South Korea Friday Forecast Shows Sun Across Most Cities, Snow in Gwangju
Updated (2 articles)
Forecast Overview for Twelve Major Cities At 9:01 a.m. on Friday, Jan 23, 2026, Yonhap released a weather outlook covering Seoul, Incheon, Suwon, Cheongju, Daejeon, Chuncheon, Gangneung, Jeonju, Gwangju, Jeju, Daegu and Busan, establishing the baseline conditions for the nation’s largest urban areas [1]. The report details expected sky cover, precipitation probabilities, and temperature ranges for each location. This comprehensive snapshot guides commuters, travelers, and emergency planners for the day ahead.
Sunny Conditions Dominate Nine Cities The forecast lists Seoul, Incheon, Suwon, Cheongju, Daejeon, Gangneung, Jeju, Jeonju and Daegu as experiencing sunny skies, indicating clear weather for the majority of the population [1]. These nine cities show minimal rain chances, reinforcing a generally dry winter day across the western and central regions. The prevalence of sunshine contrasts sharply with the isolated cloud and precipitation zones elsewhere.
Gwangju Expected to Receive Snowfall Gwangju stands out with a 60 % chance of precipitation, specifically snowfall, as temperatures hover around a high of 5 °C and a low near –4 °C [1]. This winter anomaly marks the only city in the forecast to anticipate snow, highlighting localized atmospheric conditions. Residents are advised to prepare for possible icy travel and reduced visibility.
Cloudy Skies and Light Rain in Chuncheon and Busan Chuncheon is forecast as cloudy with a 30 % rain probability, while Busan shows similar cloud cover and a 20 % chance of rain [1]. Both cities deviate from the dominant sunny pattern, reflecting regional moisture influx. The modest precipitation risk suggests brief showers rather than prolonged wet periods.
Temperature Range Highlights Regional Variations Across the twelve cities, lows range from –16 °C in Chuncheon to a relatively mild –1 °C to –12 °C in Seoul, while Jeju enjoys the warmest high near 8 °C [1]. This spread illustrates the diverse climatic zones within South Korea during winter. The data underscores the need for location‑specific preparations despite a generally sunny national outlook.
Timeline
Dec 26, 2025 – Yonhap issues a 9:01 a.m. Friday morning forecast for twelve major South Korean cities, showing subzero highs and sunny skies across most locations, with Seoul projected at –4 °C to –12 °C and a 0% rain chance [2].
Dec 26, 2025 – The same forecast flags wintry precipitation only in Gwangju (high 1 °C, low –5 °C, snow, 20% chance) and Jeju (high 4 °C, low 1 °C, sleet, 30% chance), underscoring regional climate differences [2].
Jan 23, 2026 – Yonhap releases a 9:01 a.m. Friday outlook for the same twelve cities, confirming sunny conditions in nine cities while noting cloudier skies in Chuncheon and Busan with modest rain probabilities [1].
Jan 23, 2026 – The forecast predicts snowfall in Gwangju with a 60% precipitation risk and temperatures around a 5 °C high and –4 °C low, contrasting sharply with the predominantly sunny and colder conditions elsewhere [1].
Jan 23, 2026 – Temperature spreads across the country range from a frigid –16 °C low in Chuncheon to a relatively mild 8 °C high on Jeju, illustrating wide winter variability among major urban centers [1].