South Korean citizens are visiting urban water parks and mountain valleys to escape a persistent heatwave during the final holiday of July [1, 2].

This surge in visitors highlights the growing need for accessible cooling centers as extreme temperatures continue to impact daily life and public health across the region.

Families and friends have gathered at water facilities and streams located at the foot of mountains to cool down. Activities include swimming, water gun fights, and playing with balls to combat the rising temperatures [1, 2].

Among the visitors were three sisters and their companions who used the outing as a way to manage academic pressure. Kang Ha-eun, a third-year student at Myeonggok High School, said they visited the location to eat and play in the water to relieve stress related to the College Scholastic Ability Test [2].

Local reports describe a scene of high activity at these sites. Reporter Lim Hyung-jun said the three sisters were immersed in water play, competing to see who could splash the most water [2].

The trend of seeking out natural and urban water sources has intensified as the heatwave continues. An anchor for YTN said the heatwave has been persisting for several days [2].

“"We came here to eat delicious food and play in the water to relieve stress from the CSAT."”

The movement of urban populations toward both man-made water parks and natural valleys indicates a critical reliance on water-based cooling during South Korea's peak summer months. As heatwaves become more frequent, the pressure on local infrastructure and natural environments increases, reflecting a broader societal need for sustainable urban cooling strategies to protect public well-being.