Heat Subsides in Seoul: Only 5 Heat Illness Cases, Single Digits for First Time in 8 Days

Daily Heat Cases Peak at 53 on August 5, Now on the Decline

Total of 435 Cases and 4 Fatalities Recorded

Heatwave Advisory Downgraded to 'Advisory' Level

Protection Efforts for 64,062 Vulnerable Individuals

As the heat began to subside, with the heatwave advisory levels in Seoul being downgraded, the number of patients with heat-related illnesses dropped to single digits for the first time in eight days.

As Ipchu passed, the feeling of the wind blowing in the morning and evening changed. Having endured a heatwave of 40 degrees, the 30-degree morning breeze even feels cool. On August 10, 2026, citizens wearing thin long sleeves are moving along Sejong-daero in Seoul. Photo by Cho Yongjun

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency on August 10, there were five reported cases of heat-related illnesses in Seoul the previous day. This marks the first time in eight days that the daily number has returned to single digits, after reaching eight on the 1st. The number of daily heat illness cases in Seoul peaked at 53 on the 5th and has been declining since. Since the 2026 monitoring system for heat-related illnesses was activated on May 15, a total of 435 patients, including four estimated fatalities, have been reported in Seoul so far.

The heatwave advisory levels have been progressively lowered. On August 4, a citywide heatwave emergency warning was issued in Seoul as temperatures reached their peak; on August 7, this was downgraded to a heatwave warning, and then again on August 9 to a heatwave advisory, which remains in effect as of now.

Seoul Metropolitan Government and district offices have maintained the 'caution' stage of the heatwave crisis alert, operating a total of 99 teams and 527 personnel at dedicated heatwave response centers. Support targets include 40,177 elderly people living alone, 17,119 outdoor workers, 4,359 people with disabilities or chronic diseases, 2,006 people experiencing homelessness, 401 residents in single-room housing, totaling 64,062 vulnerable individuals. The city and district offices continue to provide support and protection activities, such as welfare checks, for these groups. In addition, a total of 9,849 heat emergency facilities are in operation, including climate companion shelters, cooling centers, emergency shelters, mobile laborer shelters, and other heat mitigation facilities.

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