Cold Front Brings Rain And Chilly Air To Daegu

As the Chuseok holiday weekend unfolds across South Korea, residents in Daegu and the Gyeongbuk region are experiencing a noticeable drop in temperatures, accompanied by intermittent rain and fluctuating humidity levels. According to multiple reports from the Daegu Meteorological Office, a cold front has swept through the area, bringing with it a mix of cloudy skies, light precipitation, and a marked chill in the air—conditions that are shaping daily life and travel plans during one of the country’s most celebrated holidays.

On October 3, 2025, the first day of the Chuseok break, meteorologists warned that cold air moving in from the west would result in lower-than-usual temperatures for Daegu and the broader Gyeongbuk region. As News1 reported, the area woke to overcast skies and steady rainfall, a direct result of a low-pressure system traveling eastward across the southern seas. This weather pattern was expected to persist through the following morning, with the Daegu Meteorological Office forecasting rain totals of 10 to 30 millimeters in southern Daegu and Gyeongbuk, and 5 to 20 millimeters in the central and northern zones, including Ulleungdo and Dokdo.

Morning temperatures on October 3 reflected the incoming cold: Pohang registered 14°C, Mungyeong 16°C, Andong, Gimcheon, and Uljin each at 17°C, Daegu at 18°C, and Pohang itself slightly warmer at 20°C. These readings were 1 to 2 degrees higher than the previous day, but the daytime highs told a different story, dipping by 4 to 5 degrees to reach 20°C in Cheongdo, 21°C in Gimcheon, 22°C in both Daegu and Andong, and 23°C in Pohang and Uljin. The wind, meanwhile, kept to a gentle 0.5 to 2.5 meters per second, and humidity hovered at a moderate level, as confirmed by the Daegu Meteorological Office.

Choi Jae-hyeok, an official with the Daegu Meteorological Office, explained the situation succinctly: “The cold air is causing temperatures to drop in Uljin.” His remarks echoed across multiple outlets and underscored the ongoing impact of the cold front, which, as he and his colleagues predicted, would continue to influence the region’s weather through the morning of October 4.

By the second day of the Chuseok holiday, October 4, the weather story had evolved but remained dominated by the same cold air mass. The Daegu Meteorological Office announced, as reported by Newsis and other local media, that the region would remain mostly cloudy, with sporadic rainfall expected to last until the evening. Ulleungdo and Dokdo were also forecast to see occasional rain through midday, with total precipitation projected between 5 and 20 millimeters—a modest but persistent drizzle that kept umbrellas in hand for many holiday travelers.

The temperature profile for October 4 was a study in contrasts. Morning lows ranged from 17°C in Bonghwa, 18°C in Yeongju, and 19°C in Andong, Sangju, Gimcheon, Yeongyang, and Uljin, to 20°C in Daegu and Yeongcheon, and 21°C in Gyeongju and Pohang. As the day progressed, daytime highs climbed to 27°C in Daegu and Uiseong, 26°C in Andong, Yeongju, Sangju, Gimcheon, Gyeongju, and 25°C in Mungyeong, Pohang, Bonghwa, Yeongyang, and Yeongdeok, with Uljin peaking at 24°C. These figures, while not extreme, represented a noticeable shift from seasonal norms: as Newsis pointed out, the predicted lows and highs were, respectively, above and below the typical range for early October, which usually sees morning lows of 8 to 16°C and daytime highs of 22 to 25°C.

Winds on October 4 were forecast to blow at 1 to 3 meters per second across both eastern and central regions, as well as the southern coastal areas. Over the East Sea, waves were expected to reach heights of 0.5 to 3.5 meters, a factor of concern for ferry operators and coastal communities. Despite the unsettled weather, air quality remained a bright spot: the influx of clean easterly winds and ongoing rainfall helped keep fine dust levels at a “good” standard, providing some relief for those with respiratory sensitivities.

Humidity in the southeastern region was described as “pleasant” for much of the day, a slight improvement from the “moderate” readings recorded earlier in the holiday. This subtle shift, coupled with the cooling trend, contributed to a comfortable—if somewhat damp—atmosphere for family gatherings and traditional celebrations.

The meteorological story, however, was not without its challenges. The Daegu Meteorological Office issued a caution for drivers and travelers, noting that “in areas where rain falls, visibility will be reduced and roads will become slippery.” The agency urged everyone to exercise extra care on the roads, especially given the increased travel volume associated with the holiday period.

For those venturing to the coast or planning sea travel, the forecast of 1 to 3 meter waves across the East Sea’s southern and central waters was a reminder to remain vigilant. On October 3, as captured in a News1 photo report, the Sunrise ferry of Daejae Ferry Co. set sail from Pohang to Ulleungdo, navigating choppy conditions that, while not severe, underscored the importance of up-to-date weather information for maritime operations.

Throughout the holiday, meteorologists maintained a close eye on the cold front’s progress. The Daegu Meteorological Office repeatedly emphasized that “cold air will be strong in the area, and the cold front will pass through the southern part of the peninsula.” This persistent chill, while not record-breaking, injected a wintry note into what is typically a mild autumn celebration, prompting many to reach for extra layers during their holiday outings.

Despite the weather’s caprices, the Chuseok spirit remained undampened. Families gathered under cloudy skies, sharing meals and stories, while children splashed through puddles and the region’s landscapes took on a fresh, rain-washed sheen. For some, the cooler temperatures were a welcome respite from the lingering summer heat; for others, the rain was a minor inconvenience in an otherwise joyful holiday.

As the Chuseok weekend draws to a close, residents of Daegu and Gyeongbuk can expect the weather to gradually stabilize, with the cold front moving on and temperatures returning to more typical autumn levels. Until then, the region’s experience serves as a reminder of nature’s ability to surprise—and of the enduring resilience and adaptability of its people, whatever the forecast may bring.