Ground temperatures at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul approached 50°C during an extreme heat wave on Tuesday [1].
These measurements highlight the severe urban heat-island effect, where concentrated concrete and asphalt trap heat and create dangerous localized microclimates.
Reporters from YTN and staff from the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) used a specialized weather-observation vehicle to map real-time surface and air temperatures across the city. The data collection took place around noon on Aug. 4 [2].
The team found that the combination of the urban heat-island effect and radiant heat caused temperatures at Gwanghwamun Square to reach nearly 50°C [1]. This creates a stark contrast to other parts of the city, illustrating how urban infrastructure influences local heat levels.
Reporter Kim Min-kyung said the surface temperature differences between sites only a few kilometers apart exceeded 20°C [3]. This variation suggests that residents may experience vastly different levels of heat stress depending on their specific location within the downtown area.
A YTN anchor said, "Seoul is literally in a heat wave emergency."
The KMA vehicle allowed for a dynamic heat map of the city, providing a more granular view of the crisis than static weather stations. The findings emphasize the risk to pedestrians and workers in high-density areas where radiant heat from the ground remains intense long after the peak sun hours.
“Ground temperatures at Gwanghwamun Square approached 50°C”
The significant temperature variance over short distances demonstrates that traditional city-wide weather reports often underrepresent the actual heat stress felt by citizens. By documenting surface temperatures that far exceed official air temperature readings, the KMA is highlighting the critical role of urban planning and the urgent need for heat-mitigation infrastructure in Seoul's most paved districts.
