible and stay well-hydrated.

"A rest is crucial if an individual feels dizzy or experiences difficulty breathing during outdoor work," said the KMA.

President Yoon Suk Yeol on Thursday designated 11 additional municipal areas as special disaster zones, including Iksan in North Jeolla and Andong in North Gyeongsang.

The move allocates more financial aid and accelerates restoration efforts in these areas severely affected by protracted monsoon rains.

The designation followed the earlier declaration of five such areas on July 15 and is based on thorough investigations by the relevant ministries.

"For this monsoon season, extreme rain that exceeded typical levels fell frequently, and I worry that it will impact not only residents but also the general public due to rising vegetable prices," Yoon said to the relevant ministers, including Lee Sang-min, minister of the interior and safety.

In Paju, Gyeonggi alone, 166.18 hectares of farmland — approximately 432 soccer pitches — were reported damaged from July 16 to Monday.

As the monsoon rains taper off and extreme heat sets in, cities and districts nationwide are organizing events to help residents cool down.

In Songpa District, eastern Seoul, a large swimming pool at Olympic Park Peace and Square will open on Saturday, according to the district office on Thursday.

The pool was a great success last year, attracting 12,805 visitors over 17 operating days, with 99 percent of visitors willing to visit again, an office said.

Sunchang County in North Jeolla is also set to open a free outdoor poor starting this Saturday, according to the district office on Wednesday.

"We are pleased to provide a space where families can enjoy water activities during this sweltering summer," said Choi Yong-il, head of the district office.

Update, July 25: Added Yoon Suk Yeol's statment and details on events happening this weekend.

BY WOO JI-WON, CHO MOON-KYU [woo.jiwon@joongang.co.kr]