Heatwave Inequality: Low-Income Seoul Neighbourhoods Hit Hardest | TheBriefWire
Heatwave Inequality: Low-Income Seoul Neighbourhoods Hit Hardest
Published 5 August 2026 · world
South Korea’s latest heatwave highlights a stark divide: some Seoul residents run air conditioners with state subsidies, while the homeless can only lie in the
South Korea’s latest heatwave highlights a stark divide: some Seoul residents run air conditioners with state subsidies, while the homeless can only lie in the heat.
In cramped, low-income districts, mist machines and alley hosing offer limited relief from temperatures above 40°C. Downtown, once-busy streets and cafés are nearly deserted, with workers and families migrating to streams and riverside pools in search of cooler air.
Al Jazeera's Jack Barton reports from Seoul. Find us on Check our website Check out our Instagram page Download AJE Mobile App
Published: August 5, 2026 • 8:23 PM IST · Updated: August 5, 2026 • 9:13 PM ISTBy TheBriefWire Editorial Team
Key points· Video
South Korea’s latest heatwave highlights a stark divide: some Seoul residents run air conditioners with state subsidies, while the homeless can only lie in the heat.
In cramped, low-income districts, mist machines and alley hosing offer limited relief from temperatures above 40°C.
Downtown, once-busy streets and cafés are nearly deserted, with workers and families migrating to streams and riverside pools in search of cooler air.
Al Jazeera's Jack Barton reports from Seoul.
Find us on Check our website Check out our Instagram page Download AJE Mobile App
The BriefWire