Seoul experienced a record-breaking heat wave on Aug. 5, turning the downtown area into a "giant furnace," according to local reports [1].
The extreme temperatures have created hazardous conditions for residents and workers, prompting the city to issue a critical heat-wave warning across the capital [1, 5].
Daytime temperatures in Seoul reached a maximum of 39.2°C [1]. The intensity of the heat was most evident on the city's infrastructure, where road surface temperatures at Gwanghwamun Square were measured at over 60°C [2].
To illustrate the severity of the conditions, a YTN reporter measured the temperature of his own head while walking through the city. Depending on the report, the temperature ranged from 46°C [3] to nearly 50°C [1].
The heat has significantly impacted local commerce in traditional shopping districts. At Namdaemun Market, merchants reported a sharp decline in foot traffic as shoppers avoided the outdoors. Oh Soon-im, a merchant who has operated in the market for 50 years, said this is the first time she has seen such a lack of customers due to the weather [4].
City landmarks including Namsan, Gwanghwamun Square, and Cheonggyecheon were all affected by the surge in temperature [2, 1]. The extreme conditions have forced many residents to seek shelter in air-conditioned spaces to avoid heat-related illnesses.
“"I have been in business for about 50 years, and this is the first time [it has been this way]."”
The disparity between the ambient air temperature of 39.2°C and the 60°C road surface temperature highlights the 'urban heat island' effect, where concrete and asphalt absorb and radiate heat. This creates a dangerous environment that transcends standard weather forecasts, impacting both public health and the economic viability of open-air markets like Namdaemun.
