South Korea's southwest braces for frost as 15°C day-night swing this weekend

South Korea’s southwest, including Gwangju and Jeollanam-do, is set to see temperatures near the seasonal average this weekend, but with a notably broader day-to-night temperature swing of up to about 15°C.

The forecast from the Gwangju Regional Meteorological Administration indicates that weekend temperatures in Gwangju and Jeollanam-do will track the long-term average. On Saturday the 14th, inland areas are expected to see morning lows of -2 to 3°C and daytime highs of 11 to 15°C. On Sunday the 15th, morning temperatures should be 1 to 5°C with daytime highs of 10 to 15°C.

Sky conditions will vary: Saturday is expected to be partly cloudy in the morning and generally clear from the afternoon, while Sunday will be mostly cloudy, with skies clearing later at night.

Officials warn that inland areas of Jeollanam-do may experience frost or ice in the morning due to the cold start, and the large day-to-night temperature gap could affect health and pose cold-related risks to crops.

For U.S. readers, the forecast highlights how localized cold spells in key Asian production regions can influence broader supply chains. Even regional weather patterns in South Korea can ripple into the timing of manufacturing, logistics, and the availability of goods that rely on East Asian suppliers and transport routes.

Gwangju is a major city in the southwest, and Jeollanam-do is a coastal province adjoining the region. The Gwangju Regional Meteorological Administration is part of South Korea’s national weather agency, which provides localized forecasts for communities and agricultural users.

Residents and farmers are advised to prepare for cold mornings inland and the potential for frost, while also planning for a wide daily temperature range through the weekend.