Heat wave drives people to cool off in pools, while heat illnesses soar

It was another hot start to the week here in South Korea.

The extreme heat wave reached a peak today, with temperatures becoming slightly cooler as the week goes by.

Our Park Kun-woo reports.

Splashing in deep water, people are wading away the heat.

This large outdoor swimming pool near the Hangang River is packed, even during the hottest part of the day.

With heat warnings issued nationwide, Seoul hit 37 degrees Celsius on Monday, while similar sweltering conditions are expected throughout the week.

"It feels like I'm in a sauna standing out here, so instead of staying indoors, people are cooling off wherever they can, just like in this pool behind me. In this kind of heat, even a small splash makes a big difference."

"The weather is very hot, so I think it's a very good idea to come to the cool and swim a little bit. I think in Poland we don't have that much heat. And yeah, we are having a great experience."

"Compared to last year, my skin feels burning cause it's particularly hot this year, which also makes me worried for people working outside."

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, around 2-thousand-3 hundred people have been treated for heat-related illnesses this year as of Saturday, including outdoor workers.

That's 2-point-5 times more than the same period last year.

Among them, 11 people have reportedly died.

This surge is linked to the number of heat wave days doubling from last year.

And the damage isn't limited to people.

Roughly 2-thousand farmed fish, and more than a million livestock deaths have also been reported, a tenfold increase from 2024.

Accordingly, the government convened a central disaster response meeting on Monday, where the interior minister said all available resources will be mobilized to minimize casualties.

Authorities also pledged support for vulnerable groups here, including victims of the recent floods, from further damage.

While the weather agency forecasts a slight drop in temperatures later this week, the authorities advise the public to stay indoors, remain hydrated, and rest frequently as the intense heat and tropical nights continue.

Park Kun-woo, Arirang News.