Korea Turns Into a Deep Freezer: Temperatures Plunge to -20°C as Brutal Cold Wave Grips the Nation

South Korea is experiencing an intense cold wave as temperatures across much of the country plunged well below freezing, with some regions recording lows near minus 20 degrees Celsius.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), cold wave alerts were issued for most parts of the country on Tuesday, excluding Jeju Island and parts of South Gyeongsang Province. Severe cold wave warnings were in effect for inland and mountainous areas of Gangwon Province and northern Gyeonggi Province, while cold wave advisories covered other regions.

In Gangwon Province, morning temperatures dropped sharply. As of 6 a.m., Yanggu recorded minus 20.3°C, Gwangdeoksan in Hwacheon minus 20.0°C, and Cheorwon’s Maehyeon area minus 19.6°C. Other mountainous locations such as Hyangnobong and Misiryeong also saw temperatures fall below minus 17°C.

Coastal areas along the East Sea were not spared. Goseong and Sokcho recorded morning lows of minus 10.1°C and minus 7.9°C, respectively. In Gyeonggi Province, temperatures dropped to around minus 15°C, with Yeoncheon, Pocheon, Paju, and Gapyeong all reporting severe morning cold.

The cold weather extended nationwide, with Chungcheong, Jeolla, Gyeongbuk, and Gwangju regions experiencing temperatures around minus 10°C. Meteorological officials attributed the prolonged cold spell to strong cold air moving south from the north.

The KMA warned that strong winds are making conditions feel even colder, significantly lowering wind chill temperatures. Authorities advised caution, particularly for the elderly and young children, and recommended limiting outdoor activities during the extreme cold.

The cold wave is expected to persist throughout the week, with freezing conditions continuing across much of the country.