Heat-related deaths in Korea nearly quadruple in five years, hitting older adults hardest

Deaths from heat-related illnesses in Korea have nearly quadrupled over the past five years, with more than seven in 10 victims aged 60 or older, government data showed Monday. 

Heat-related deaths in Korea rose 3.8-fold over the past five years: nine in 2022, 32 in 2023, 34 in 2024, 29 in 2025 and 34 as of the end of August 2026, according to data submitted by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency to Rep. Heo Jong-sik of the Democratic Party, a member of the National Assembly's Health and Welfare Committee. 

A total of 138 people died from heat-related illnesses over that period. Of the total deaths, 101, or 73.2 percent, were people aged 60 or older.

The breakdown by age was 20 deaths among people in their 60s, 27 among those in their 70s and 54 among those 80 or older. Those 80 or older accounted for 39.1 percent of all deaths.

This year's heat wave toll was similarly concentrated among the oldest age group. Of the 34 heat-related deaths recorded through the end of August, 16, or 47.1 percent, were people 80 or older.

The oldest victim this year was a 101-year-old woman from Gangneung, Gangwon, while the youngest was a 28-year-old man from Busan. Both had underlying cardiovascular disease and died of heat stroke.

By region, Seoul and North Jeolla each recorded the highest number of heat-related deaths this year, with six each, followed by Busan, Incheon and South Gyeongsang with four each. South Jeolla, Gwangju, Daegu, Daejeon, Ulsan and Sejong reported no heat-related deaths.

"Deaths among the oldest adults from heat-related illnesses are rising, so special care is needed for vulnerable groups," Heo said. "We need to manage high-risk populations and build a protective system that can respond quickly when they are in crisis."

BY JUNG SI-NAE [[email protected]]