Seoul Reinstates Heatwave Response as 19 Districts Under Advisory

Seoul has re-established its heatwave comprehensive support situation room as a heatwave advisory is now in effect for 19 of its 25 districts. The advisory was issued when the highest perceived temperature is expected to exceed 33 degrees Celsius for more than two consecutive days. This marks the first heatwave advisory in the capital since August 14.

The affected districts include four in the southeast (Gangdong-gu, Songpa-gu, Gangnam-gu, Seocho-gu), eight in the northeast (Jungnang-gu, Seongdong-gu, Gwangjin-gu, Dobong-gu, Nowon-gu, Gangbuk-gu, Seongbuk-gu, Dongdaemun-gu), and seven in the southwest (Gangseo-gu, Yangcheon-gu, Guro-gu, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Dongjak-gu, Gwanak-gu, Geumcheon-gu).

Seoul will deploy specialized response teams focusing on situation management, welfare support, energy recovery, and medical services. The situation room will monitor weather conditions, damage reports, and the protection status of vulnerable groups and facilities. Districts under the advisory will also operate their own situation rooms, maintain response systems, and stock cooling and emergency supplies.

Measures to protect vulnerable populations include daily phone calls to the elderly requiring care, with direct visits if contact cannot be made. Outreach to homeless individuals in concentrated areas will be increased, along with enhanced counseling and patrols. Construction sites will be advised to ensure sufficient rest periods and provide adequate break areas for workers, with compliance checks planned.

The city will also utilize electronic billboards, its website, and safety alert text messages to disseminate information on heatwave safety. These messages will advise residents to refrain from outdoor activities during peak heat hours, stay hydrated, and take necessary breaks. Choi Jin-seok, head of Seoul's Disaster and Safety Management Headquarters, stated the city will closely monitor the weather and thoroughly implement heatwave countermeasures, prioritizing the protection of vulnerable groups and the safety of outdoor workers.

“

We will closely monitor the weather situation and thoroughly implement heatwave countermeasures, prioritizing the protection of vulnerable groups and the safety of outdoor workers.