Heat wave grips Seoul, heat-related illness cases surge by over 80%

The summer heat has arrived early this year, with Seoul under a heat wave warning.

As temperatures climb, concerns are growing over public safety and rising cases of heat-related illnesses.

Byeon Ye-young reports.

Seoul is experiencing extreme heat, with Tuesday marking the hottest day of the year so far.

"During the daytime, the temperature in Seoul is getting as high as 36 degrees Celsius."

Seoul experienced its ninth consecutive tropical night on Monday, meaning that the nighttime lows do not drop lower than 25 degrees.

South Korea's weather agency issued the season's first heat wave warning for all parts of Seoul on Monday, 18 days earlier than last year.

The heat wave warning remains in effect for a second day on Tuesday, issued when perceived temperatures hit 35 degrees Celsius or higher for two days or when severe heat-related damage is expected.

For those in Seoul, the heat is more than just a nuisance.

"I'm working outside, and it's so hot I feel like I'm going to melt. It's very hot. I want to go to the seaside."

"I didn't feel it when I was driving this morning, but now I'm really feeling the heat. I've got a tan because I was recently on vacation, but now I'm kind of worried about my health, and things like skin cancer."

Tuesday's temperatures climbed to over 37 degrees, marking the hottest day in early July since weather-related data began being recorded in 1907, breaking a 118-year record.

The intense heat nationwide has also led to a sharp rise in heat-related illnesses.

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, 875 cases were reported as of Sunday, up 83 percent from the same period last year.

Data also revealed that seven people have died from heatstroke since May 15, more than double the number of deaths recorded in 2024.

Byeon Ye-young, Arirang News.