South Korea issues extreme heat alert as records break

South Korea's meteorological authorities issued an emergency alert warning residents to immediately stop all outdoor activities.1,2 The alert was issued as temperatures passed 40C for the fifth straight day in parts of the country.2 The city of Yangsan recorded a temperature of 42.5C on August 3, the highest ever measured in South Korea.2

Authorities stated that indoor spaces without air conditioning are considered dangerous during the heatwave.2 South Korea's July 2026 average temperatures were the third highest on record, according to the national weather service.3 The extreme heat alert followed the breaking of a century-old temperature record.2

The heatwave affected multiple regions, with authorities urging caution across the country.1 The alert applied to areas where temperatures exceeded safe thresholds for outdoor exposure.2 The warning emphasized the risk of heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses during prolonged outdoor exposure.1

South Korea's national weather service confirmed the record-breaking temperature through official measurements.2 The heatwave conditions persisted for several days before the record was set.2 Authorities did not specify an end date for the extreme heat alert at the time of issuance.1,2