Extreme heat forces changes to summer festivals across Gyeongnam in South Korea

People with traditional clothing parade during the Tongyeong Hansan Festival.

Tongyeong Hansan Festival website (Photo courtesy of Haps Magazine Korea)

Record-breaking temperatures across Gyeongnam are forcing organizers to adjust summer festivals as daytime highs continue to exceed 40°C in some areas.

The province has instructed local governments to modify schedules, shorten programs, or cancel outdoor activities if conditions become too dangerous.

The guidance comes as eight cities and counties host major summer festivals throughout August.

Several events are already adapting.

Miryang Super Festival will adjust its schedule if temperatures rise above 36°C, while Hapcheon Ghost Park Festival and Sancheong’s Shining Summer Night Festival have shifted most activities to the evening to avoid the worst of the heat.

Goseong’s Chonsseureon Festival added large shade structures, cooling fans, and extra drinking water stations for visitors.

Despite the extreme weather, many of the region’s signature festivals, including the Geochang International Theatre Festival and Tongyeong Hansan Battle Festival, are continuing with enhanced heat safety measures.

Visitors are encouraged to stay hydrated, take regular breaks in shaded areas, and check for schedule changes before attending.

Fleet Chinhae