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🇰🇷 South Korea /Disasters & Emergencies

Apps and umbrellas: South Koreans battle 40C heatwave

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • South Korea is experiencing extreme heatwaves, with temperatures nearing 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit), leading citizens to seek ways to avoid the sun.
  • New apps are emerging to guide people along shaded routes and identify air-conditioned public spaces, while umbrellas have become essential.
  • The intense heat is impacting daily life, increasing reliance on taxis over public transport and affecting the use of public bicycles, with a rise in heat-related illnesses and fatalities.

As South Korea swelters under a severe heatwave, with temperatures soaring close to 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit), citizens are engaged in a daily struggle to find refuge from the relentless sun. The extreme weather has prompted innovative solutions and a shift in daily routines as people prioritize staying cool and avoiding heatstroke.

I've decided to spend more money just to avoid the heat a little. Even the time it takes to get to the subway station or wait for the bus is exhausting.

— Lim, 32An office worker in Seoul describes the impact of the heatwave on his daily commute and expenses.

New mobile applications are emerging to aid the public in navigating the sweltering conditions. One such app, 'Geuneulro' (Shaded Path), provides users with routes that maximize shade throughout the day, considering the changing angle of the sun. It also offers advice on which side of buses or subways to sit on to minimize sun exposure. Another resource, the website 'Aircon Station,' maps out public spaces equipped with cooling facilities, such as 'smart shelters' and subway rest areas, helping people find immediate relief.

The heat is significantly altering transportation habits. Many who typically rely on public transport or public bicycles are now opting for taxis to minimize time spent waiting or walking in the heat. "I've decided to spend more money just to avoid the heat a little," said Lim, a 32-year-old office worker. The use of Seoul's public bicycle service, 'Ttareungi,' has seen a noticeable decline during the hottest days compared to previous periods.

I'm worried about my parents who live in the countryside. I call them every day to make sure they're okay and urge them to keep the air conditioner on.

— Office worker in SeoulA Seoul resident expresses concern for elderly relatives living in a rural area during the extreme heat.

For those with young children, elderly parents, or pets, the heatwave presents an added layer of anxiety and caregiving burden. Parents are taking extra precautions, limiting outdoor excursions and ensuring constant access to air conditioning. The number of heat-related illnesses has reached over 2,400, and tragically, fatalities have increased compared to the previous year, underscoring the severe health risks associated with the extreme temperatures. Families are making frequent calls to check on elderly relatives in rural areas, urging them to stay indoors and keep air conditioners running.

When I went out after turning off the air conditioner to ventilate, I came back to find my cat had vomited, which made me very worried. I'm worried about the electricity bill, but I have no choice but to leave the air conditioner on all day when I go to work.

— Pet ownerA pet owner explains the difficult choices they face regarding pet safety and energy costs during the heatwave.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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