South Korea records its highest-ever temperature at 42.5C
South Korea recorded its highest-ever temperature of 42.5C in Yangsan on Sunday, as the Korea Meteorological Administration confirmed a new national record
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People cool off in the Cheonggyecheon Stream in Seoul on July 13, 2026. South Korea issued its first-ever emergency heatwave alert on July 12, under a new warning system launched this year, advising people to halt outdoor activities and keep cool.
AFP
South Korea recorded its highest temperature since records began, as the city of Yangsan hit 42.5C on Sunday, the Korea Meteorological Administration said. The reading was taken at 1:26 pm local time (0426 GMT), extending a heatwave that has gripped the southeast for five straight days.
What is the highest recorded temperature in South Korea?
The new national record stands at 42.5C, set in Yangsan on Sunday afternoon. The Korea Meteorological Administration confirmed the reading at 1:26 pm (0426 GMT) on its website. It is the highest temperature South Korea has logged since weather records began more than a century ago.
Why is Yangsan at the center of the heatwave?
Yangsan has become the epicenter of South Korea's ongoing heatwave. The city's temperatures exceeded 40C for a fifth consecutive day on Sunday. Much of the rest of the country has also been placed under heat warnings, with several cities seeing highs climb into the high 30Cs.
How many areas are under emergency heatwave alerts?
More than 20 localities were under emergency heatwave alerts on Sunday. This warning category was introduced earlier this year to better address rising temperatures nationwide. An emergency alert is issued when perceived temperatures are forecast to reach 38C, or actual temperatures hit 39C, for a full day.
How much have heatwave days increased in South Korea?
Korea Administration data show heatwave days have more than doubled over the past five years. The country now averages 19 heatwave days a year, up from eight in the 1970s. A heatwave day is defined as one with a maximum temperature of at least 33C, while a tropical night is one where the overnight low stays at 25C or above.
Is climate change driving South Korea's extreme heat?
Scientists say extreme weather events such as heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense. They link the trend to human-induced climate change reshaping global weather patterns. Sunday's record in Yangsan reflects this broader pattern of rising temperatures across South Korea.
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