Heat-related illnesses nearly triple in South Korea over a decade

Monday 10 August 2026 - 17:25

By: Azzat Manal

Heat-related illnesses nearly triple in South Korea over a decade

South Korea has recorded a sharp increase in heat-related illnesses over the past decade as increasingly intense heatwaves put pressure on public health.

Government data analyzed by a research institute under the Ministry of the Interior and Safety showed that the average annual number of reported cases rose from about 215 between 2011 and 2015 to 658 between 2016 and 2020. The average remained high at around 638 cases per year between 2021 and 2025.

Heat-related deaths have also increased. In 2024 alone, authorities recorded 1,299 cases and 12 deaths during the summer monitoring period.

Health authorities are warning that extreme temperatures could continue through late August, with daytime highs expected to reach between 31°C and 35°C in several parts of the country.

The latest figures highlight the growing health risks associated with prolonged heat exposure and underline the importance of preventive measures, particularly for vulnerable populations during periods of extreme weather.