As the 3.1 Independence Movement holiday draws to a close in South Korea, the nation braces for a dramatic turn in the weather. On Monday, March 2, 2026, much of the country is set to experience a mix of rain and snow, with meteorologists warning of particularly heavy snowfall across the mountainous regions of Gangwon-do and northeastern Gyeongbuk. The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) has issued a comprehensive forecast, urging caution as a complex weather system sweeps the peninsula.
From the early hours of March 2, precipitation will begin to fall in the Seoul metropolitan area, Gangwon-do, the northeastern Gyeongbuk mountains, the northern East Coast, and Jeju Island. According to Newsis, this wet weather will then spread to most other regions by morning, with the exception of Jeolla and western Gyeongnam, where the rain or snow is expected to start around dawn. The KMA notes that this precipitation is a result of a low-pressure system passing south of Jeju, combined with a pressure trough approaching from the northwest, creating the perfect recipe for widespread unsettled conditions.
For those hoping for a quick return to clear skies, the news is mixed. Most regions will see the rain or snow taper off by the afternoon of March 3, but the East Coast and mountainous areas of Gangwon are expected to remain under the spell of snow until the evening. The snow in these regions is forecast to be not only heavy, but also wet and dense—raising concerns about potential damage and prompting the possibility of heavy snow warnings, especially for Gangwon and the Gyeongsang regions. As Inews24 reports, "very heavy snow is expected, mainly in the mountainous areas of Gangwon-do."
The exact amount of snow and rain will vary considerably depending on the development and position of the low-pressure system, subtle temperature differences, and local altitude. The southern highlands, particularly those above 600 meters, are likely to see significant snow accumulation. Expected snow depths from March 2 to 3 include 1 to 5 centimeters in eastern Gyeonggi, northern Chungbuk, northeastern Jeonbuk, southwestern inland Gyeongbuk, northern Gyeongbuk (excluding the northeastern mountains), and western inland Gyeongnam. Meanwhile, northwest Seoul and Gyeonggi will likely see less than 1 centimeter, and central and southern Chungbuk can expect 1 to 3 centimeters. The northeastern Gyeongbuk mountains are forecast to receive 5 to 10 centimeters.
However, the real story lies in Gangwon-do. Over the three-day period starting March 1, mountainous areas here are expected to receive a whopping 10 to 30 centimeters of snow, with some spots potentially seeing more than 40 centimeters. The northern East Coast of Gangwon could see 3 to 10 centimeters, with isolated areas possibly exceeding 15 centimeters, while the inland and central East Coast regions are forecast for 3 to 8 centimeters, and the southern East Coast 1 to 5 centimeters. Chunji Ilbo underscores the severity: "Gangwon mountainous areas expected 10-30cm of snow over three days starting March 1, some areas exceeding 40cm."
Rainfall totals will also be significant in some places. Between March 2 and 3, Seoul, Incheon, Gyeonggi, the West Sea's five islands, Gangwon inland, Daejeon, Sejong, Chungnam, Chungbuk, Daegu, Gyeongbuk inland, Ulleungdo, and Dokdo are all expected to receive 5 to 10 millimeters of rain. Gwangju, Jeonnam, Jeonbuk, and the northeastern Gyeongbuk mountains could see 5 to 20 millimeters. Gangwon East Coast and mountain regions are forecast for 10 to 50 millimeters, Busan, Ulsan, Gyeongnam, and Gyeongbuk East Coast for 10 to 30 millimeters, and Jeju Island could be drenched with 20 to 60 millimeters—some mountainous areas may even top 80 millimeters, according to Inews24 and Global Economic.
Temperature-wise, the nation will hover near or just below seasonal norms. Morning lows are expected to range from 1°C to 9°C, with Seoul at 4°C, Incheon 5°C, Suwon 6°C, Chuncheon 2°C, and Jeju a relatively mild 12°C. Afternoon highs will be similarly modest, ranging from 4°C to 13°C—Seoul at 7°C, Incheon 7°C, Suwon 8°C, Chuncheon 4°C, and Jeju climbing to 14°C. As Inews24 notes, "morning low temperatures 1-8°C; afternoon highs 4-12°C, near or slightly below normal."
But the weather drama doesn’t end with precipitation and cold. Strong winds are expected to whip across the southern coast, Ulsan, and Jeju Island, with gusts potentially reaching speeds of 55 kilometers per hour (15 meters per second). The KMA has cautioned that strong wind warnings may be issued, and that these blustery conditions could disrupt air travel—airport users are advised to check flight information in advance. At sea, waves are expected to be high, with the East Sea seeing 1.0 to 3.5 meters, the West Sea 0.5 to 2.5 meters, and the South Sea 0.5 to 3.5 meters. Offshore, the waves could be even higher, especially in the southern and Jeju waters, where waves may reach up to 5 meters. Etoday and Global Economic both highlight the risks, noting, "strong winds and high waves expected in southern seas and Jeju waters."
Visibility will be reduced and roads made slippery in affected areas, raising the risk of accidents. The KMA urges all drivers and pedestrians to exercise caution, especially as heavy, wet snow can quickly create hazardous conditions on both roads and sidewalks. In addition, those living in or traveling through the highlands should monitor real-time weather radar and stay updated with the latest information, as snow accumulation can change rapidly depending on local conditions.
Despite the unsettled weather, there is a silver lining: fine dust levels are forecast to remain at 'Good' nationwide throughout the period. This means that, at least for now, residents won’t have to contend with the dual threat of pollution and precipitation—something that’s become all too common in recent years.
In summary, South Korea faces a challenging start to the week as a complex weather system brings rain, heavy snow, gusty winds, and rough seas to much of the country. The KMA’s detailed forecasts and repeated advisories underscore the seriousness of the situation, particularly for those in Gangwon-do and other mountainous regions. As always, staying informed and prepared is the best defense against nature’s surprises. With the nation’s eyes on the skies, the coming days will test both patience and resilience—reminding everyone that, in Korea, March can still pack a wintery punch.