Korea Faces Split Forecast: Heavy Snow in Gangwon, Western Regions Clear

The Korea Meteorological Administration forecast shows a split weather picture for Thursday: the western part of the peninsula should be largely clear, while eastern regions face snow or rain, with the Gangwon mountain area anticipated to receive heavy snowfall from the afternoon into the night.

In Seoul and surrounding areas, morning temperatures were chilly as residents and runners used warm clothing and masks to guard against fine dust, a familiar sight in a mid-MMarch transition period with a wide day-to-night temperature swing.

The eastern weather pattern is driven by easterly winds bringing moisture onto the Korean peninsula. Officials say precipitation will begin in Gangwon Yeongdong and the coastal Gyeongsang region on the morning of the 12th and continue through the 13th. In the mountainous zones, snow could fall at rates of 1 to 3 centimeters per hour, with some areas experiencing bursts up to 5 centimeters per hour, leading to significant new accumulations in the highlands—potentially more than 20 centimeters in places.

Meanwhile, the inland portions of the southern region, including Busan, Ulsan, and Daegu, can expect 5 to 10 millimeters of rain. The rainfall is expected to relieve a dry spell in the atmosphere and may lead to the lifting of current dry weather advisories.

“East winds are bringing moisture into the country, and precipitation is likely to continue through the 13th, with substantial snowfall over the Gangwon highlands,” said a forecaster from the Korea Meteorological Administration. He added that the heavy snow could accumulate to about 20 centimeters or more in higher elevations.

Temperatures are expected to be around seasonal norms for mid-March, but mornings could see around 0°C across many inland areas, bringing a risk of frost. The weather agency cautioned farmers to monitor conditions and take appropriate precautions for crops.

The weather pattern matters beyond Korea because even modest disruptions to transport, energy demand, and manufacturing in a key East Asian hub can ripple through regional supply chains and global markets. South Korea is a major producer of semiconductors and other electronics, and heavy snowfall and frost can affect road and rail movement, impact port operations, and influence shipping timelines that connect to U.S. electronics manufacturers and downstream industries.

For readers in the United States, the episode underscores how winter- to springtime storms in East Asia can intersect with global tech supply chains, energy markets, and international travel. Officials in Korea advise monitoring updates from the KMA, especially as the system tracks toward the 13th of March.