Seoul hits 40C for first time since 2018 as heatwave claims lives

Seoul hit a scorching 40.2 degrees Celsius on Friday, marking the first time the South Korean capital has reached such extreme temperatures since August 2018. The mercury climbed at a weather station in northern Seoul around 3:30 p.m. local time.

The intense heatwave gripping South Korea has led to a significant rise in heat-related illnesses and fatalities. Health authorities reported on Wednesday that at least 21 people have died from heat-related causes so far this year, already exceeding the total recorded for all of 2025.

Since the government's surveillance system for heat-related diseases began in May, more than 2,400 patients have visited emergency rooms presenting with heat-related symptoms. Other cities, including Hanam and Gwangyang, also surpassed 40 degrees Celsius on Friday, with meteorological authorities warning that extreme heat is expected to persist, though temperatures may slightly moderate over the weekend.