Korea’s First Tropical Night: Summer Heat Arrives Early

Gangneung recorded its first tropical night of 2026 on May 30, when temperatures didn't drop below 25°C overnight—nearly three weeks earlier than last year. The phenomenon triggered early morning sea swimming at Gyeongpo Beach as locals sought relief from the lingering heat. A tropical night is defined as temperatures staying above 25°C between 6 p.m. and 9 a.m.