Korea National Park Service rolls out summer heat safety plan, strengthens visitor guidance on self-checks and precautions
The Korea National Park Service, under the Ministry of Climate, Environment and Energy, announced Monday it is launching its "2026 Summer Heat Wave Safety Management Plan" to protect visitors from extreme heat.
The plan centers on three measures: designating and managing heat-vulnerable trail sections, expanding cooling shelters, and strengthening public guidance on visitor safety protocols.
The agency has designated 55 sections spanning 280.85 kilometers across 21 national parks nationwide as "heat-vulnerable trails." Information on these high-risk sections will be made available in advance through the agency's website, social media and visitor information centers.
To give hikers a place to rest and escape the heat, the agency is expanding its network of cooling shelters — set up in park offices, visitor centers and experiential learning facilities — from 176 locations last year to 191 this year.
The agency also plans to use disaster message boards and emergency alert systems to disseminate heat safety guidelines, and will post heat illness checklists at major trails and cooling shelters so visitors can assess their own condition.
The agency will maintain an on-site emergency response system by strengthening coordination with fire departments and other relevant agencies and stocking first-aid supplies in preparation for heat-related illness incidents.
"Heat waves are one of the most serious threats to public health," said Ju Dae-young, president of the Korea National Park Service. "We urge visitors to make full use of the cooling shelters and to avoid hiking during the peak heat hours of 2 to 5 p.m., in keeping with safety guidelines."
thlee@heraldcorp.com
