South Korea to scale back outdoor drills during heatwaves for Ulchi exercise

South Korea is adjusting its annual Ulchi civil defense drills to account for extreme heat, with outdoor training set to be scaled back or suspended during heatwave warnings. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced new guidelines to ensure participant safety amid potentially dangerous temperatures.

Under the revised directives, if a heatwave advisory is issued, outdoor training sessions will see reduced hours and intensity. Facilities will be required to provide ample water, shaded rest areas, and cooling spaces. Activities for participants vulnerable to heat will be minimized.

When a heatwave warning is in effect, outdoor drills will be shortened, their scale reduced, or training times shifted. There is also an option to transition outdoor activities to indoor settings. In situations where ensuring participant safety outdoors is deemed difficult, training will be halted, and participants will be moved to a safe location to have their health assessed.

Furthermore, if a severe heatwave warning is declared, outdoor drills will be prohibited by default. Scheduled training will be postponed or rescheduled, with a preference for indoor alternatives. This proactive measure reflects the government's commitment to prioritizing the well-being of personnel participating in essential civil defense preparedness exercises.