Residents of Busan, Gyeongnam, and Ulsan are visiting local beaches to cool off as a heat wave and tropical nights persist [1].
This surge in beach attendance highlights the growing struggle for urban populations to manage extreme temperatures during the summer months. As heat warnings remain in effect, public spaces and natural water bodies have become essential refuges for those facing oppressive humidity and heat [1, 2].
Beaches in the Busan area began opening in stages starting June 26 [3]. Among the most popular destinations are Haeundae and Gwangalli, where visitors are spending time wading in the water to lower their body temperatures [1, 2].
Despite the heat on land, the water remains relatively cool. The current water temperature at Haeundae is 18 degrees Celsius [4]. However, this is expected to rise as the season progresses. Forecasters expect the sea temperature to reach between 23 and 25 degrees Celsius by late July [5].
"Busan and Gyeongnam are under heat wave warnings, and scorching heat and tropical nights continue day after day," a YTN anchor said [6].
Local reporters observed families, couples, and friends gathering along the shoreline to escape the urban heat. The sequential opening of these beaches has provided a necessary outlet for citizens as the region continues to experience a stretch of intense summer weather [3].
Reporter Lim Hyung-jun said that the facilities have been open since the end of June to accommodate the influx of visitors [7]. The trend reflects a wider pattern in the region where residents prioritize access to coastal areas to mitigate the effects of the current weather warnings [1, 2].
“Residents of Busan, Gyeongnam, and Ulsan are visiting local beaches to cool off as a heat wave and tropical nights persist.”
The reliance on coastal retreats during heat waves indicates the significant impact of the urban heat island effect in South Korean cities. As tropical nights—where temperatures do not drop below 25 degrees Celsius—become more frequent, the demand for public cooling infrastructure and accessible natural environments increases to prevent heat-related illnesses.
