South Korea has been gripped by an unusually harsh cold spell, with temperatures plunging to as low as minus 17 degrees Celsius in several parts of the country. The prolonged period of freezing weather has prompted warnings from authorities, disrupted daily routines, and drawn widespread attention as residents brace themselves against biting winds and sub-zero conditions.
According to the national weather agency, morning temperatures across the country dropped sharply, ranging from minus 17 degrees Celsius in colder inland regions to around minus 2 degrees Celsius in milder areas. Daytime temperatures offered little relief, with highs forecast to remain below seasonal averages, hovering between minus 4 degrees Celsius and 6 degrees Celsius.
Strong winds accompanying the cold air mass further intensified the situation, pushing wind chill levels even lower. In some regions, the “feels like” temperature dropped well below actual readings, increasing the risk of cold-related illnesses such as hypothermia and frostbite, especially among the elderly and outdoor workers.
PROLONGED FREEZE AFFECTS DAILY LIFE AND TRAVEL
The cold spell has persisted for around 10 days, making it one of the more sustained bouts of winter chill seen this season. Residents have reported frozen pavements, icy roads, and increased energy consumption as households rely heavily on heating to stay warm. Schools, transport operators, and businesses have also had to adjust operations to cope with the extreme weather.
Meteorological experts explained that the prolonged freeze was caused by a strong mass of cold air flowing south from northern regions. This cold air settled over the Korean Peninsula, creating stable but frigid conditions that prevented temperatures from rebounding quickly.
Despite the severity, weather officials indicated that conditions are expected to gradually improve. Forecasts suggest that the cold air mass will begin shifting eastward, allowing milder westerly winds to move into the region and bring some relief.
RELIEF EXPECTED AS WEATHER PATTERNS SHIFT
As the cold air retreats, temperatures are projected to climb closer to seasonal norms in the coming days. Average morning lows are expected to range between minus 10 degrees Celsius and zero, while daytime highs could rise to between 3 degrees Celsius and 9 degrees Celsius.
While still cold, these figures represent a significant improvement compared to the recent extremes. Authorities have advised residents to remain cautious, as sudden temperature changes can also pose health risks, particularly for those with pre-existing medical conditions.
The cold snap has also caught the attention of travellers and businesses in the tourism and insurance sectors, as extreme weather events often lead to increased travel insurance claims and disruptions to winter travel plans. With climate volatility becoming more pronounced globally, such weather extremes are increasingly seen as part of a broader pattern affecting regions well beyond their usual seasonal expectations.
For now, South Korea continues to endure the tail end of this intense cold spell, with many hoping that the forecasted warming trend will arrive swiftly and restore a sense of normalcy to daily life.