# South Korea heat wave 2026 > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/south-korea-heat-wave-2026 > Updated: 2026-08-07T04:58:01.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 2. The heat wave that began on Jeju Island in late July 2026 spread nationwide by early August, driving a sharp rise in heat‑related illnesses. Between early August and the end of the month, 1,299 people required treatment and 12 deaths were recorded, far above the 2012‑2015 average of 3.3 deaths per year. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) reported that, since the monitoring system started on 15 May, a cumulative 3,089 cases and 26 deaths have been logged. Government data show that heat‑related illness cases have nearly tripled over the past decade: an average of 215 cases during the traditional "Ipchu" period (2011‑2015) rose to 658 in 2016‑2020 and remained around 638 in 2021‑2025. In addition to public health concerns, the extreme weather has impacted the commercial sector. Leading manufacturers have seen significant spikes in demand for cooling products; Samsung Electronics reported a 50% increase in domestic air conditioner sales in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the previous year, while LG Electronics recorded a 60% increase. Forecasts predict daytime temperatures of 31‑35 °C to persist through late August, with some areas potentially reaching 39 °C. This has prompted the health ministry to maintain advisories on hydration, limited outdoor activity between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., and loose cotton clothing, especially for the elderly and children. President Lee Jae-myung has ordered ministries and local governments to maximize resources to manage the crisis and pledged to review housing and welfare policies that may disadvantage young married couples in light of the ongoing heat stress. ## Claims - In 2024, 1,299 people suffered from heat-related illnesses and 12 died from Ipchu to late August. (disputed by 4 sources) - The government has reported 3,089 heat-related illness cases including 26 deaths since operating a monitoring system on May 15. (disputed by 3 sources) - The number of heat-related illness cases reported in late summer nearly tripled in the past 10 years in South Korea. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Between 2011 and 2015, the annual average of heat-related patients from Ipchu to late August was 215. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The heatwave is impacting the agricultural sector and causing health issues such as dehydration and fatigue. (corroborated by 2 sources) - President Lee Jae-myung ordered all ministries and local governments to maximize the deployment of personnel and resources to combat the heatwave. (single source) - Lee Jae-myung stated that extreme heat on an unprecedented scale is occurring daily. (single source) - The heatwave in South Korea has resulted in more than 20 deaths. (single source) - Several regions have experienced tropical nights with temperatures remaining near 30 degrees Celsius throughout the night. (single source) - Seoul's temperature was forecasted to reach 39 degrees Celsius on Thursday, August 6, 2026. (single source) - Samsung Electronics reported a 50% increase in domestic air conditioner sales in Q1 2025 compared to the previous year. (single source) - LG Electronics recorded a 60% increase in domestic air conditioner sales during the same period. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-07: South Korea heatwave causes surge in heat-related illnesses South Korea's late-summer heat-related illnesses have tripled over the last decade. President Lee Jae-myung has ordered a maximum deployment of resources as temperatures remain high through late August. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-korea-heat-wave-triples-heatrelated-illness-cases-in-ten-years ### 2026-07-26: Jeju heatwave leads to 41 heat‑illness cases and one fatality Jeju’s heatwave has produced 41 heat‑illness cases, including 30 in July, and one death, while jellyfish stings, water accidents and other summer hazards have risen, prompting heat and safety warnings. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jeju-heatwave-leads-to-41-heatillness-cases-and-one-fatality --- Cite as: South Korea heat wave 2026. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/south-korea-heat-wave-2026