By Kim Bo-eun
The hottest areas in Seoul are Jungnang, Yeouido and Gangnam, where the “heat island effect” is strong due to the forest of buildings.
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, Sunday, Jungnang-gu in northeastern Seoul had the highest average daytime high of 34.2 degrees Celsius, between July 23 and 28.
It was followed by Yeouido (33.9) and the Gangnam area, where the temperature ranged between 33.3 and 33.8 degrees in the three districts of Seocho, Gangnam and Songpa.
The KMA said the higher temperatures recorded in the areas resulted from the effect of an urban heat island.
For example, the tall buildings that are concentrated in the Gangnam area absorb and trap heat, causing higher temperatures. They also prevent air from flowing, making the air hotter.
Jongno-gu in central Seoul, located near mountains, had the lowest average daytime high at 29.9 degrees Celsius.
The average temperatures for Eunpyeong, Gwanak and Dobong, in which there are fewer taller buildings and mountains are part of the landscape, were lower by about 4 degrees than Gangnam, the KMA said.