Seoul residents are flocking to outdoor spaces like parks and riverbanks to escape intense heat that persists late into the evening [1].
The surge in outdoor activity comes as the city faces its first heat wave warning of the year, coupled with tropical night advisories in several areas [1]. This shift in behavior highlights the struggle of urban residents to find relief when indoor environments become stifling due to high humidity and temperature [2].
Crowds have gathered at the Gyeongui Line Forest Park and other green spaces to catch breezes that are often unavailable inside residential buildings [1]. Many citizens are relying on a mix of modern and traditional tools to stay cool. Some prefer portable electric fans, while others have returned to traditional hand fans for more control over their cooling [2].
"The fan is weak, so when there is a little wind outside, it doesn't seem to come out well," said Kim Ji-eun, Lee Han-hwi, and Kim Min-ji [2]. "I feel that a hand fan is cooler than an electric fan because the wind comes out according to how much strength I put into it" [2].
Despite the attempt to find relief, the oppressive atmosphere remains a challenge for those venturing outside. The combination of high temperatures and moisture makes the air feel heavy even after sunset [1].
"I am sitting and eating a glass of beer to cool off outside," said Lee Jae-min [2]. "But I think it is still too humid and hot right now" [2].
Local news reports said the conditions were a stifling heat that continued to rage until late at night [2]. The trend of seeking outdoor relief reflects a growing pattern in Seoul where public parks serve as essential cooling centers during extreme weather events [1].
“I feel that a hand fan is cooler than an electric fan because the wind comes out according to how much strength I put into it.”
The reliance on public parks and riverbanks during heat waves indicates the limitations of indoor cooling infrastructure in densely populated urban areas. When tropical night advisories are issued, the inability of buildings to cool down overnight forces a migration to open-air spaces, increasing the importance of urban green belts for public health and temperature regulation.
