Since May, heat-related illnesses have been on the rise. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency on the 29th, there have been 54 heat-related patients nationwide this year. This represents a 70% increase compared to 32 patients during the same period last year.
Heat-related illnesses are acute conditions characterized by headaches, dizziness, muscle cramps, fatigue, and decreased consciousness due to prolonged exposure to hot environments. Most patients recover when resting in a cool area. However, heat stroke and heat exhaustion can occur, and in severe cases, it can result in loss of consciousness or death. The elderly are especially vulnerable as their heat detection is delayed.
Of the heat-related patients, 74% are male and 26% are female. Those aged 60 and above account for 60% of the total. The locations where these illnesses occur are primarily along roadsides (37%), outdoor workplaces (16.7%), and mountains and fields (11.1% each). The number of heat-related patients increased from 561 in 2014 to 3,704 in 2024. With extreme heat forecasted this summer, the damage from heat-related illnesses is expected to rise significantly.
To prevent heat-related illnesses, it is advisable to refrain from going out during the midday hours. If participating in outdoor activities, wearing a sunshade and a wide-brimmed hat while drinking water every hour can help. The health agency noted, "Heat-related illnesses can be prevented by small actions," and advised, "Take frequent showers and wear loose, light-colored clothing."
Seeking refuge in parks can also be a solution to escape the heat. According to the Seoul Institute of Health and Environment, temperatures in major parks in Seoul are over 1 degree lower than in the city center. When using the subway, it can be noted that temperatures can vary by 2 to 4 degrees across different seats. The areas near the accessibility seats at both ends of the passenger cars tend to be the coolest, while the center of the cars is crowded and hotter.