Mangjong, one of the 24 seasonal markers on the lunar calendar that heralds the grain-sowing period, fell on Thursday, signaling the onset of summer as daytime temperatures exceeded 25 degrees Celsius in most parts of the country.
In Seoul, temperatures reached a high of 27 degrees Celsius, while some cities, such as Daegu and Gangneung, Gangwon Province, saw the mercury rise above 30 degrees.
Under the scorching sun, many used parasols and hats to stay cool, while families gathered at park fountains to escape the heat.
The Korea Meteorological Administration has forecast a 40 percent chance of above-average temperatures in June, citing warmer-than-usual sea surface temperatures in the tropical western Pacific as one reason.
cjh@heraldcorp.com
