Learn about Korea's cooler weather and past weather extremes
Today (January 9, 2025) the weather in South Korea has dropped to -22 degrees.
Tomorrow is expected to be not much different from today.
Why does South Korea have such extreme weather?
Today's wind chill froze the lakes in Seoul.
Seokchon Lake in Seoul is frozen over (Source: Cookie News)
The Hantan River in Cheorwon has also frozen over.
: The Hantan River froze over in the bitter cold (Source: Gangwon News)
Cold wave special report status
- Most of the country: A cold wave advisory has been issued.
- Gyeonggi-do, Gangwon-do, Chungcheongbuk-do, northern Gyeongbuk-do, and northern Jeonbuk-do are under a cold wave warning.
Causes of the cold wave
High pressure is located in the west and low pressure is located in the east.
This arrangement of air pressures is causing northerly winds to blow cold air as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius over the Korean Peninsula.
All-time lowest temperatures in South Korea
- Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi-do: -32.6°C (January 5, 1981)
- Cheorwon, Gangwon Province: -29.2°C (January 16, 2001)
- Daegwallyeong, Gangwon-do: -28.9°C (January 24, 1974)
For reference, Seoul's all-time lowest temperature is -23.1°C (December 31, 1927).
: The lowest temperatures in Seoul (Source: Korea Meteorological Administration)
A tribute to the human Kisses
The recent political situation in South Korea has been characterized by people rallying outdoors in favor of the impeachment of President Yoon Seok-yul and wanting it to happen quickly.
During this time, large amounts of snow fell, earning them the cringe-worthy nickname of human Kisses for their resemblance to Kisses, a chocolate covered in silver foil.
Some ruling party lawmakers spread fake news that these human Kisses were people calling for the impeachment to be rescinded, but they are exactly the same people who are in favor of President Yun Seok-yul's impeachment.
Some rally participants said they were "prepared to freeze to death" and attracted attention.
Human Kisses rally outdoors (Source: Media Today)
Conversely, South Korea's summers have been known to be hot in recent years.
Here are some of the hottest summers in South Korea's history
Hottest temperature ever
- Hongcheon, Gangwon-do: 41.0°C (August 1, 2018)
- Chuncheon, Gangwon-do: 40.6°C (August 1, 2018)
- Uisung, Gyeongbuk: 40.4°C (August 1, 2018)
Future outlook
- The cold wave is expected to continue through tomorrow (January 11).
- Temperatures are expected to return to the upper teens during the day on Saturday (January 12).
This is the strongest cold snap we've seen so far this winter, and caution is advised.
In particular, be aware of frozen pipes and take care of your health.