North Korea’s Heat Wave: Coping Strategies and Portrayal of Leadership

In Seoul, South Korea, as temperatures soar on the Korean Peninsula, North Korean state media has highlighted various methods to cope with the heat. These recommendations include traditional foods such as dog-meat soup and chicken broth. The media portrays Kim Jong Un as a leader enduring the heat alongside his citizens.

State television reported that temperatures in North Korea reached 36.7 degrees Celsius (98.1 degrees Fahrenheit) recently, marking the highest since records began. This period, locally known as sambok or the dog days of summer, has drawn unusual media attention.

A notable recommendation by state media is dog-meat soup. This reflects a traditional belief in its ability to help withstand summer heat. A health feature from the ruling party newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, included advice from a doctor at Pyongyang General Hospital. He suggested cooling foods like watermelon, cucumbers, and mung beans, as well as nutritious options such as dog-meat soup, fish porridge, and red-bean porridge.

The newspaper also dedicated a separate piece to dog-meat soup, emphasizing its traditional role in summertime. An old saying was quoted, stating that “even if dog-meat soup spills on the top of your foot during the dog days of summer, it becomes medicine.” A national dog-meat cooking competition took place earlier this year as well.

The Korean Central News Agency recently praised samgyetang, a chicken soup containing ginseng, glutinous rice, and jujubes. Reports indicate that Pyongyang restaurants see increased patronage from those seeking relief from the heat. Korean Central Television aired segments on managing health amid extreme heat, suggesting drinks for hydration and tips on swimming and outdoor exercise.

While North Korea has not shared data on heat-related fatalities, South Korea reported over 20 deaths due to the heat wave. State media emphasizes Kim Jong Un’s resilience in facing harsh weather conditions similar to those experienced by ordinary citizens.

Rodong Sinmun recalled a 2013 summer site inspection by Kim, where he was drenched in sweat. When advised to avoid such visits during this season, Kim reportedly insisted, “even if the weather is unbearably hot, work that must be done for the people should be done.” The newspaper also recounted a 2018 trip through challenging mountain terrain and heavy rain to find a suitable site for a hot-spring resort.

Another report detailed Kim visiting a pickled seafood factory in soaring temperatures, where he inspected fermentation rooms while maintaining a focus on food quality and hygiene. However, there are no reports on Kim’s activities during the current heat wave.

State television showed crowds at beaches and swimming pools in the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone, one of Kim’s flagship tourism projects. Reports also indicate that Pyongyang’s water parks are crowded with visitors seeking respite from the heat.