"South Korea Shifts Toward a Subtropical Climate"... Climate Adaptation Now a National Priority [Reading Science]

Spreading Beyond the Southern Coast and Jeju to the East Coast
Redesign Needed for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Urban Infrastructure

As climate change accelerates the subtropicalization of the Korean Peninsula, climate adaptation is emerging as a national priority. Subtropical climate characteristics, once confined to the southern coast and Jeju Island, are now spreading to the east coast and inland regions. As a result, there is a growing call to redesign agriculture, fisheries, and urban infrastructure to better cope with climate change.

On June 16, the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) announced its analysis, "Current Status and Outlook of Subtropical Climate Characteristics on the Korean Peninsula." The results show that over the past decade, regions meeting subtropical climate criteria have expanded to include areas along the east coast, such as Gangneung and Uljin. This indicates that subtropical climate characteristics, which were centered on Jeju Island and the southern coast in the 1990s, have now spread inland to Jeollanam-do and the east coast.

Reference photo to aid understanding of the article. Children are cooling off from the heat by avoiding tropical nights at the ground fountain in Gwanghwamun Square, Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

The KMA projects that in the first half of the 21st century (2021–2040), subtropical climate characteristics will further expand, especially in Jeollanam-do, Gyeongsangnam-do, coastal areas, and several major cities. By the latter half of the century (2081–2100), under a high carbon emissions scenario, most regions nationwide—except for Yeongseo in Gangwon Province—could shift to a subtropical climate.

Not an Anomaly, but a Long-term Trend... The Key Is Adaptation

This analysis suggests that the changes are not sudden anomalies, but rather the visible result of several decades of accumulated warming.

Oh Jaeho, CEO of NanoWeather and professor emeritus at Pukyong National University, stated, "Global warming is accelerating due to increased greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, and Korea is no exception. To prevent climate change from escalating into a climate crisis, we must establish preemptive response systems based on detailed, region-specific climate data."

However, some experts cautioned against overemphasizing high-carbon emission scenarios.

Park Hoon, research professor at the Ojung Resilience Institute at Korea University, commented, "There are evaluations that the worst-case emissions scenarios previously used by the IPCC are now less likely, given current energy transitions and policy trends. Rather than inciting excessive fear, it is important to devise response measures based on realistic climate projections."

Professor Koo Jaho of the Department of Atmospheric Sciences at Yonsei University also explained, "Extreme future scenarios can create a sense of helplessness among the public. We need to focus on the most probable mid-level scenarios while also maintaining preparedness for the worst-case possibilities."

Changes Across Agriculture, Fisheries, and Health

The impact of subtropicalization goes beyond rising temperatures. Concerns are mounting that it could trigger cascading changes across industry, ecosystems, and public health.

Reference photo to aid understanding of the article. Banana farm in Bukpyeong-myeon, Haenam-gun, Jeollanam-do, a subtropical crop cultivation site. Photo by The Asia Business Daily database

Agriculture and fisheries are particularly noteworthy sectors. The variety of crops that can be cultivated is changing, and as fish species migrate northward, a fundamental shift in production systems appears inevitable.

CEO Oh pointed out that despite an abundant catch of bluefin tuna on the east coast this year, a lack of fishing quotas and distribution networks led to a significant amount being discarded. He warned, "If we do not proactively respond to industrial structural changes caused by climate change, the resulting economic damage could be substantial."

New issues are also emerging in the health sector.

Professor Koo noted, "As temperatures rise, the growing season for plants lengthens, increasing the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Through photochemical reactions, this can lead to higher ozone formation. Korea is now entering a stage where it must address not only fine dust, but also high ozone concentrations in earnest."

Changes in ecosystems are also unavoidable. The northward migration of subtropical plants, insects, and pests is accelerating, and the existing temperate ecosystem is expected to undergo gradual transformation.

A Need to Redesign Social Systems

Some experts emphasize that the scope of climate adaptation must be broadened to encompass all aspects of society. This includes reconsidering traditional seasonal divisions, urban infrastructure, and disaster prevention systems.

Reference photo to help understand the article. Residents of Pak Panang, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, southern Thailand, are clearing the coastline in preparation for the landfall of a tropical storm. Bangkok=AP/Provided by Yonhap News Agency

Professor Koo said, "It is time to review whether the traditional way of dividing spring, summer, autumn, and winter into three-month seasons is still appropriate. We need to begin discussions on new seasonal systems and climate analysis standards that fit subtropical climate characteristics."

Given the increased likelihood of extreme weather events such as heatwaves, heavy rainfall, and droughts, expanding investment in climate adaptation infrastructure—such as urban drainage, power grids, agricultural water supplies, and coastal disaster prevention facilities—has also become a key task.

Professor Park emphasized, "There is no need to exaggerate the risks of climate change, but the situation is already severe enough. Above all, it is crucial to establish realistic adaptation strategies alongside efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.