The South Korean government will conduct daily check-ins on high-risk elderly individuals with limited mobility or those working in farming and fishing communities during heat advisories.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) said Sunday that it has prepared the "2026 Summer Vulnerable Population Protection Measures" jointly with relevant ministries. The government decided to strengthen its protection system for vulnerable groups — including the elderly, the homeless, residents of single-room dwellings and seniors with dementia — in line with the introduction of a severe heat alert this month, a level higher than the existing heat advisory and heat warning.
When disasters such as heat alerts occur, the government will provide guidance on safety measures not only through emergency broadcasts and text messages but also through the Safety Stepping Stone app and smart village broadcasts (automated voice calls). Some local governments will also utilize drones.
Check-ins for vulnerable groups will be reinforced. High-risk elderly individuals will receive daily phone calls or visits during heat advisories and warnings, with check-ins increasing to twice daily during severe heat alerts. Those at high risk of dying alone will be checked on every other day through human safety networks, including honorary social welfare officials.
Cooling cost and care support will also be provided. The government will provide 165,000 won in monthly cooling subsidies to senior centers nationwide in July and August, and 100,000 to 500,000 won monthly to social welfare facilities depending on type and size.
Senior employment programs will fully suspend outdoor activities when severe heat alerts are issued. During the summer, participants' activity hours can be reduced from a monthly average of 30 hours to 15 hours.
