Workers at a Daewoo Construction apartment site in Uijeongbu are using waterproof tunnels and rooftop shelters to survive a severe heatwave.
These emergency measures are critical as extreme temperatures create dangerous working conditions for laborers operating at great heights in the metropolitan area.
The heatwave has seen temperatures rise to 40 °C [1], triggering a state of emergency across construction sites in the region, a YTN anchor said.
At the specific site in Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi Province, the project involves the construction of a 42-floor apartment building [1]. The intensity of the heat is particularly acute on the upper levels of the structure. While the Korea Meteorological Administration reported a felt temperature of over 34 °C [1] for the general metropolitan area, on-site thermometers at the project measured a felt temperature of 35 °C [1].
Reporting from the 37th floor of the building, YTN reporter Jung Hyun-woo said the heat was so intense that it felt difficult to breathe.
To mitigate these risks, the site has implemented specialized cooling infrastructure. The waterproof tunnels and rooftop shelters provide essential shade and respite for workers who are otherwise exposed to direct sunlight, and radiating heat from the concrete and steel structures.
These installations are part of a broader effort to prevent heat-related illnesses among the workforce during one of the most intense temperature spikes in the region.
“Temperatures rise to 40 °C [1], triggering a state of emergency across construction sites.”
The implementation of specialized cooling infrastructure like waterproof tunnels indicates that traditional break periods are insufficient during extreme heat events. As South Korea faces temperatures reaching 40 °C, the construction industry must shift from passive heat warnings to active structural interventions to maintain worker safety and prevent fatalities on high-rise projects.
