# South Korean detention facility heatwave concerns > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/south-korean-detention-facility-heatwave-concerns > Updated: 2026-08-29T12:37:24.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2. Human rights organizations in South Korea have called for urgent government intervention to address extreme heat within detention centers and prisons. Activists reported that indoor temperatures in these facilities have reached nearly 37 degrees Celsius, leaving detainees to rely on ice water and electric fans due to a lack of air conditioning. The groups requested the legalization of protective actions during heatwaves and the expansion of cooling equipment to prevent human rights violations. Following these demands, the South Korean Ministry of Justice suspended a 1.2 billion won project intended to reinforce air conditioning for vulnerable inmates, such as the elderly and disabled. This decision has sparked public criticism and debate regarding the use of taxpayer funds for correctional facilities. Currently, many cells remain dependent on electric fans that are operated on a cycle of 50 minutes of use followed by 10 minutes of rest to prevent overheating. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-29: South Korea suspends prison air conditioning project amid heatwave South Korea has suspended a 1.2 billion won plan to install air conditioning in prisons following public backlash over using taxpayer funds for inmates during a severe heatwave. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-korea-suspends-prison-air-conditioning-project-amid-heatwave ### 2026-08-11: Human rights groups demand cooling measures for South Korean detention facilities Human rights groups are calling for improved cooling facilities in South Korean prisons and detention centers as temperatures reach 37°C, warning of threats to the health of detainees and staff. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/human-rights-groups-demand-cooling-measures-for-south-korean-detention-facilities --- Cite as: South Korean detention facility heatwave concerns. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/south-korean-detention-facility-heatwave-concerns