South Korea is in the grip of an unrelenting heat wave that has reportedly led to 11 suspected deaths, nearly triple the number seen during the same period last year, The Korea Herald reports. From May to July 2025, authorities also recorded more than 2,300 heat-related medical cases, with 98 logged on July 26 alone.

Gyeonggi Province accounted for three deaths, while South Chungcheong and North Gyeongsang each saw two fatalities. Seoul, Busan, North Jeolla and South Gyeongsang reported one each. One of the most recent victims was a man in his 50s who collapsed and died in Seongnam on July 25.

Temperatures continue to soar, with July 27 seeing highs above 37°C nationwide. In Seoul, the mercury reached 38°C — an extreme only seen nine times in 118 years. Other hotspots included Jeonju (38.3°C), Jeongeup (37.8°C), and Jeongseon (37.9°C). The apparent temperature in Paju hit 38.5°C.

With a double high-pressure system in place, the Korea Meteorological Administration expects the heat to persist through July 31. Advisories or warnings are active in 180 out of 183 weather zones. In Seoul, night-time lows are forecast to remain above 26°C all week.

The extreme weather, compounded by earlier heavy rains, has damaged crops and driven up food prices. Cabbage prices surged over 50%, spinach rose 153%, and lettuce climbed 31.5%. Despite the strain, electricity supply is expected to meet demand during peak usage.