The Waiting Areas Are Hotter Than Outside... Approaching 40 Degrees
"Extreme Heat Is Clearly a Disaster... Urgent Countermeasures Needed"
It has been confirmed that the internal temperature in some waiting areas of Seoul subway stations is approaching 40 degrees Celsius. In particular, stations without air conditioning facilities have effectively become "steam chambers."
On July 28, Kim Jihyang, a member of the Seoul Metropolitan Council from the People Power Party, released the "Sample Temperature Measurement Data for 17 Major Subway Stations on Lines 1 to 8," which was submitted by Seoul Metro. This data was compiled based on standard temperatures measured at 8 a.m., 3 p.m., and 6 p.m. at major Seoul subway stations from July 22 to 24. The survey covered six above-ground stations and eleven underground stations.
The Hottest Station Is 'Oksu Station'... Approaching 40 Degrees
Although Seoul Metro has set the standard temperature for activating air conditioning at 29 degrees Celsius, the measured results far exceeded this threshold. Oksu Station recorded the highest temperature during this period. At 3 p.m. on July 24, the temperature reached 39.3 degrees, and it remained high at 38.1 degrees even at 6 p.m. At the same time, Seongsu Station on Line 2 also soared to 39 degrees. Both stations are above-ground and lack air conditioning facilities. According to the measurements taken on July 23, Oksu Station recorded 38.1 degrees and Seongsu Station 37.1 degrees, both far surpassing the standard temperature of 29 degrees.
The situation was not much different for underground stations without air conditioning. At 3 p.m. on the same day, Ahyeon Station and Hansung University Station each recorded 31 degrees. Even large underground stations equipped with air conditioning, such as Seoul Station, showed 30.2 degrees at 3 p.m. on July 24. Among underground stations, Konkuk University Station measured 31.6 degrees and Amsa Station 31.5 degrees, both approaching 32 degrees. Although the temperatures were relatively lower than those at above-ground stations, the enclosed structure of underground stations, which allows little outside air to enter and easily traps heat, can make the perceived temperature feel much higher than the actual measured temperature. While there is no direct sunlight underground, air circulation is poor and humidity is high.
"A Level That Threatens Health... Urgent Cooling Measures Needed"
Kim stated, "The heat inside subway stations is not just an inconvenience but has reached a level that threatens the health of citizens." She added, "Since extreme heat is clearly a disaster, the Seoul city government should mobilize its disaster management fund and reserve funds to implement urgent cooling measures in all stations."
In fact, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, prolonged exposure to high temperatures sharply increases the risk of heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke and heat exhaustion. Enclosed spaces with poor ventilation can be especially dangerous for vulnerable groups, including the elderly, pregnant women, and people with cardiovascular diseases.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
