South Korea Endures Frigid Cold Snap with Heavy Snow on Jeju, Ulleung, Dokdo
Updated (3 articles)
Record Low Temperatures Sweep Across Major Cities On January 20, Seoul recorded a morning low of ‑11.8 °C, Incheon ‑12.8 °C, Yanggu ‑21.2 °C, and Busan ‑2 °C as a north‑originating air mass surged southward. The Korea Meteorological Administration warned the bitter chill would linger into the weekend, projecting daytime highs between ‑4 °C and +7 °C. Forecasters also expected Wednesday morning lows to dip further, ranging from ‑17 °C to ‑4 °C. [1]
Light Snowfall Expected on Eastern Coast Tuesday Meteorologists predicted less than one centimeter of snow on the eastern seaboard Tuesday morning, describing the accumulation as light and unlikely to disrupt travel. The brief snowfall will affect coastal districts but remain minimal in impact. [1]
Coastal Snow Predicted Late Tuesday in Central and Southern Regions Late‑night snowfall was forecast for parts of South Chungcheong, the southwestern Jeolla provinces, and the resort island of Jeju. These areas may see measurable snow cover, though amounts were not quantified beyond “some.” [1]
Heavy Snowfall Targeted for Jeju, Ulleung, Dokdo Wednesday‑Thursday The agency warned that heavy snowfall will hit Jeju Island and the eastern islands of Ulleung and Dokdo on Wednesday and Thursday, marking the most significant snow event of the week. Accumulations are expected to be substantially higher than the light snow earlier in the week. [1]
Cold Spell Projected to Continue Through Weekend The Korea Meteorological Administration emphasized that the cold spell will persist at least through the weekend, keeping morning temperatures below freezing across many regions. Residents are advised to prepare for continued sub‑zero conditions and possible disruptions. [1]
Timeline
Dec 26, 2025: The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) issues cold‑wave alerts across most of the country as temperatures plunge to season lows, with morning readings around ‑10 °C and wind chills near ‑20 °C; first‑season warnings target northern Gyeonggi and Gangwon, daytime highs are forecast between ‑7 °C and +4 °C, and snow and rain are expected in southern coastal regions and on Jeju Island [3].
Jan 2, 2026: KMA issues a nationwide cold‑wave alert as early‑morning temperatures hit ‑10.6 °C in Seoul, ‑11 °C in Incheon, ‑13.6 °C in Chuncheon and ‑5.6 °C in Busan, while daytime highs are projected to stay between ‑5 °C and +4 °C and western coastal areas anticipate rain or snow [2].
Jan 2‑3, 2026: Forecasters predict 2‑7 cm of snow in the Jeolla region and 5‑10 cm on Jeju, Ulleung and Dokdo islands through Saturday, underscoring a multi‑region winter event that impacts both the mainland and outlying islands [2].
Jan 20, 2026: A frigid air mass drives Seoul’s morning low to ‑11.8 °C, Incheon to ‑12.8 °C, Yanggu to ‑21.2 °C and Busan to ‑2 °C; KMA warns that Wednesday morning lows will dip to ‑17 °C‑‑4 °C and forecasts light snowfall of less than 1 cm on the eastern coast Tuesday morning [1].
Jan 21, 2026: KMA forecasts late‑night snowfall along the coasts of South Chungcheong, South Jeolla and Jeju, while heavy snowfall of 5‑10 cm is expected on Jeju, Ulleung and Dokdo on Wednesday and Thursday, indicating intensifying precipitation as the cold snap persists [1].
Jan 24‑25, 2026 (weekend): KMA expects the cold spell to continue through the weekend, keeping morning temperatures below freezing across many regions and maintaining the risk of further snow accumulation in coastal and island areas [1].