South Korea experienced its second-hottest year on record in 2025, the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) confirmed on Tuesday, driven by prolonged high temperatures from early summer through autumn.
The nation recorded an average annual temperature of 13.7°C, just 0.8°C lower than 2024 and equal to 2023, making it the second-highest since 1973, when systematic weather data collection began. This was 1.2°C above the long-term average of 12.5°C for 1991‑2020.
All months except February and May saw above-average temperatures, with June and October marking the hottest monthly averages in South Korea’s history. The KMA attributed the record heat to an unusually strong and persistent North Pacific High, which directed hot, humid air across the country.
The year also recorded nearly 30 days of nationwide heatwaves, defined as daily highs exceeding 33°C, nearly triple the long-term average of 11 days. Tropical nights, when overnight lows remain above 25°C, occurred 16.4 times, compared with the average of 6.6 nights.
Notably, Daegwallyeong in Gangwon Province’s mountains reached 33.1°C on July 26, marking the first official heatwave at the 772‑meter pass since observations began in 1971.
Marine conditions also reflected rising temperatures, with the average sea surface temperature around South Korea reaching 17.7°C, the second-highest in the past decade. Rainfall totaled 1,325.6 millimeters, closely matching the long-term average of 1,331.7 mm.
Experts warn that continued climate trends could make extreme heat events more frequent, posing risks to public health, agriculture, and ecosystems across South Korea.
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