Korea Air Quality: Fine Dust ‘Bad’ in Seoul, Chungnam & Jeollabuk-do, Rain in Jeju

A significant temperature disparity is affecting much of South Korea, with morning lows dropping below freezing in many inland areas, even as Seoul experienced a relatively mild 14°C (57°F) during the day on March 12th, according to reports from News1.

The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) forecasts that Thursday, March 19th, will see widespread sub-zero temperatures across the country, particularly inland. Frost is expected in parts of the central inland and Jeolla province. The KMA warns of a substantial daily temperature range of around 15°C (59°F), urging citizens to prioritize health precautions.

Current forecasts predict low temperatures ranging from -4°C to 6°C (25°F to 43°F) and high temperatures between 8°C and 16°C (46°F to 61°F). Specific city forecasts include Seoul at 1°C (34°F) in the morning and 11°C (52°F) during the day, whereas Busan is expected to reach 6°C (43°F) overnight and 15°C (59°F) in the afternoon.

Dense fog, with visibility below 200 meters, is anticipated in parts of Gyeonggi-do, Gangwon-do, Chungcheong-do, and Jeolla-do provinces during the early morning hours. Reduced visibility, below 1km, is also expected in other inland regions, prompting warnings for traffic safety.

The weather in Seoul on March 23rd was markedly different, with the daytime high reaching 19°C (66°F), drawing citizens to enjoy the spring-like conditions along the Cheonggyecheon Stream.

The KMA has also issued warnings for strong winds, with gusts up to 55 km/h (34 mph), expected in Jeju Island, the mountainous regions of Gangwon-do, and along the East Sea coast, advising caution regarding facilities and potential safety hazards. Air quality is currently rated as “moderate” nationwide, though Gangwon and Yeongnam provinces may experience “poor” air quality during the day.