Current status and challenges in climate change and chronic disease research in the Republic of Korea: A scoping review

Climate change is a critical determinant of long-term health outcomes for individuals and chronic disease burdens for society. However, domestic research in the Republic of Korea has been limited in scope, with studies primarily focused on specific diseases or selected exposure factors. This study conducted a scoping review to systematically map research trends and structural characteristics related to climate change and chronic diseases in the Republic of Korea. We identified 92 original studies published between 2005 and 2025 using domestic academic databases. The included studies were analyzed according to exposure factors, disease categories, study designs, data sources, and target populations. Using a Sankey diagram and a mapping table, 153 exposure-disease linkages were identified. Air quality factors predominated (n = 112), followed by temperature and weather factors (n = 26). Respiratory diseases were the most frequently examined outcomes (n = 76), followed by cardiovascular diseases (n = 30). In contrast, musculoskeletal, neurologic and sensory, ocular and auditory, and genitourinary diseases were each examined in only a few studies, and no studies addressing gastrointestinal diseases were identified. Domestic climate-health research in the Republic of Korea has been heavily concentrated on air pollution and respiratory outcomes. By identifying patterns of research concentration and evidence gaps, this scoping review provides a foundational framework for diversifying future research and informing health policies aimed at mitigating the impacts of climate change on chronic diseases.