Heat Wave Vulnerability in Korea: An Analysis Using D-P-S-I-R Techniques

The increasing frequency of summer heat waves due to global warming has led to a rise in the number of patients with heat-related illnesses. According to the annual report on heat patients by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 21,000 cases were reported between 2011 and 2023. In 2018, the “Framework Act on Disaster and Safety Management” was revised to classify heat waves as natural disasters, highlighting the need for preventing measures. Therefore, this study employed the driver force–pressure–state–impact–response (D-P-S-I-R) technique to analyze heat wave vulnerability from 2011 to 2020. Using data on temperature, humidity, heat-related patients, and heat shelters, a national heat wave vulnerability index was developed. The results aim to facilitate preemptive preparation for vulnerable areas and establish an effective response system for managing heat waves.