South Korea Records Highest Temperature Since 1904

South Korea recorded its highest temperature since modern weather observations began in 1904, with the city of Yangsan reaching 42.5 C on Sunday. According to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), this marked the fifth consecutive day that temperatures in Yangsan exceeded 40 C. Other areas were also affected, including Gyeongju, which hit 40.3 C, and Changwon, where a professional baseball game was canceled after temperatures reached 39.5 C.

In response to the extreme heat, the government activated a Level 2 emergency operation of the disaster response headquarters. Authorities advised the public to refrain from outdoor activities and move to cool spaces, noting that indoor areas without air conditioning are dangerous. Prime Minister Han Seong-sook ordered government ministries to prioritize safety checks for vulnerable populations and ensure stable power and water supplies. Government data reported 1,781 patients with heat-related symptoms and 13 deaths between May 15 and July 31.

While the center-leaning report focused on the official government response and specific temperature readings, the center-left report framed the event within the broader context of climate change. The center-left source cited scientists who warn that human-induced climate change and the return of El Niño are making extreme weather events more frequent and intense, noting that the average annual number of heatwave days in South Korea has more than doubled to 19 over the last five years.