Blinding Snowstorm to Hit South Korea This Weekend, With Up to 5cm an Hour

South Korea is expected to experience heavy snowfall and rain nationwide this weekend, with snow falling at rates strong enough to significantly reduce visibility and disrupt transportation, the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) said on Thursday.

According to the KMA’s regular briefing on January 8, a series of strong cold air masses, with temperatures dropping below minus 35 degrees Celsius in the upper atmosphere, will move southward from Saturday through Sunday. The system will be accompanied by frequent pressure troughs, bringing snow, rain, strong winds, rough seas, and a cold wave across the country.

Precipitation is forecast to begin between early morning and morning on January 10. Moist air flowing in from the west over the Yellow Sea is expected to collide with cold northern air, causing snow mainly in central regions. The Seoul metropolitan area and western coastal regions are likely to see mixed rain and snow initially, with precipitation turning to snow later in the day, while inland central areas are expected to see snow from the outset due to lower temperatures.

KMA forecast analyst Kong Sang-min said that snowfall may be accompanied by thunder and lightning, with snow accumulating at rates of 1–3 centimeters per hour, and up to around 5 centimeters per hour in some areas. He noted that even small temperature changes could significantly affect precipitation type, urging the public to check the latest weather updates.

Significant snowfall is expected mainly in inland central regions through January 10. Forecast snowfall totals include 3–8 cm in eastern Gyeonggi Province, 1–5 cm in western Gyeonggi Province and the West Sea islands, and 1–3 cm in Seoul and Incheon. Gangwon inland and mountainous areas are expected to receive 3–10 cm, with 15 cm or more forecast in northern Gangwon inland and mountainous regions.

Other regions are expected to see 1–5 cm of snow in Chungcheong Province, 2–7 cm in Jeolla Province, and 1–5 cm in Gyeongsang Province, as well as Ulleungdo, Dokdo, and Jeju Island.

The timing of the heaviest snowfall will vary by region. The Seoul metropolitan area is expected to experience near-heavy snow advisory conditions from late morning to afternoon on January 10. Gangwon Province is forecast to see heavy snow from early morning through the afternoon. From the afternoon into the night, heavy snowfall is expected to shift to Jeolla Province, first affecting North Jeolla and later expanding to Gwangju, South Jeolla, and inland Gyeongsang regions.

The KMA warned that snowfall at rates of 1–3 cm per hour can reduce visibility to the point where nearby buildings or traffic signals appear blurred, and that such conditions lasting several hours could lead to severe urban traffic disruptions.

Snow is expected to taper off by the afternoon of January 12, after which clear weather is forecast to continue into next week.

The KMA advised heightened caution over the weekend due to strong winds, cold temperatures, heavy snow, icy roads, and ongoing dry conditions in eastern regions, warning of potential traffic accidents, structural damage from heavy snow, and increased fire risk.