When you think of the hottest place in the country, Daegu often comes to mind first. But is there actually a hotter spot?
Yes, it is nearby, in Hayang-eup, Gyeongsan, North Gyeongsang Province.
Since 2006, Hayang-eup has seen daytime highs exceed 38°C (100°F) almost every summer, and in July 2012, temperatures even soared to 40.6°C (105°F).
Because of this, residents raised concerns, asking, "Is the observation equipment installed on the roof of the town office causing the temperature to be measured higher than it actually is?" The Korea Meteorological Administration even relocated the equipment in 2013, but the extreme heat persisted.
Last Saturday, the daytime high in Hayang reached 39.9°C (104°F), the highest in the nation.
On that day, Gyeongsan, where Hayang is located, and Pohang became the first areas in the country to have a major heat wave warning issued.
The Korea Meteorological Administration analyzed that "the Hayang area is surrounded by mountains such as Palgongsan, which prevents hot air from escaping, and when combined with intense sunlight and surface radiation, temperatures rise significantly higher than in other regions."
(Source: Korea Meteorological Administration)
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