South Korea Heat Wave: Death Toll Rises To 21 Amid Extreme Temperatures

South Korea is facing a severe heat wave as the country’s heat-related death toll has climbed to 21 this year, according to health authorities. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) reported that thousands of people have suffered heat-related illnesses amid rising temperatures across the country, with weather officials issuing high-level heat wave warnings in several regions.

According to the KDCA, 2,441 people had visited emergency rooms for heat-related conditions as of Tuesday since the heat illness surveillance system began in mid-May. While the number of patients was lower compared with the same period last year, the number of deaths has increased, surpassing the previous year’s toll of 20.

One of the latest fatalities involved a 60-year-old man who died after working outdoors on a farm in Eumseong County in North Chungcheong Province. Among the reported cases this year, heat exhaustion accounted for the majority at 61.7 per cent, followed by heat stroke at 16.8 per cent and heat cramps at 11.5 per cent.

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The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) issued additional serious heat wave warnings for the greater Seoul area, with 43 per cent of the region placed under the highest alert level. The weather agency also reported that July temperatures this year were among the highest recorded, with the nationwide average temperature reaching 26.8 degrees Celsius, ranking third since records began in 1973.

South Korea also recorded a new high for tropical nights in July, with an average of 9.7 days when minimum temperatures remained at or above 25 degrees Celsius. The previous record was 8.8 days in July 2024, followed by 8.5 days in July 1994, highlighting the intensity of the ongoing heat conditions.

The southeastern regions experienced the worst impact, with cities such as Daegu, Gumi and Miryang witnessing prolonged heat wave conditions. Meanwhile, rainfall across the country remained below average in July, raising concerns over drought conditions, particularly in South Gyeongsang Province, which recorded significantly lower precipitation than normal. Authorities have urged people to take precautions as extreme heat continues to affect public health and daily life.

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