A scorching heat wave has killed eight people in South Korea in recent months, the health and welfare ministry said Tuesday, as the weather agency issued a heat advisory and heat warning for most parts of the country.

The heave wave has gripped South Korea for weeks as temperatures topped 33 C in Seoul and other major cities.

Temperatures have reached a record 39.2 C in Gimhae, near South Korea's second-largest city of Busan, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration.

A heat advisory is issued when temperatures exceed 33 C for two straight days, and a heat warning is issued when temperatures surpass 35 C for two straight days, according to the weather agency.

A 77-year-old woman died at her home in Busan on Sunday, said the ministry.

It said six other South Koreans and one foreigner died between the first week of June and Monday, due to heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses. The nationality of the foreigner was not identified, the ministry said.

In 2012, a heat wave claimed the lives of 14 South Koreans, according to the ministry.

The heat wave is likely to continue until Aug. 20, said Cho Kuh-hee, an official of the weather agency.

The ministry asked people to refrain from outdoor activities and advised drinking plenty of water and resting occasionally if they will be working outside. (Yonhap News)