Heat Wave Grips Korea as Temperatures Soar to 37°C
We’re right in the middle of the summer’s hottest stretch—what Koreans call Jungbok , the second of the “sambok” or three dog days. And true to its name, it’s scorching out there. On July 30th, daytime highs across many parts of Korea reached an unbearable 37 degrees Celsius. That’s not just hot—it’s the kind of heat where stepping outside feels like walking into a sauna.
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, the morning started off warm, with temperatures ranging from 22 to 28 degrees. But by midday, the mercury climbed to 33–37 degrees, with "feels-like" temperatures—what your body actually experiences—hovering around 35. That’s because the humidity is amplifying the heat, making it feel even more oppressive.
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Heat wave warnings have been issued nationwide, and they’re not taken lightly. Such warnings are announced when high temperatures and high humidity are expected to persist for more than two days with a perceived temperature of 35°C or more. For many cities, these conditions have already become the norm. Seoul has been experiencing "tropical nights"—when temperatures don't dip below 25°C overnight—for 11 consecutive days now. Down south in Seogwipo, it's been 14 nights in a row. These aren’t just uncomfortable conditions; they can actually pose serious health risks, especially for the elderly, children, and those with chronic illnesses.
And while some areas, like parts of Gangwon Province, were expected to see some brief showers in the afternoon, the relief might be short-lived. The rain may temporarily cool things down, but it's followed by increased humidity, which in turn makes everything feel even hotter once the sun comes back out.
To make matters worse, strong winds have been forecasted for parts of Jeju, and the sea conditions off the coast are expected to become rough. That’s not great news for travelers or those living in coastal areas.
But it’s not all doom and gloom—at least not everywhere. There’s one place in Korea that’s managed to escape the worst of this heat: the city of Taebaek. While most of the country has been tossing and turning through sleepless tropical nights, Taebaek’s night temperatures have stayed relatively cool—between 18 and 22 degrees. This has drawn in visitors looking to escape the heat and has made Taebaek’s outdoor film festival, “Cool Cinema,” a surprisingly popular event with packed audiences night after night.
Still, the question remains: when will this brutal heat finally break? For now, meteorologists are keeping an eye on shifting pressure systems, but there's no clear end in sight just yet. Until then, staying hydrated, avoiding outdoor activities during peak hours, and checking on vulnerable neighbors is going to be crucial.
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