Although the extreme heat has eased, the government is accelerating measures to support traditional markets vulnerable to high temperatures.
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration on August 11, while the intense heat has subsided, hot weather is expected to continue for the time being. Most regions across the country are forecasted to experience a maximum perceived temperature of over 33 degrees Celsius until next week, with nighttime temperatures remaining high.
The prolonged heatwave is exacerbating challenges for traditional markets. Due to their aging infrastructure and open layouts, both merchants and customers are at a heightened risk of heat-related illnesses.
The lack of cooling and rest facilities further increases these risks. According to the National Statistical Portal, as of 2024, only 405 out of 1,403 traditional markets nationwide (28.9%) have cooling facilities, and only 691 markets (49.3%) operate separate customer rest areas.
The Ministry of SMEs and Startups is focusing on measures to reduce heat damage in traditional markets. They are supporting the installation of cooling fog systems and portable air conditioners in individual stores and common areas. In collaboration with local governments, they are also operating water trucks near markets and providing ice water-sharing refrigerators in public walkways.
Inspections of these facilities are being intensified. Noh Yong-seok, the acting minister of SMEs and Startups, visited the Sachang Market in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, on the afternoon of August 11 to check the operation of cooling fog systems and the status of customer heat relief areas. He distributed heat illness prevention kits to market vendors and urged elderly merchants, who are particularly vulnerable to the heat, to stay hydrated and take breaks.
Based on the results of the site inspection, the ministry plans to enhance support to prevent heat-related illnesses in traditional markets and create a safer operating environment.
Noh stated, "In the face of unprecedented heat, we must thoroughly check the risks of heat-related illnesses in traditional markets and the fire hazards associated with increased use of cooling devices to ensure that both merchants and customers can safely and comfortably use the markets." He added, "We will significantly expand the cooling fog systems and portable cooling devices to mitigate the heat."
The National Assembly is also taking legislative action to improve the environment of traditional markets vulnerable to heat and enhance the safety of merchants and customers.
Recently, Democratic Party lawmaker Jeon Eun-soo introduced a partial amendment to the Special Act on the Promotion of Traditional Markets and Shopping Streets. The amendment defines traditional market cooling and heating facilities as "climate disaster response facilities" and includes them as eligible for support under commercial infrastructure modernization projects. Currently, cooling and heating facilities are excluded from the list of modernization project support.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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