"Like a Sauna," "Hotter Than Kenya": Extreme Heat Blindsides Foreigners in Daegu

As the heatwave continues this summer, foreigners living in South Korea are coming to fully experience the intensity of "Daefrica" (a portmanteau of Daegu and Africa).

Foreign nationals from various countries across Africa, Asia, and Europe shared a consensus that higher humidity levels compared to the air temperature make the weather feel even hotter than in their home countries.

Even foreigners who have resided in Daegu for several years noted that this year's heatwave feels significantly more intense than in previous years.

Some described the conditions as "feeling like a sauna."

International students and dispatched government officials from Kenya, India, Germany, Japan, Kazakhstan, and Vietnam shared their vivid experiences of surviving the Daegu heatwave, comparing it to summer in their respective homelands.

Peskipkampoi (33), a Kenyan national attending Keimyung University, shook his head today (July 31) regarding the summer heatwave, saying, "It feels hotter than Kenya. This is a level of heat I never expected."

"During midday, it feels as though a humid heat is wrapping around my body," he said. "I am getting through each day with the small joy of turning on the air conditioner and eating South Korean watermelon."

Mishra Dharam Nath (36), a native of New Delhi, India, mentioned that summer temperatures in his home country can soar above 50 degrees Celsius, but compared Daegu's heat to a "sauna," complaining that "you sweat a great deal more."

"New Delhi is also very hot," he explained. "But Daegu is hot in a different way. In particular, there is no breeze and it takes your breath away. I have lived in Daegu for 10 years, but it feels just like being inside a sauna."


Dominik Stengel (29), a government official dispatched from Karlsruhe, Germany, described the heat of "Daefrica," stating that it is severe enough to rival Europe, which has been suffering from record-breaking heatwaves.

"Germany has also seen temperatures exceed 40 degrees Celsius. You can feel that climate change is happening in the summer," he said. "The difference between Europe and Daegu is that Daegu has higher humidity and more air conditioning."

He added, "Because Europe was not as hot in the past as it is now, the penetration rate of air conditioners is relatively low. Recently, public institutions such as museums and city halls have been installing air conditioners and opening them up to citizens."

Masahiro Hasegawa (25), a government official dispatched from Izumisano, Japan, expressed surprise that a "Serious Heatwave Warning" had been issued due to the hot and humid weather.

"Japan has a climate similar to South Korea, but seeing the government issue guidelines like a serious heatwave warning made me realize how severe the situation is and how well-organized the response system is," he said. "It was also fascinating to see air-conditioned bus stops in Suseong-gu."

The two officials have been working in Suseong-gu, a partner city of Daegu, since April for business exchanges.

Marzhan (36, female), who hails from Almaty, Kazakhstan, in Central Asia, is also having a difficult time adjusting to a summer weather pattern different from her homeland.

In Almaty, summer temperatures can rise above 38 degrees Celsius, but the humidity is low.

"I have lived in Daegu for 16 years, but the summers are getting hotter by the year," Marzhan complained. "In short, it is like a sauna. It is hard to get through daily life without air conditioning, and I cannot sleep without it either."

Trinh Minh Ha (26, female), a Vietnamese student attending Keimyung University, smiled as she said, "I don't go outside during the day."

"I look for places with air conditioning, like cafes or shopping malls. A parasol is also a must," she added.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.