Intense heat wave poses heightened risk to the wellbeing and life of senior citizens.
South Korea Endures Historic Heat Wave, Causing Widespread Impacts
South Korea is currently grappling with an extreme heat wave that has been ongoing since July 2025, causing significant disruptions to agriculture, employment, and public health.
The agricultural sector has been hit hard, with hundreds of thousands of livestock deaths reported due to the prolonged extreme heat[1]. While specific crop impact data is not readily available, the sustained high temperatures and tropical nights are known to stress crops, reduce yields, and increase irrigation demands. The unusual scope of the heat wave, affecting nearly the entire country (181 out of 183 monitored regions)[3], has likely amplified agricultural challenges nationwide.
The heat wave has also led to disruptions in the employment sector. While specific employment data from the heat wave are not presented, the large-scale health impacts and agricultural losses imply broader labor disruptions. Heat-related illnesses can reduce worker productivity and increase absenteeism, particularly in outdoor and manual jobs such as farming, construction, and manufacturing.
The heat wave has taken a toll on public health as well. South Korea has recorded 13 deaths linked to heat-related illnesses so far in 2025, which is triple the number from the same period last year[1][2][4]. Thousands of patients have visited emergency rooms with heat-related conditions like heat exhaustion and heat stroke, with patient numbers up 2.6 times year-on-year[4].
Meteorologically, Seoul experienced a historic record of 22 consecutive tropical nights (overnight temperatures above 25°C), with some nights not falling below 29.3°C, making July 2025 the hottest month recorded in over a century[1][2][3]. The heat wave is expected to continue, affecting much of the Korean Peninsula due to overlapping high-pressure systems trapping hot air and persistent warm southerly flows[3].
As the heat wave deepens through August, traditionally the hottest month[2][3], the situation poses serious public health and economic challenges for South Korea. The government and various organisations are working tirelessly to provide relief and support to those affected.
References:
- Yonhap News Agency
- Korea Meteorological Administration
- The Korea Herald
- The Chosun Ilbo
- The unprecedented heat wave in South Korea has created a pressing need for the business sector to reevaluate and adapt their operations to mitigate the impacts on productivity.
- Scientists and meteorologists are collaborating to predict the duration and extent of the heat wave, using advanced weather-forecasting technology to help policymakers prepare for future climate challenges.
- The health-and-wellness industry is seeing increased demand as Koreans seek respite from the intense heat, with fitness-and-exercise centers reporting a surge in memberships.
- Mental health professionals are also preparing to address the psychological effects of the prolonged extreme heat, as extended periods of stress can lead to anxiety and depression.
- As the aging population in South Korea is more susceptible to heat-related illnesses, it's crucial for the government to prioritize initiatives aimed at improving access to healthcare services and promoting personal health and well-being in the face of climate change.
