South Korean President Lee Jae Myung urged authorities to increase support for people affected by a record heatwave, as the death toll reached 16.
Speaking at a cabinet meeting, Lee urged officials to take steps to safeguard daily life and inspect power systems as demand for air conditioning rises.
"We need to make efforts for a fundamental overhaul of the national crisis system, since this extreme weather is becoming normal," he said.
South Korea’s weather agency said Yangsan, a southeastern inland city, recorded 42.5°C on Sunday, the highest temperature measured in 122 years of observations.
The Korea Meteorological Administration issued its first-ever heatwave warning for parts of Seoul and neighbouring Gyeonggi Province on Monday, extending the alert to the entire capital on Tuesday.
Seoul issued its first-ever “severe heatwave warning” on Tuesday, with temperatures forecast to reach 38°C, according to local media.
The Korea Meteorological Administration said the warning was activated in 11 districts, including Gangnam, Songpa, Gangseo and Gwanak.
Introduced in June under a revised heat advisory system, the alert is triggered when perceived temperatures reach at least 38°C or daily highs exceed 39°C (102°F).
The prolonged heat has increased health risks across the capital. Government data showed 18 heat-related illness cases were reported on Monday, bringing Seoul’s total since mid-May to 185, including two deaths.
Around 4,000 facilities, including community centres, senior citizen centres and welfare centres, have been designated as cooling shelters.
The Interior Ministry also issued emergency alerts urging residents to avoid unnecessary outdoor activity, stay hydrated, rest in cool places and check on family members as extreme heat continues.
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