Seoul Records All-Time High of 42.5C as Heatwave Kills 21 Across South Korea

SEOUL, South Korea—Seoul recorded an all-time high temperature of 42.5C on Sunday, the third time in a week the capital set a new heat record. Authorities issued a severe heatwave warning for the city, the first such alert since its introduction this year.

At least 21 people have died across South Korea as the country endures a prolonged period of abnormally high temperatures.

The government activated its highest alert level for the capital for the first time in 2026. Outdoor workers were ordered to rest during the hottest hours of the day under measures announced by ministries and local authorities.

Residents sought relief where they could. People cooled off in the Cheonggyecheon stream and at the Cheonggye Plaza cooling zone. A boy was seen splashing in a fountain; a woman used a parasol to shield herself at Gyeongbokgung Palace.

Seoul's previous record high was 39.6C, set in August 2018. Sunday's reading surpassed that mark by nearly three degrees.

The extreme heat, initially concentrated in South Korea's southern regions, has spread north in recent days, bringing severe conditions to the densely populated capital.

At least 21 people have died across South Korea as the country endures a prolonged period of abnormally high temperatures.

Seoul's previous record high was 39.6C, set in August 2018. Sunday's reading surpassed that mark by nearly three degrees.

The extreme heat, initially concentrated in South Korea's southern regions, has spread north in recent days, bringing severe conditions to the densely populated capital.