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Seoul Professionals Endure Extreme Heat in Formal Wear Despite Record 'Start of Autumn' Temperatures
🇰🇷 South Korea /Culture & Society

Seoul Professionals Endure Extreme Heat in Formal Wear Despite Record 'Start of Autumn' Temperatures

From Dong-A Ilbo · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Despite the hottest 'start of autumn' on record, office workers and public servants in Seoul are still required to wear formal attire, including suits and uniforms.
  • Many express discomfort due to the extreme heat, with some public servants like environmental workers reporting multiple showers a day.
  • The heatwave is expected to continue, with Seoul's temperature forecast to reach 39 degrees Celsius on 'Ipchu,' the day marking the start of autumn.

Even as the mercury soars past 37 degrees Celsius in Seoul, marking the hottest 'Ipchu' (start of autumn) in recorded history, many professionals are still bound by strict dress codes. Office workers, particularly in conservative sectors like finance, and public servants in roles such as police, firefighters, and subway operators, continue to wear formal suits and uniforms despite the sweltering heat.

Our company is quite conservative, so we have to wear suits. Shorts are out of the question.

— Office workerAn office worker in Seoul describes the strict dress code in his finance company despite the extreme heat.

"Our company is quite conservative, so we have to wear suits," said a man in his late 30s working near Yeouido Station. "Shorts are out of the question." Another office worker mentioned that while his company allows him to forgo a tie in summer, he still carries one for external meetings or client interactions.

The discomfort is particularly acute for those in uniforms. A traffic police officer in Seoul noted the heat radiating from the asphalt, making shorts impractical despite the desire for cooler attire. Subway operators shared that while their train cabins have air conditioning, the depots can exceed 40 degrees Celsius, making the commute to and from trains arduous.

Even though it's hot, we just do our job regardless of the heat for the citizens.

— Traffic police officerA traffic police officer in Seoul explains his commitment to his duty despite the uncomfortable weather conditions.

Environmental workers and security guards also face significant challenges. One environmental worker, who had to take five showers on a recent garbage collection day due to the heat, expressed a wish for more comfortable work attire, especially on hot days. A security guard at an apartment complex mentioned purchasing linen pants with his own money because the provided uniform is not suitable for the extreme heat and shorts are prohibited for safety reasons.

The temperature inside the vehicle depot exceeds 40 degrees Celsius.

— Subway operatorA subway operator describes the extreme heat in areas outside the air-conditioned train cabins.

Meteorological data indicates Seoul's daytime high is forecast to reach 39 degrees Celsius on 'Ipchu,' a significant increase from the previous record of 36 degrees Celsius in 1988. This level of heat during the traditional start of autumn is rare, potentially marking a record-breaking heatwave. The forecast suggests the extreme temperatures will persist, leaving many to endure the heat in their mandated workwear.

It's so hot. I wish the work clothes were made of cooler fabric.

— Environmental workerAn environmental worker expresses discomfort with her uniform during the heatwave.
DistantNews Editorial

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

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