South Korea reports 19 deaths as record heatwave expands nationwide

SEOUL — Nineteen people have died in South Korea as the country endures an unprecedented heatwave, according to national health authorities. The fatalities, most of them elderly, have been recorded since mid‑May as temperatures surged to historic levels across the peninsula.

More than 2,200 people have been treated for heat‑related illnesses, prompting emergency services to expand outreach to vulnerable residents. Health teams are conducting home visits to over 63,000 high‑risk individuals, while local governments deploy water trucks to cool urban streets. In several regions, drones equipped with loudspeakers broadcast public safety messages urging residents to stay indoors.

Temperatures reached 38–39°C in Seoul on Tuesday, while the southeastern city of Yangsan reported 42.5°C, the highest temperature measured in South Korea in 122 years. The Korea Meteorological Administration issued its first-ever heatwave warning for the entire capital, underscoring the severity of the event.

President Lee Jae Myung described the situation as a “national disaster”, calling for a comprehensive review of the country’s crisis‑management systems. 

“We need to overhaul our national emergency framework because extreme weather is becoming the new normal,” he said, according to statements reported by The Guardian.

Authorities continue to advise residents to avoid outdoor activity, monitor symptoms of heatstroke, and follow emergency guidance as the heatwave shows no sign of easing.

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Heat wave shelter in Seoul

June 30, 2026

Jongno-gu, Seoul

Ministry of culture, sports and Tourism

Official Photographer : Park dae jin

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서울시 폭염대피소 ‘해피소’

2026-06-30

서울특별시 종로구

문화체육관광부

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Uploaded on June 30, 2026

Taken on June 30, 2026