South Korea faces record-high temperatures. The Korean Meteorological Agency (KMA) reported on August 2 that Yangsan, a city in the southeastern region, recorded a high temperature of 42.5°C that day, setting a new record for the highest temperature in South Korea since the early 20th century when weather records began. The temperature exceeded 40°C for the fifth consecutive day in Yangsan.
July 31st, Seoul, South Korea. At the fountain in Gwanghwamun Square in Jongno District, tourists and children are playing in the water. Visual China
According to AFP, more than 20 regions in South Korea issued emergency high-temperature warnings on that day. This is an additional category of high-temperature alerts introduced in South Korea in 2026, aimed at coping with increasingly frequent extreme weather conditions. The meteorological department warned the public to "immediately stop outdoor activities" and advised those going to shaded areas or designated heat relief centers to replenish fluids in a timely manner.
High temperatures swept through many parts of South Korea, with temperatures in cities such as Daegu and Busan reaching above 38°C. Many people flocked to shopping malls and cafes equipped with air conditioning to escape the heat.
A 27-year-old office worker in Seoul complained that the weather is "too hot to do outdoor activities at all", and she can only stay in places with air conditioning, such as homes, shopping malls, or cafes.
Extreme heat also affects sports events in South Korea. A match of the Korean Professional Baseball League held in Changwon was canceled due to temperatures reaching 39.5°C during the day, making this the second time the city has had a match canceled due to high temperatures.
According to data from the Korean Meteorological Agency, the average number of hot days in Korea has increased to 19 days per year over the past five years, which is more than twice the average number of 8 days during the 1970s. Climate scientists point out that due to human-induced climate change, extreme weather events such as global heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense.
Meanwhile, the return of the El Niño phenomenon in 2026 has further increased the risk of high temperatures in many parts of the world. This summer, several regions in Europe also experienced persistent heatwaves, with temperatures in some areas exceeding 40°C.
