Korean Dictionary
How to say "Heatwave" in Korean
“Heatwave” in Korean is 폭염 (pronounced "pognyeom").
폭염
pognyeom
Usage & Context
Heatwaves are periods of extremely hot weather. South Korea has experienced increasingly severe heatwaves in recent years. Korean authorities issue heatwave advisories and open cooling centers during extreme heat.
Example Sentence
올해 폭염이 너무 심해요.
This year heatwave is too severe.
How to use 폭염 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Heatwave” is 폭염, romanized as pognyeom.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 폭염.
Pronunciation Guide
The word '폭염' is pronounced 'pok-nyeom'. '폭' (pok) sounds like 'poke' but with a short, sharp 'o' sound, similar to 'pock' in 'pockmark'. '염' (nyeom) sounds like 'nyum' with an 'eo' vowel, similar to the 'u' in 'butter' but more open. When spoken, the 'ㄱ' in '폭' often assimilates to 'ㅇ' before '염', making it sound closer to 'pong-nyeom'.
More Example Sentences
A weather report on TV or a casual conversation about the upcoming weather.
이번 주말에 폭염 특보가 내려졌어요.
A heatwave advisory has been issued for this weekend.
Complaining to a friend or family member about the uncomfortable summer heat.
폭염 때문에 밤에도 잠을 잘 수가 없어요.
I can't sleep even at night because of the heatwave.
A public health announcement or advice given by a doctor.
폭염 속 야외 활동은 자제하는 것이 좋습니다.
It's best to refrain from outdoor activities during a heatwave.
Cultural Context
Heatwaves ('폭염') are a major concern in South Korea during the summer, especially after the monsoon season ('장마철'). The government frequently issues '폭염 특보' (heatwave advisories) and opens '무더위 쉼터' (cooling centers). '열대야' (yeoldaeya), or tropical nights where temperatures don't drop below 25°C, are also common. Koreans cope with the heat by enjoying cold desserts like '팥빙수' (patbingsu), staying indoors with air conditioning, and drinking plenty of water. K-dramas often depict characters struggling with the intense summer heat.
Editorial note
We review entries like 폭염 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
폭염 경보
Heatwave warning
폭염 특보
Heatwave advisory
폭염 주의보
Heatwave alert
Related Expressions
무더위
mudeowi
Sweltering heat
열대야
yeoldaeya
Tropical night (night with temp above 25°C)
더위
deowi
Heat (general)
장마
jangma
Rainy season (often precedes severe heatwaves)
More Environment Words
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