The temperature spike in Yangsan, South Gyeongsang Province, reached 42.5°C at 1:26 p.m., setting a new national record and marking the fifth consecutive day temperatures exceeded 40°C in the area. The government elevated its heat wave response to Level 2, the highest alert since August 2023 and the second time such a measure has been taken since extreme heat was classified as a natural disaster.

Heat Warnings, Work Restrictions, and Public Health Concerns

As temperatures remain dangerously high, especially in the southeast, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety has intensified disaster response efforts and begun distributing relief supplies. Labor Minister Kim Young-hoon has advised employers to halt outdoor activities when the perceived temperature hits 38°C and to reduce or suspend work under less extreme conditions.

Health authorities have also raised concerns about rising heat-related illnesses. Between May 15 and Friday, 1,781 people were treated for heat-related ailments across the country, including 13 suspected heat-related deaths, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency projected that at least 19 cases would be reported in six of the country’s 17 cities and provinces on Monday, while other regions could see between six and 18 cases.

Storm Watch Adds Uncertainty

Forecasters are closely monitoring Typhoon Dolphin, which could either intensify the heat by bringing more humid air to the Korean Peninsula or provide temporary relief through clouds, rain, and strong winds. The potential for shifting weather patterns adds an additional layer of uncertainty to an already severe heat event.

The most intense heat has remained concentrated in the southeastern regions; Gyeongju, located about 240 kilometers southeast of Seoul, recorded 40.3°C at 2:14 p.m. on Sunday, the first time the city has exceeded 40°C this year. The temperature marked the highest since 2018, when the mercury reached 39.8°C.

Historical Context and Public Advisories

The record 42.5°C in Yangsan is the highest temperature measured in South Korea since modern weather observations began on the Korean Peninsula in 1904, based on records from the Korea Meteorological Administration’s 97 long-term observation stations. Officials noted that the time of day when temperatures in Yangsan surpass 40°C has been occurring earlier each day, raising concerns that the temperature could rise above 43°C.

The government has advised the public to avoid outdoor activities and to follow safety measures to mitigate the health risks of extreme heat; these advisories come as part of a broader national emergency operation activated to coordinate disaster response across government agencies. The government emphasized the need for heightened vigilance and preparedness as the heat wave shows no immediate sign of easing.

While the heat wave has not yet led to a record number of heat-related illnesses compared to 2025—when about 2,800 cases were reported,authorities expect the toll to increase as the extreme temperatures persist.