South Korea is experiencing extreme temperatures during Jungbok, the peak day of the three-day hottest period known as Sambok-deowi [1].
The intensity of the heatwave has triggered a formal heatwave warning. This level of extreme weather forces a nationwide shift in daily routines, requiring urgent interventions to prevent heat-related illnesses in humans and distress in animals.
In urban areas, residents are coping with the stifling air by consuming restorative foods, a traditional practice to maintain stamina during the summer. On the streets of Seoul, the humidity and heat have made basic activities difficult. Sim Sang-hun, a citizen in Heukseok-dong, said sweat had soaked his body, making it difficult to keep sunscreen on his skin.
Animal facilities are also implementing emergency cooling protocols to protect wildlife. At a zoo in Seoul's Heukseok-dong, zookeepers are using ice and water showers to lower the body temperature of animals. One baby lion received specialized cooling treatment to survive the peak temperatures. Zookeeper Kim Seo-woo said animals living outdoors require these specific interventions to manage the heat.
The Sambok-deowi period consists of three consecutive hottest days [1], with Jungbok marking the most intense point of this cycle. As the heatwave warning remains in effect, authorities continue to monitor public spaces, and animal shelters to ensure safety across the peninsula.
Reporting from the field, anchor Kim Geun-woo said the current conditions represent the absolute peak of the summer's heat.
“South Korea is experiencing extreme temperatures during Jungbok, the peak day of the three-day hottest period.”
The intersection of traditional customs, such as eating restorative foods, and modern emergency cooling measures highlights the severity of current climate patterns in East Asia. The use of a formal heatwave warning indicates that temperatures have surpassed standard seasonal norms, necessitating institutional intervention for both public health and veterinary care.
