Autumn Cold Front Brings Rain And Winds Nationwide

South Korea is bracing for a dramatic shift in weather as a cold front and heavy rain sweep across the nation, signaling the true arrival of autumn. According to forecasts from the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), the weekend and the coming week will bring a mix of strong winds, plunging temperatures, and significant rainfall—especially in eastern and coastal regions. Residents are advised to prepare for rapid weather changes that could affect daily life, travel, and even health.

Early on October 18, 2025, the northern east coast, including Gangwon Yeongdong, was battered by strong winds that persisted until 9 AM, with gusts continuing in Gangwon and Jeju through the morning hours. The KMA reported that these blustery conditions, coupled with rain, created a chilly and damp start to the day for many. Precipitation totals from October 18 through the 19th were forecast to reach 5 to 40 mm in Gangwon Yeongdong and 5 to 20 mm in nearby regions such as Gangwon Yeongseo, the northern east coast, and Jeju.

But it wasn’t just rain and wind making headlines. The KMA cautioned that, along the east coast, waves would surge up to 3.5 meters, pushing inland as far as 200 meters in some areas. This kind of rough surf is not only a spectacle but also a potential hazard for coastal communities and fishermen. "Strong waves up to 3.5 meters are expected along the east coast, with waves reaching about 200 meters inland in some areas," the KMA stated, urging caution for those living or working near the shoreline.

As for temperatures, the morning of October 18 saw lows ranging from 10 to 17 degrees Celsius nationwide, with daytime highs between 17 and 23 degrees. Major cities like Seoul, Incheon, and Chuncheon all hovered around 12 or 13 degrees in the early hours, while Busan and Jeju were milder, at 17 and 20 degrees respectively. Daytime highs reached the low twenties in the south, with Seoul, Chuncheon, and Gangneung all topping out at 19 degrees, and Jeju climbing to a balmy 23 degrees.

However, the relative mildness was short-lived. "From the afternoon, the influx of cold air from the north will cause temperatures to drop sharply, requiring careful attention to health due to the sudden change," the KMA warned, as reported by BNT News. The agency added that strong winds would further lower the perceived temperature, making it feel even chillier than the thermometer suggested. In mountainous regions of Gangwon, thick fog reduced visibility to less than 200 meters, adding yet another layer of caution for drivers and outdoor enthusiasts.

October 19 brought more of the same, with Gangwon Yeongdong and Jeju remaining overcast and rainy, while the rest of the country gradually cleared up by the afternoon. The KMA noted, "Today’s weather will be mostly cloudy nationwide, with rain lingering in Gangwon Yeongdong and Jeju, and temperatures dropping sharply from the afternoon." Air quality, at least, provided a silver lining: "Fine dust concentrations will remain at 'good' levels nationwide due to smooth atmospheric diffusion," according to KMA forecasts relayed by GameToc.

Looking ahead to Monday, October 20, the weather is set to turn even colder. Morning lows are predicted to plunge to between 2 and 14 degrees Celsius, with daytime highs only reaching 12 to 22 degrees. Central regions and North Gyeongsang Province will become increasingly cloudy from the morning, while southern areas and Jeju will see intermittent clouds. Notably, the highlands of northern Gangwon—those above 1,200 meters—could see a mix of rain and snow, a rare but not unheard-of event for this time of year.

Rain will continue to be a theme. Early on October 20, Gangwon Yeongdong is expected to receive more precipitation, with rain or even snow in its highest elevations. By late morning, the northern east coast and highlands will join in, and by nightfall, rain will reach eastern Gyeongsangnam-do. The KMA’s extended forecast, as cited by BNT News, indicates that the wet weather will persist in Gangwon Yeongdong and Jeju through Tuesday, October 21, with more rain in southern regions. "On October 21, 2025, heavy rain is expected in Gangwon Yeongdong and Jeju, with more rain in the southern regions including Jeju," the KMA confirmed.

The pattern continues midweek. From October 22 to 24, Gangwon Yeongdong is in for more heavy rain and strong winds, with wave heights along the east and south coasts expected to range from 1.0 to 4.0 meters. The rest of the country will see a mix of clouds and clearer skies as the influence of a high-pressure system grows. The KMA cautioned, "From October 22 to 24, 2025, Gangwon Yeongdong will have strong winds and heavy rain, with wave heights from 1.0 to 4.0 meters along the east and south coasts." These conditions could disrupt ferry services, fishing, and other maritime activities, so travelers and seafarers are urged to keep a close eye on the latest advisories.

But perhaps the most notable development is the arrival of the season’s first cold wave. From October 26 to 28, South Korea will feel a significant chill, with morning lows dropping to between 3 and 15 degrees Celsius and daytime highs only reaching 14 to 22 degrees. The KMA emphasized, "This period will see more precipitation in the northern regions and strong winds along the east coast." In central inland areas, morning temperatures could hover around 5 degrees, and daytime highs may not surpass 15 degrees. Rapid temperature swings like these can catch people off guard, so the agency is urging everyone—from students heading to school to the elderly at home—to dress warmly and monitor their health.

Mariners should also take note: from October 22 to 24, the seas off the southern and eastern coasts, as well as around Jeju, will be particularly rough, with waves building as high as 4 meters. Such conditions not only make fishing and ferry operations risky but also increase the potential for coastal flooding and erosion in vulnerable areas.

In summary, South Korea is entering a period of classic autumn volatility: rain, wind, fog, and, by late October, a brisk cold snap. The KMA’s detailed forecasts offer a roadmap for navigating these changes, but the onus is on individuals and communities to heed the warnings and prepare accordingly. Whether it’s bundling up against the cold, avoiding risky coastal areas, or simply keeping an umbrella handy, a little preparation can go a long way in weathering this transitional season.

As the nation watches the skies and the mercury drops, one thing is clear: autumn in Korea is here in full force, and it’s not pulling any punches this year.