Seoul issues citywide heat wave advisory, steps up emergency response

Seoul has strengthened its heat wave response after a citywide advisory was issued, expanding cooling shelter operations and stepping up safety measures for vulnerable residents and outdoor workers.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government said Saturday it has activated a comprehensive heat wave support center following the citywide advisory, which took effect at 11 a.m., to minimize harm to residents.

The center monitors weather conditions, heat-related incidents and the protection status of vulnerable residents in real time, coordinating responses with relevant city departments.

The city plans to conduct welfare check calls for vulnerable residents living alone, including elderly people, and will send staff for in-person visits if they cannot be reached by phone. Additional personnel will be deployed to areas with high concentrations of homeless people, with counseling and patrol activities also expanded.

Safety measures for construction workers and other outdoor laborers will also be reinforced. The city will urge worksites to guarantee adequate rest breaks and provide proper rest facilities, and will conduct ongoing inspections to verify compliance.

Twenty-four of Seoul's 25 autonomous districts — all except Gangbuk-gu, which is using a temporary office while a new district hall is under construction — have designated their district offices as heat refuge spaces, open 24 hours a day. Each district is also running its own heat wave response center, managing cooling facilities, operating neighborhood cooling shelters and stockpiling emergency relief supplies.

The city is actively publicizing heat safety guidelines, using electronic billboards, its website and emergency text alerts to remind residents to avoid outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, stay well hydrated and use designated cooling shelters.

The Korea Meteorological Administration forecast that the peak apparent temperature across Seoul would reach around 33 degrees Celsius on Saturday. The city urged residents to limit outdoor activities during daytime hours and take extra care of their health, warning that the heat is expected to persist for now.