3 weeks ago
South Korea Heat-Related Illness Cases Nearly Triple Over Past Decade
In South Korea, the end of summer has been getting hotter and hotter, and more people are getting sick from the heat.
About ten years ago, around 215 people got heat sickness each year in late summer.
Now, almost three times as many people get sick from the heat.
The heat can be very dangerous, and sometimes people even die from it.
In 2024, twelve people died because of the heat before the end of August.
Just last Friday, 202 people went to the emergency room because of heat sickness.
The government is keeping track of everyone who gets sick from the heat this summer.
It is so hot that even driving test centers are pausing their tests.
The hot weather is expected to last until the end of August, so people are being reminded to stay cool and drink water.
Heat-related illness cases in South Korea's late summer nearly tripled over the past decade, from an annual average of 215 in 2011-2015 to 658 in 2016-2020 and 638 in 2021-2025.
Deaths linked to heat-related illness rose from an annual average of 3.3 in 2012-2015 to more than four per year between 2016 and 2025.
In 2024 alone, 1,299 people suffered heat-related illnesses and 12 died from ipchu to late August.
On Friday, 202 people were treated at emergency rooms nationwide for heat-related illnesses, three of whom died, and the government's monitoring system has recorded 3,089 cases and 26 deaths since May 15.
The Korea Meteorological Administration forecasts daytime highs of 26-37 C with heat waves continuing until late August, and the Korea Road Traffic Authority will temporarily scale back or suspend driving tests due to the heat.
- Who
- South Koreans, including emergency room patients, tracked by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) and a research institute under the interior ministry.
- What
- Heat-related illness cases in late summer nearly tripled over the past decade, with deaths from such illnesses also rising.
- Where
- South Korea, including the Seoul metropolitan area, Gangwon Province, and Daejeon.
- When
- Government data released on Saturday, covering 2011-2025, with heat waves expected to continue until late August this year.
- Why
- Prolonged heat waves and humidity, with daytime highs forecast to reach up to 37 degrees Celsius, are driving the increase in heat-related illness and death.
Key facts
- Average annual cases (2011-2015)
- 215
- Average annual cases (2016-2020)
- 658
- Average annual cases (2021-2025)
- 638
- Average annual deaths (2012-2015)
- 3.3
- Average annual deaths (2016-2025)
- More than 4
- 2024 toll (ipchu to late August)
- 1,299 illnesses; 12 deaths
- Friday emergency room tally
- 202 patients; 3 deaths
- Heat wave forecast
- Expected until late August; daytime highs of 31-35 C, up to 37 C in some areas
Quotes
President Lee Jae Myung
President of South Korea
“"Young people should never be discouraged from getting married because of government policies."”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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