South Korea reports 14 heat deaths as emergency response expands

An unprecedented heatwave has gripped the Korean Peninsula, with the South Korean city of Yangsan recording a historic high of 42.5°C on August 2, 2026. Driven by the combined forces of the North Pacific and Tibetan high-pressure systems, the extreme heat has killed 14 people and sickened 1,889 since mid-May. In response, Prime Minister Han Seong-sook raised the national alert to the second-highest level, and Seoul issued its first-ever severe heatwave warning under a newly established advisory system.

Record-breaking temperatures in Yangsan

• ▪Yangsan recorded temperatures exceeding 40°C for five consecutive days leading up to August 2, 2026.
• ▪The southeastern South Korean city of Yangsan recorded a temperature of 42.5°C on August 2, 2026, marking the highest temperature in 122 years of weather records.

High-pressure systems driving heatwave

• ▪The North Pacific High and Tibetan High pressure systems trapped hot air over the Korean Peninsula like a lid, limiting cloud cover and allowing temperatures to build.
• ▪The extreme heat across the Korean Peninsula was caused by the simultaneous influence of the North Pacific High and the Tibetan High pressure systems.

Heat-related illness cases surge

• ▪The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency reported that 14 people died and 1,889 others suffered heat-related illnesses from mid-May to August 2, 2026.
• ▪The four southeastern provinces of Busan, Ulsan, Daegu, and North and South Gyeongsang accounted for approximately 20% of the total reported heat-related illness cases in South Korea.

Elderly population disproportionately affected

• ▪A 97-year-old woman died after collapsing inside a greenhouse in Goseong County on July 22, 2026, and a 93-year-old man died after being found unconscious in a field in Sacheon on July 23, 2026.
• ▪Elderly individuals aged 65 and older make up approximately 21% of the South Korean population but accounted for 29.5% of heat-related illness patients.

Outdoor workers facing risks

• ▪Agricultural fields and rice paddies accounted for the second highest number of reported heat-related illness cases at 15.6% of the total.
• ▪Workplaces accounted for 346 heat-related illness cases, representing 26.6% of the national total, with outdoor workers facing heightened vulnerability.

Government emergency response measures

• ▪The Korea Meteorological Administration issued its first-ever severe heatwave warning for Seoul on August 3, 2026, under a new advisory system introduced in 2026.
• ▪South Korea raised its heatwave response alert to the second-highest level, activating level 2 of its disaster response headquarters to unlock funding and increase inspections.