South Korea braces for chilly weekend as temperatures swing and roads ice over.

A cold and cloudy weekend is forecast across South Korea, with a particularly wide day-to-night temperature swing on Saturday the 14th. Inland areas could see a gap of about 15 degrees Celsius between daytime highs and overnight lows. Residents are advised to bring light outerwear when going outdoors.

The Korea Meteorological Administration said on Friday that most of the country will remain generally cloudy, with Jeju Island sometimes cloudy as well. Overnight temperatures are expected to run from -1°C to 4°C, while daytime highs should reach between 9°C and 15°C.

In major cities, overnight lows are forecast around 3°C in Seoul and Incheon, with daytime highs near 12°C and 9°C respectively. Chuncheon is expected to see -1°C to 13°C, Gangneung 2°C to 12°C, Daejeon 0°C to 14°C, Daegu 0°C to 15°C, Jeonju 1°C to 13°C, Gwangju 1°C to 15°C, Busan 4°C to 13°C, Yeosu 3°C to 12°C, Jeju 6°C to 13°C, and Ulleungdo/Dokdo 2°C to 8°C.

Forecasters warn that areas that received precipitation recently may still have ice on roads, especially inland, on back roads, hillsides, and shaded stretches. Drivers and pedestrians should exercise caution as slippery conditions could persist.

As milder daytime temperatures arrive, thawing ice could weaken ground in mountainous areas, increasing the risk of soil erosion, rockfalls, or embankment failures along slopes. Authorities urge vigilance for safety around hillsides and construction zones.

Across the country, air quality is expected to range from good to moderate, with fine dust levels remaining relatively manageable.

The forecast comes as Suwon’s PalDal Mountain area and other popular walking routes around the Seoul metropolitan region typically see increased springtime foot traffic. It reflects the transition from winter to spring that influences daily life, commuting, and local activity across the region.

For U.S. readers, the weather matters because South Korea remains a major hub in Asia’s tech and automotive supply chains. Icy roads and sudden cold snaps can disrupt inland transport and logistics that feed manufacturing and electronics exports to the United States. The forecast also highlights how East Asia’s seasonal shifts can affect energy demand, regional travel, and the timing of shipments through nearby ports and airports.