Prime Minister Han Seong-sook ordered ministries and local governments to mobilise all available resources to respond to heatwave and drought risks, after the government raised its heatwave response alert to the second-highest level, unlocking funding for relief efforts and more frequent inspections in affected areas.
Power authorities have activated emergency measures and are closely monitoring supply and demand as electricity consumption is expected to reach a record high in late August amid surging air-conditioning use.
Severe heatwave warnings have been issued across parts of southern South Korea, including Busan, Ulsan, South Gyeongsang and parts of Gwangju and South Jeolla Province.
Local governments have scrambled to protect vulnerable residents. Seoul districts have expanded cooling shelters and distributed free water and sun umbrellas, while Yangsan has expanded water-spraying operations and water distribution.
Searing temperatures have disrupted daily life. Over the weekend, the Korea Baseball Organization cancelled games in Busan and Changwon and said further schedule adjustments could be considered if dangerous conditions persist.
Local media reported packed beaches, water parks and riverside recreation areas.
North Korea is experiencing similar conditions. State media said heat advisories covering much of the country would remain in place through the week and reported that tens of thousands of people had visited the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone during July.
Water parks in Pyongyang were also packed, according to state television.