South Korea Elevates Heatwave Alert to Level 2, Urges Halt to Outdoor Work

South Korea has activated the second level of its Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters response due to extreme heatwave conditions. This escalation prompts urgent recommendations for businesses, particularly those with outdoor operations, to suspend work.

Minister of Employment and Labor, Kim Young-joo, conducted an unannounced visit to a logistics center in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, to inspect adherence to heatwave safety protocols. The ministry is reinforcing its response system by maintaining a 24/7 special task force and ensuring rapid dissemination of heatwave warnings to all workplaces.

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When a severe heatwave warning is issued, all outdoor work except for emergency tasks should be suspended.

Local offices are instructed to closely monitor and inspect vulnerable businesses, ensuring that phased work suspension guidelines are strictly followed. For sites experiencing extreme heatwave alerts, a strong recommendation is issued to halt all outdoor activities except for emergency tasks. The ministry also emphasizes the provision of cool water, installation of cooling systems, mandatory breaks, and immediate reporting of heat-related illnesses to emergency services.

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We have instructed all local government bodies to suspend work in confined spaces unless it is an emergency measure, and to strengthen guidance and inspections for related businesses.