Korean Snowfall, Icy Roads Prompt Weekend Travel Warnings as Gangwon Sees 10 cm

Snow fell today in western parts of the Korean peninsula, while the mountainous regions of Gangwon Province saw about 10 centimeters accumulate. Icy patches and freezing surfaces on roads remain a concern in Gangwon and Gyeongbuk’s mountains and along the East Sea coast, so drivers are advised to proceed with caution.

In the eastern areas, ongoing snow and rain clouds have largely moved away. For the weekend, conditions are expected to be rather cloudy with no extreme cold, though large temperature swings between morning and afternoon are possible.

Forecasts indicate tomorrow will bring relatively good air quality, but a dustier sky is expected the day after. In the southern inland, some areas, including Jinju, may dip below freezing in the morning.

Daytime temperatures are set to rise to around 12 degrees Celsius in Seoul and about 15 degrees in Daegu, bringing a milder feel to a season that can see quick swings. Meanwhile, sea conditions could see waves reaching as high as 3.5 meters.

Along the East Sea and parts of the Jeju coast, swells may push onto shore, affecting coastal driving and maritime activity. The weather outlook also calls for rain in the Chungcheong region and the southern provinces by the middle of next week.

This forecast comes from KBS’s weather segment, led by meteorologist Kim Gyuri with accompanying graphics by Kim Ji-eun. The report notes regional nuances, including the heavier snowfall in Gangwon’s mountains compared with the western regions.

Why this matters beyond Korea: winter weather in Korea can influence regional logistics, shipping, and manufacturing, given the country’s role as a major producer of electronics and automobiles. Subzero mornings and icy roads can disrupt transportation and supply chains, while coastal swells can affect port operations and fishing activity. For U.S. readers, these conditions underscore the interconnected nature of global markets, where weather disruptions in a leading tech and manufacturing hub can ripple through the supply chain and affect prices, delivery times, and inventory for multinational companies.