South Korea logs 42.5 °C in hottest day since 1904

Historic high in southeastern city

The mercury hit 42.5 degrees Celsius (108.5 degrees Fahrenheit) in South Korea's southeastern city of Yangsan on Sunday, establishing the highest temperature recorded on the Korean Peninsula since systematic observations began in 1904, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration. The reading surpassed all previous records set during the modern meteorological era, which began that year.

The city, located approximately 310 kilometers southeast of Seoul, has endured temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius for five consecutive days, raising concerns that readings could climb past 43 degrees Celsius, Yonhap News reported. The ancient capital of Gyeongju also registered 40.2 degrees Celsius (104.4 degrees Fahrenheit), marking the first time this year the city has exceeded the 40-degree threshold.

Government declares Level 2 emergency

Prime Minister Han Seong-sook activated Level 2 emergency operations at the disaster response headquarters, directing government ministries and provincial authorities to strengthen safety inspections for heat-vulnerable populations and maintain stable utility supplies. The nationwide alert aims to coordinate the response as extreme conditions persist across the southeastern region.

More than a century of meteorological data has been collected on the peninsula since the observation network was established during the early 20th century, with Sunday's reading standing as the highest in that extensive record.