Residents across South Korea awoke on March 6, 2026, to a wintry mix of rain and snow, with chilly temperatures and blustery winds marking a dramatic shift in the nation’s weather. While the heaviest rain clouds had already drifted away overnight, the day ahead promised more bouts of precipitation, slippery roads, and poor air quality, especially in the country’s central and northern regions.
According to YTN, the morning began with rain or snow falling intermittently in Seoul and other central areas, a pattern expected to persist through the night. The precipitation wasn’t especially heavy—most places would see around 5 mm of rain by nightfall—but the impact was magnified by lingering snow and rain from the previous day, which had frozen on many roads and sidewalks. Commuters were warned to allow extra time for their journey, as dense fog developed in several inland regions, further reducing visibility and making travel treacherous.
The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) noted that the weather was being influenced by a pressure trough moving eastward from the West Sea, bringing widespread cloud cover and scattered rain or snow showers across the country. Jeju Island, too, was not exempt: the island was forecast to remain mostly cloudy, with occasional rain between noon and 3 p.m., and snow accumulating in mountain areas above 1,500 meters. The KMA expected 5 to 20 mm of precipitation in many regions, with Jeju’s mountainous regions receiving about 1 cm of snow.
Of particular concern were the mountainous areas of Gangwon Province, where snow had already piled up to significant depths. SBS Biz reported that the region could see up to 15 centimeters of fresh snow by the afternoon, with snow falling at rates of 1 to 3 centimeters per hour during the early morning. The heavy accumulation, on top of existing snowpack, raised the risk of additional damage or disruption, prompting officials to urge residents and travelers to exercise caution. In other areas—such as Yeongseo, inland Gyeonggi, and northern Chungbuk—about 1 cm of snow was expected, while Seoul and its surroundings would likely see less than 1 cm.
The temperature drop was keenly felt nationwide. As YTN’s weather caster reported, "Today, Seoul’s daytime high will only reach 5°C, which is 8°C lower than the previous day." Early morning readings included Seoul at 1.5°C and Daejeon at 0.8°C, with other cities like Sejong, Incheon, and Chuncheon hovering near or just above freezing. Even during the afternoon, most places struggled to climb out of the single digits, with highs ranging from 4°C to 13°C depending on the region. Strong winds—gusting up to 55 km/h in places like Jeju and the southern coast, according to News1—made it feel even colder, dropping the perceived temperature by an additional 2 to 3 degrees Celsius.
Air quality was another pressing concern. The fine dust concentration in the metropolitan area was rated as ‘bad’ all day, with the situation expected to deteriorate in other regions by the afternoon. The KMA and multiple news outlets, including 천지일보, advised that while the worst pollution would be concentrated in Seoul, Gyeonggi, Gangwon Yeongseo, Daejeon, Sejong, Chungbuk, and Daegu, other provinces could see spikes in fine dust later in the day. People with respiratory issues were encouraged to limit outdoor activities and keep windows closed.
Marine conditions were also challenging. Waves in the East Sea were forecast to reach 1.0 to 3.5 meters, while the West and South Seas would see slightly lower wave heights. Thunder and lightning were possible in southern Jeju and the East Sea, which meant heightened risk for those working or traveling at sea. The KMA warned of strong winds—especially in western Jeju, where gusts could hit 70 km/h—and urged caution to prevent accidents.
With the nation caught in the seasonal tug-of-war between winter and spring, temperature swings between day and night were pronounced. The forecast called for a late cold snap, known locally as ‘꽃샘추위,’ to arrive over the weekend. Saturday and Sunday would bring mostly clear skies, yet morning lows were expected to dip as low as -7°C in some inland areas. Daytime highs would remain subdued, ranging from 4°C to 12°C, depending on the region. This abrupt return to winter-like conditions, after a brief taste of spring, was a reminder to residents to keep their winter coats handy and take care of their health—especially the elderly, children, and those with chronic illnesses.
Looking ahead, the KMA’s weekly outlook suggested that the pattern of clear days and chilly nights would persist. From March 9 to 15, high pressure systems were expected to dominate, bringing mostly sunny conditions with occasional clouds. Morning temperatures would fluctuate between -5°C and 7°C, while daytime highs would gradually climb from 7°C to as much as 15°C by the end of the period. However, those hoping for a swift transition to spring were cautioned not to let their guard down: the risk of icy patches, slippery roads, and sudden cold snaps would remain until more stable, warmer weather arrived.
The combination of rain, snow, wind, and dust made for a challenging day across South Korea. Authorities repeated their calls for caution, particularly for drivers and pedestrians navigating icy roads or reduced visibility. As one YTN weather anchor summed it up: "With the season fluctuating between winter and spring, please take good care of your health." For now, at least, South Koreans were reminded that March can be a month of surprises—sometimes beautiful, sometimes treacherous, but always worth watching.