People enjoy the summer at Hamdeok Beach in Jocheon-eup, Jeju Island, on Sunday, as a heat wave warning was issued for the island’s eastern region. (Yonhap)
People enjoy the summer at Hamdeok Beach in Jocheon-eup, Jeju Island, on Sunday, as a heat wave warning was issued for the island’s eastern region. (Yonhap)

As high temperatures continued to grip the nation over the weekend, people flocked to beaches seeking refuge from the unrelenting summer heat.

On Sunday morning, heat wave advisories were issued to central regions, including Gyeonggi and Gangwon Provinces, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration.

Ninety-two regions nationwide, including Daegu, Yeongcheon, and Gyeongju, were placed under heat wave advisories on Saturday for the first time this summer, marking the arrival of intense heat across the country.

In Korea, heat wave advisories, as defined by the KMA, are issued when the highest apparent temperature is expected to reach over 33 degrees Celsius for more than two consecutive days.

The advisories were elevated to heat wave warnings in some areas, including Daegu and eastern parts of Jeju Island, early Sunday morning. The warnings are issued when the apparent temperature is expected to reach 35 degrees Celsius or higher for two or more straight days.

Parts of the Chungcheong and Yeongnam regions also experienced tropical nights on Saturday, with temperatures remaining above 25 degrees Celsius from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m.

The KMA forecast that the heat wave will persist nationwide for the time being, as hot and humid winds from the southwest continue to blow into the Korean Peninsula.

Two women pose for selfies in front of palm trees at Hamdeok Beach on Sunday. (Yonhap)
Two women pose for selfies in front of palm trees at Hamdeok Beach on Sunday. (Yonhap)
People rest on benches at Hamdeok Beach, enjoying the seaside view on Sunday. (Yonhap)
People rest on benches at Hamdeok Beach, enjoying the seaside view on Sunday. (Yonhap)

Summer vacationers enjoyed swimming at Hamdeok Beach in Jocheon-eup, Jeju Island, one of the country’s most popular summer travel destinations. Under the blazing sun, the cool shade of palm trees offers a welcome escape.

Views of the ocean stretching into the horizon and palm trees lining the shore come together to make a splendid summer scene.

Visitors enjoy water activities at Nanji Hangang Park in Mapo-gu, Seoul, on Sunday. (Yonhap)
Visitors enjoy water activities at Nanji Hangang Park in Mapo-gu, Seoul, on Sunday. (Yonhap)
People beat the heat by resting under parasols or swimming at Nanji Hangang Park in Mapo-gu, Seoul, on Sunday. (Yonhap)
People beat the heat by resting under parasols or swimming at Nanji Hangang Park in Mapo-gu, Seoul, on Sunday. (Yonhap)

People swim to cool off at Nanji Hangang Park in Mapo-gu, Seoul, on Sunday. (Yonhap)
People swim to cool off at Nanji Hangang Park in Mapo-gu, Seoul, on Sunday. (Yonhap)

Meanwhile, a water park at Nanji Hangang Park in Mapo-gu, Seoul, drew large crowds looking to beat the heat in the water.

Visitors escaped the scorching sun under parasols or relaxed on inflatable tubes with their feet in the cool water, while some children in life vests enjoyed swimming races.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government opened the water play zones at six locations along the Han River -- Nanji, Ttukseom, Yeouido, Jamwon, Jamsil and Yanghwa Hangang Parks -- on June 20. The facilities will operate until Aug. 31, from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.


cjh@heraldcorp.com