Dehydration in Korea — Prevention & Treatment

Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. During Korea's hot, humid summer months — including the jangma monsoon season and periods of intense summer heat — the risk of dehydration is elevated, particularly for outdoor workers, athletes, children, and the elderly.

The human body is 60% water. Water is essential for regulating body temperature, transporting nutrients, and flushing out waste products. Even mild dehydration (1–2% body weight loss) can impair concentration, physical performance, and mood.

Korea's summer humidity accelerates fluid loss through sweating, while the sensation of thirst can be masked by high humidity. People who work outdoors, exercise in the heat, or spend long hours in air-conditioned offices with low humidity are all at risk. Air conditioning actually increases fluid loss by reducing air humidity.

The general recommendation for adults is 2 to 3 litres of water per day — more during physical exertion, outdoor exposure, or hot humid weather. Pure water is best. Sports drinks can replace electrolytes after heavy sweating but should not replace water as the primary fluid. Caffeinated drinks (coffee, tea, energy drinks) have a mild diuretic effect and do not count towards hydration targets as reliably as water.

Food also contributes to fluid intake — watermelon, cucumbers, tomatoes, and soups all have high water content and are common in the Korean summer diet.

Severe dehydration is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment with oral rehydration salts or intravenous fluids.