[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Seoyul] As the nationwide heatwave intensifies, Gyeongsan in Gyeongbuk recorded a maximum temperature of 38 degrees Celsius. Seoul, Suwon, and Incheon also recorded the highest temperatures of the year so far. While beaches, coastal areas, and valleys were crowded with vacationers, despite the heatwave exceeding 33 degrees, the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) held a rally around Seoul Plaza, where about 50,000 union members shouted slogans.
Nationwide Heatwave, Gyeongsan Records 38 Degrees
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration on the 2nd, Hayang-eup in Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk recorded a maximum temperature of 38 degrees Celsius. Seoul's highest temperature was 33.8 degrees Celsius, recorded at 4:01 PM, the highest this year. The previous highest was 32.7 degrees on the 11th of last month.
Suwon City in Gyeonggi Province also recorded 33.7 degrees Celsius at 12:52 PM, the highest this year, and Incheon (30.6 degrees at 3:53 PM) and Paju City in Gyeonggi Province (31.7 degrees at 4:27 PM) were also the hottest this year. Buk-gu in Daegu recorded 37.3 degrees, Toechon-myeon in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province 37.1 degrees, and Bundang-gu in Seongnam City 36.8 degrees.
Daejeon (35.3 degrees) and Busan (32.2 degrees) recorded the highest temperatures ever for early July (1st to 10th). It is the first time in 28 years since July 1994 that Busan's early July highest temperature record has been broken.
Beaches and Valleys Crowded with Vacationers... KCTU Rally Held Despite Heatwave
On the 2nd, citizens are playing in the water at Jungmun Saekdal Beach in Seogwipo City, Jeju / Photo by Yonhap News
To escape the heatwave, citizens flocked to beaches and valleys. The beaches along the East Coast of Gangwon Province, popular among vacationers, were crowded with people. All 83 beaches in Gangwon will remain open until the 15th.
Busan beaches, which recorded the highest temperatures in early July, also attracted numerous vacationers. Haeundae Beach saw about 50,000 visitors, Songdo Beach about 80,000, and Songjeong Beach about 15,000. Additionally, thousands of citizens gathered to enjoy water activities at Hamdeok Beach and Jungmun Saekdal Beach in Jeju, as well as Daecheon Beach in Boryeong, Chungnam.
Some citizens came to enjoy the cool valleys. Pension areas near valleys in Gapyeong County, Gyeonggi Province, were fully booked, making it difficult to find available reservations for groups of friends and families.
Citizens who could not leave the city sought indoor spaces such as cafes and theaters. A cafe in Seoul, which recorded the highest temperature this year, was so crowded that people had to line up and wait for seats. While outdoor seating was empty due to the heat, indoor spaces were bustling with people seeking air conditioning.
Meanwhile, despite the heatwave exceeding 33 degrees, the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) held the '7·2 National Workers' Rally' around Seoul Plaza. About 50,000 union members attended the rally, holding placards with slogans such as 'Stop Labor Reform' and 'Workers Are Dying' and shouting chants.
Tropical Nights Tonight, Heatwave Continues Tomorrow
Tropical nights are expected in various places tonight. A tropical night is defined as when the minimum temperature at night remains above 25 degrees Celsius.
The heatwave is expected to continue on Sunday, the 3rd. The morning low temperatures will range from 21 to 26 degrees Celsius, and the daytime highs from 29 to 35 degrees Celsius. The expected minimum and maximum temperatures for major cities are Seoul, Gwangju, and Ulsan at 24 and 33 degrees, Incheon at 23 and 30 degrees, Daejeon and Daegu at 25 and 35 degrees, and Busan at 24 and 30 degrees.
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