Jeonnam sees third-highest heat illness reports nationwide; tailored responses urged

Heatwaves are increasingly impacting South Korea's Jeonnam province, with the region reporting the third-highest number of heat-related illnesses nationwide between 2011 and 2024. A recent report by the Jeonnam Research Institute highlights that the province also ranks second in heat illness cases per 10,000 people, a rate nearly three times the national average.

Analysis of data from 2021-2024 shows Jeonnam accounted for 83% of the 1,502 heat illness cases in the Jeonnam-Gwangju region. Major cities like Yeosu, Gwangyang, and Suncheon reported a high number of cases, particularly in areas with large populations, high urbanization, and coastal characteristics. Notably, Gwangyang stands out with both a high absolute number of cases and a high rate per capita.

The report also points to a significant increase in heatwave days in Jeonnam and Gwangju over the past decade. The average number of heatwave days rose from 10.5 (2006-2015) to 18.1 (2016-2025), a 1.7-fold increase. This trend is accompanied by a rise in tropical nights and daily high temperatures, indicating a growing heatwave risk.

To combat this, the Jeonnam Research Institute proposes enhancing heatwave response systems to reflect the unique risks of urban, rural, and coastal areas. For urban centers like Gwangju, the focus is on creating interconnected networks of shade, green spaces, water, and cooling centers. In inland rural areas, strategies include pre-identifying high-risk groups, adjusting work schedules, and implementing on-site health plans. Coastal and island regions require special attention to nighttime heatwaves and emergency accessibility, with suggestions for designating public facilities as overnight cooling shelters and improving emergency transport.