South Korea issues highest heat warning level for the first time

Seoul – 12 July 2026: South Korea has issued its highest national warning level for extreme heat for the first time. The new level was introduced this summer and has taken effect due to an exceptionally severe heatwave in the southeast of the country. Authorities called on the public to limit time outdoors to what is strictly necessary and to take the strain caused by high temperatures seriously.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, the highest warning level applies when the maximum apparent temperature reaches 38 degrees Celsius or the actual daily maximum temperature is at least 39 degrees. Unlike previous heat warnings, it can be issued based on a forecast for a single day. The requirement is that a particularly high health risk is expected.

With the reform of its warning system, the Korea Meteorological Administration responded to more frequent and longer-lasting heatwaves. Until now, the official scale consisted of an advisory and a warning. Since 1 June 2026, the highest category has also been available. At the same time, warning areas have been subdivided more regionally in order to reflect local differences in heat hazards more accurately.

The Interior Ministry had already raised the national heat crisis level on 10 July 2026. At that time, official heat warnings were in effect in 116 of the country’s 235 warning districts. Authorities and municipalities were asked to strengthen protective measures for older people, children, people with chronic illnesses and outdoor workers. There is a particularly high risk of heat-related illness in construction, logistics and agriculture.

For outdoor work, the national heat protection plan provides for graduated measures. During extreme heat exposure, non-essential outdoor work should be suspended. Employers should adjust working hours, provide drinking water and breaks, and respond promptly to health complaints. Municipalities should also keep air-conditioned shelters and social assistance accessible for particularly vulnerable residents.

The new warning is part of a broader adaptation to extreme weather. According to the meteorological administration, the average number of hot days and tropical nights in South Korea has risen significantly compared with the 1970s. The agency points to the growing threat to health, infrastructure and everyday working life. The current activation of the highest level shows that the new system is now being applied in practice for the first time.

Authorities urge people to drink sufficient fluids, take regular breaks in cooler rooms and pay particular attention to people living alone or in need of care. In cases of dizziness, nausea or exhaustion, medical assistance should be arranged quickly. For the affected regions in the southeast, the key question remains how long the exceptional heat will persist and whether the strain will also ease only insufficiently at night.