First-ever Heatwave Critical Alert (폭염중대경보) issued — Pohang and Gyeongsan in North Gyeongsang Province, 3-step safety rules urged
Source material is a Korean government announcement (in Korean).
The Heatwave Critical Alert (폭염중대경보), the highest level introduced this year, took effect for the first time on 12 July in Pohang and Gyeongsan in North Gyeongsang Province, and residents were urged to follow the '3-step safety rules for survival' by stopping outdoor activity and moving somewhere cool.
Key facts
| In effect | 11am on 12 July 2026, Pohang and Gyeongsan in North Gyeongsang Province (first time ever) |
|---|---|
| Alert level | Heatwave Critical Alert (폭염중대경보) — the top warning level, added 18 years after the heat-wave alert system began in 2008 |
| When it is issued | When extreme heat is expected that is likely to cause a sharp rise in heat-related illness and serious harm across the whole population |
| Safety rules | Follow the '3-step safety rules for survival': stop outdoor activity and move somewhere cool |
Last checked:
The Heatwave Critical Alert (폭염중대경보), the highest heat-risk level introduced this year, took effect for the first time at 11am on 12 July in Pohang and Gyeongsan in North Gyeongsang Province. It is the top warning level, added 18 years after the heat-wave alert system began in 2008, and is issued when extreme heat is expected that is likely to cause a sharp rise in heat-related illness and serious harm across the whole population, including healthy people. The Korea Meteorological Administration and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety issued the weather alert and put government-wide heat-wave response measures into effect, and the government sent on-site situation managers and activated the pan-government response system. Residents in the affected areas were urged to follow the '3-step safety rules for survival': stop outdoor activity and move somewhere cool.
Summaries below are factual notes based on government announcements and primary sources — not evaluations or opinions.
FAQ
What is the Heatwave Critical Alert?
It is the top warning level, added 18 years after the heat-wave alert system began in 2008. It is issued when extreme heat is expected that is likely to cause a sharp rise in heat-related illness and serious harm across the whole population.
What should I do when it takes effect?
The government urged people to follow the '3-step safety rules for survival': stop outdoor activity and move somewhere cool.