South Korea Introduces Public Access Tool for Early Warning and Prevention of Heat-Related Health Risks
-KDCA Introduces Big Data-Based Prediction Tool via Health Hazard Integrated Information System, Open to All Members of the Public
The heat-related illness occurrence prediction information screen as displayed within the Health Hazard Integrated Information System.
As the first serious heat of the season sets in, the Korean government has made it easier than ever for the public to stay ahead of the dangers of extreme heat — with a new online tool that predicts heat-related illness risk levels across the country.
South Korea's KDCA has launched a nationwide heat-related illness risk forecast system, allowing the public to check four-level risk predictions for their region up to three days in advance via the Health Hazard Integrated Information System.
Korea's Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) has announced that it is now providing 'Heat-Related Illness Occurrence Prediction Information' through the Health Hazard Integrated Information System (https://health.kdca.go.kr/healthhazard/clmtInfo/predict), as part of efforts to prevent health damage caused by heat waves driven by climate change.
Navigation path: Health Hazard Integrated Information System > Climate Health Information > Heat & Cold Illness Surveillance > Heat-Related Illness Occurrence Prediction
■Record-Breaking Heat and Rising Patient Numbers Drive Urgent Need for Early Warning
Last June, South Korea recorded an average temperature of 22.9°C — 1.5°C above the historical norm and the highest level since records began in 1973. The number of heat-related illness cases reported the same year reached 4,460, a 20.4% increase compared to the previous year. Against this backdrop, the need for prediction-based early warning information — enabling response before heat-related illness occurs, rather than after — has become more pressing than ever.
■Four-Level Risk Forecast for All 17 Regions, Available to Everyone
The Health Hazard Integrated Information System is freely accessible to any member of the public and is designed to be a practical tool for heat wave preparedness. Powered by a big data algorithm that factors in heat-related illness trends and meteorological variables, the system provides heat-related illness occurrence risk forecasts across the nation and all 17 metropolitan cities and provinces, classified into four risk levels, covering today through three days ahead.
The KDCA emphasized that heat-related illness can occur even at lower risk levels such as Level 1, depending on an individual's health condition and activity environment, and urged the public to thoroughly familiarize themselves with heat illness prevention guidelines and actively practice them in daily life.
KDCA Commissioner Lim Seung-kwan stated: "Developing and providing heat-related illness occurrence prediction information is a proactive prevention policy aimed at reducing health damage from heat waves before it happens. Going forward, we will strengthen a health protection system that the public can truly feel the benefit of, through inter-agency cooperation with the Korea Meteorological Administration and others."
■Heat-Related Illness Prevention Guidelines
① Drink water frequently
Drink water regularly even when not thirsty
※ Patients with kidney disease should consult a doctor before adjusting fluid intake
② Stay cool
Shower frequently
Wear loose-fitting, light-colored, lightweight clothing
Block sunlight when going outdoors (umbrella, hat, etc.)
③ Limit activity during the hottest parts of the day
Avoid outdoor work and exercise during peak heat hours; stay in cool spaces
※ If temperatures rise suddenly, monitor your own health and adjust activity intensity accordingly
④ Regularly check temperatures and heat-related illness prediction information
Stay updated on temperatures, heat wave alerts, and other weather conditions
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