South Korea recorded its hottest day since modern weather observations began more than a century ago, with temperatures soaring to 42.5°C (108.5°F) on Sunday, prompting the government to step up emergency measures to deal with the extreme heat.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, the record temperature was registered shortly after midday in the southeastern city of Yangsan, around 310 kilometres southeast of Seoul.

The previous record marks the highest temperature recorded in South Korea since systematic weather observations began on the Korean Peninsula in 1904, Yonhap News Agency reported.

Yangsan has endured temperatures exceeding 40°C for five consecutive days, raising concerns that the ongoing heatwave could push temperatures above 43°C in the coming days.

Elsewhere, the southeastern city of Gyeongju recorded 40.2°C (104.4°F), marking the first time temperatures there have exceeded the 40°C threshold this year.

In response to the worsening heatwave, the government activated a Level 2 emergency disaster response, expanding nationwide efforts to mitigate the impact of the extreme weather.

Prime Minister Han Seong-sook instructed government ministries and local authorities to strengthen safety measures for vulnerable groups, including the elderly and outdoor workers, while ensuring the uninterrupted supply of electricity and water as demand rises during the heatwave.