South Korea is experiencing extreme heat and tropical nights, with daytime temperatures exceeding 38°C in several regions this Tuesday [1].
The severe weather increases the risk of heat-related illnesses for all residents, including healthy adults, as the end of the monsoon season has led to lower humidity and intense sunlight [1].
In the city of Gyeongju, temperatures reached 39.1°C [1]. Other regions reported similar extremes, with Miryang recording 38.5°C and Daegu hitting 38.1°C [1]. In Yangsan, the air temperature reached 38°C, which is higher than the average human body temperature [1].
Surface temperatures have reached even more dangerous levels. In Yangsan, the temperature of the asphalt reached approximately 60°C [1].
"Yangsan heated asphalt temperature reached nearly 60°C… it is at the level of a kiln," Cho Ye-jin said [1].
Seoul also felt the impact of the heat wave. While the official daytime temperature in the capital was 33°C, the perceived temperature rose to 35°C [1].
"In the daytime, Seoul is 33 degrees, and the perceived temperature will rise up to 35 degrees," Na Kyung-chul said [1].
Public health officials and disaster advisors, including YTN disaster advisory member Kong Hang-jin, have highlighted the danger of these conditions [1]. The combination of high ambient heat and scorching urban surfaces creates a high-risk environment for heatstroke, and exhaustion [1].
“Yangsan heated asphalt temperature reached nearly 60°C… it is at the level of a kiln”
The intersection of high ambient air temperatures and extreme surface heat—such as the 60°C asphalt in Yangsan—creates a dangerous urban heat island effect. This increases the physiological strain on the human body, making outdoor activity hazardous and raising the likelihood of emergency medical interventions for heat-related illnesses across the peninsula.
