As hot and humid summer weather persists, the risk of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke is rising. Experts advise installing shade canopies and using parasols to prevent such illnesses.
According to "Heat-Related Illness Statistics" released by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), the number of heat-related illness patients last year reached 4,460, an increase of more than 20% from 3,704 in 2024. Special caution is needed for those whose jobs require long hours outdoors or who play outdoor sports, as well as groups vulnerable to heat-related illnesses, including the elderly, children, pregnant women, patients with underlying conditions such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, and people with disabilities.
According to the medical community on the 27th, the human body regulates its temperature through various heat exchange processes, broadly including radiation, convection, evaporation, and conduction. Among these, radiant heat from sunlight has a significant impact during outdoor summer activities. Even at the same air temperature, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight sharply raises the perceived temperature and increases the burden on body temperature regulation.
According to an "In-Depth Analysis of the Health Effects of Heat Waves and the Characteristics of Heat-Related Illness Patients" recently released by the KDCA, the risk of death rises as the perceived temperature increases, and at 38 degrees, the "severe heat wave warning" level, the overall risk of death increases 1.16-fold.
Representative activities that involve staying outdoors for long periods include outdoor sports such as golf and soccer, events, and on-site work. Golf in particular usually requires about four to six hours for a single round, during much of which players are directly exposed to sunlight, raising the risk of rising body temperature and dehydration.
In such cases, the most effective method is installing a shade canopy. A shade canopy blocks sunlight to reduce exposure to radiant heat and helps lower the perceived temperature. In actual outdoor spaces, shade can lower the perceived temperature by 5 to as much as 10 degrees. In spaces where people stay for long periods, such as golf courses, outdoor sports facilities, parks, and event venues, it is advisable to install shade canopies while considering users' movement paths and the direction of sunlight.
At the individual level, the use of a parasol or sun-blocking umbrella is recommended. Especially on days when a heat wave advisory is in effect, it is more effective when moving outdoors to use a parasol or sun-blocking umbrella rather than a hat, shading not only the face and head but also part of the upper body to reduce exposure to radiant heat. The effectiveness of parasols has also been proven in research. The Seoul Institute analyzed that using a parasol can lower the perceived temperature by up to 10 degrees. Japan's Ministry of the Environment also stated that a parasol reduces the amount of perspiration by about 20%.
In addition, to prevent heat-related illnesses, the following rules should be followed: △drinking water regularly △avoiding prolonged outdoor activity during hot hours (noon to 5 p.m.) △resting periodically in the shade △wearing light-colored clothing with good ventilation △checking daily forecasts for temperature and heat-related illness occurrence △immediately stopping activity if symptoms such as dizziness, headache, nausea, excessive sweating, or muscle cramps appear.
Kim Ho-jung, a professor of emergency medicine at Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, said, "Shade canopies and sun-blocking umbrellas are the simplest but surest way to protect lives during outdoor activities in summer." He added, "Vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, pregnant women, and patients with chronic conditions must recognize the seriousness of heat-related illnesses and prepare for them, and if outdoor activity is unavoidable in hot weather, they must be sure to follow the guidelines for preventing heat-related illnesses."
Everyone Says "I'll Use a Parasol"
Demand for parasols is on the rise. Last month, sales of Daiso's rain-and-sun umbrellas increased by about 15% from the same period last year. According to LF Mall's search data, the search volume for "parasol" from April 1 to June 25 this year rose 26% compared with the same period a year earlier.
Breaking away from the old notion that parasols are a "women's accessory," an increasing number of men are also using them without hesitation. In the summer of 2019, Japan's Ministry of the Environment launched a "men using parasols" campaign as part of measures against heatstroke caused by heat waves. A movement was also launched to give parasols to fathers on Father's Day so that men could comfortably try using them.
Heat to Continue for the Time Being
With the monsoon effectively over, a full-fledged heat wave is expected to set in from this week. The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) forecast, "For the time being, most areas nationwide will be very hot, with maximum perceived temperatures of 33 degrees or higher, and 35 degrees or higher centered on the southern regions."
The KMA said that for the time being, temperatures will be similar to or slightly higher than the seasonal average (lows of 21 to 24 degrees, highs of 28 to 32 degrees), and the southern regions will be hotter than average. It noted that morning lows will fluctuate between 22 and 26 degrees, and daytime highs between 28 and 37 degrees.
