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🇰🇷 South Korea /Disasters & Emergencies

South Korea's Vulnerable Housing Fails to Protect Against Deadly Heatwaves

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Analysis Sources not specified Context piece
  • Many people in large cities like Seoul die from heatstroke indoors due to high housing costs and lack of air conditioning.
  • Seoul's rate of indoor heatstroke deaths is nearly double the national average, with vulnerable housing types like 'banjiha' (semi-basement) and gosiwons (tiny rooms) being particularly at risk.
  • Government and city initiatives to support vulnerable populations are insufficient and have significant blind spots, failing to address the broader issue of housing quality.

As a severe heatwave grips South Korea, the number of heatstroke fatalities continues to rise, with a particularly alarming trend emerging in major cities like Seoul. A significant portion of these deaths are occurring within homes, a stark indicator of the challenges faced by vulnerable populations struggling with high housing costs and inadequate cooling facilities.

In Seoul, 15.5% of heatstroke cases occurred indoors, nearly double the national average.

The article presents data on the incidence of heatstroke deaths occurring within homes in Seoul.

Data from Seoul reveals that 15.5% of heatstroke cases between 2023 and 2025 occurred indoors, a rate nearly double the national average of 8.8%. This statistic highlights that homes, which should be safe havens, are becoming dangerous environments for many. The problem is exacerbated by the prevalence of 'non-standard housing' such as 'banjiha' (semi-basement apartments) and 'gosiwons' (small, single-occupancy rooms), where residents often cannot afford or install air conditioning.

The current support measures are insufficient and have many blind spots.

The article critiques the existing aid programs for vulnerable residents.

Existing support measures, primarily targeting residents of 'jjokbang' (tiny, single-room units often found in slum-like areas), are proving insufficient. Seoul's definition of 'jjokbang' residents is also too narrow, excluding many living in similarly precarious conditions like 'gosiwons'. The national government has also been criticized for its inaction, despite a recommendation from the National Human Rights Commission last year to legally define and address housing types vulnerable to climate disasters.

The government has effectively ignored the National Human Rights Commission's recommendation to legally define vulnerable housing types.

The article points to government inaction on a key human rights recommendation.

The lack of regulations and support for the residential quality of existing homes, unlike in many developed countries, leaves a large segment of the population exposed. While new constructions often meet safety standards, older buildings, which make up a significant portion of the housing stock, are increasingly susceptible to heatwaves, floods, and other climate-related disasters. Experts urge the government and local authorities to proactively identify and support vulnerable populations before disasters strike, suggesting measures like linking housing quality standards to residential welfare benefits.

In an era where climate disasters are becoming commonplace, minimum standards for survival must be established for the socially vulnerable.

The article emphasizes the urgent need for government intervention to protect vulnerable populations from climate change.
DistantNews Editorial

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

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