As Sunday dawned across South Korea on March 22, 2026, residents woke up to a nation blanketed by clouds and marked by dramatic swings in temperature. According to reports from Yonhap News and The CEN News, the day’s weather was characterized by a striking difference between chilly mornings and surprisingly warm afternoons—a pattern that would persist into the start of the new week.
At 5 a.m. on Sunday, temperatures in major cities painted a picture of early spring’s volatility: Seoul registered a brisk 5.5°C, Incheon 5.1°C, Suwon 3.1°C, and Chuncheon just 1.3°C. Meanwhile, coastal cities like Gangneung and Busan were notably milder, at 10.4°C and 10.7°C respectively. As the sun climbed higher, daytime highs were forecast to reach between 14°C and 19°C nationwide, with inland areas expected to warm up to 16–18°C, mountain regions hovering at 13–14°C, and the East Coast settling between 16–17°C.
But the real story wasn’t just about the numbers—it was the dramatic daily temperature gap of 15 to 20 degrees Celsius, especially pronounced in inland regions of central Korea, Jeonbuk, and Gyeongbuk. The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) urged the public to be mindful: "Such large temperature swings can impact health, so it’s wise to dress in layers and keep an eye on vulnerable groups like children and the elderly."
On Monday, March 23, that trend was set to continue. Morning lows were forecast to dip as low as -1°C in some central inland areas, with cities like Seoul at 4°C, Incheon at 3°C, Suwon at 1°C, and Chuncheon right at the freezing mark. By afternoon, however, the mercury would rebound sharply—Seoul was expected to hit 19°C, Gwangju and Daegu 20°C, and even Jeju, often buffered by the sea, would see 16°C. This oscillation, as reported by Newsis, meant commuters needed to grab a jacket in the morning but could find themselves sweating under the midday sun.
Yet, the weather’s quirks didn’t stop at temperature. A persistent dry spell continued to grip large swathes of the country. According to The CEN News, dry weather warnings remained in effect for the Gangwon East Coast, parts of Chungbuk, Gyeongbuk, and the mountainous regions of Jeju. The air was described as “very dry,” and the risk of wildfires was heightened by gusty winds. The authorities issued repeated reminders: avoid burning trash or field stubble near forests, handle flammable materials with extreme care, and be cautious with heating devices. The KMA warned, “Even a small spark can turn into a major blaze in these dry, windy conditions.”
Fire wasn’t the only hazard on the horizon. The forecast called for thick morning fog—sometimes reducing visibility to less than one kilometer—especially in Incheon, Gyeonggi, Chungcheong, and Jeolla. Coastal bridges and roads near rivers, lakes, or valleys would be particularly treacherous, with the KMA noting, “Drivers should reduce speed and use headlights, especially during the early morning hours.” Sea fog was also expected over the West Sea, with visibility on some island routes dropping below 200 meters, prompting marine authorities to urge caution for all vessels and ferry operators.
For those in Jeju, Sunday afternoon brought a different twist: light rain, with totals staying under 5mm, was expected from noon through the evening. The KMA explained that Jeju would temporarily fall under the influence of a low-pressure system, leading to cloudy skies and brief showers. This pattern would linger, with more rain possible late Tuesday night, so islanders were advised to keep umbrellas handy and check ferry schedules for possible disruptions.
Looking ahead, the temperature rollercoaster was set to persist. On Monday, March 23, morning lows would range from -1°C to 8°C, and highs from 12°C to 21°C—values that the KMA described as “normal to slightly above average for this time of year.” By Tuesday, March 24, the forecast called for a similar rhythm: chilly mornings between -1°C and 8°C, with afternoon highs of 13–18°C. The weather would remain mostly cloudy, with the capital and northern regions expecting more clouds than sun, and the south—including Jeju—likely to see continued overcast conditions and late-night showers.
For farmers, the rapid cooling at night brought another concern: frost. The KMA highlighted that frost was likely in inland areas from Sunday through Tuesday, particularly in central, Jeonbuk, Gyeongbuk, and Gangwon inland and mountainous regions. "Special care is needed for crops and seedlings," the agency stressed, as an ill-timed frost could damage early spring plantings and threaten agricultural yields.
Meanwhile, the air quality was a mixed bag. Fine dust levels in Seoul, Incheon, southern Gyeonggi, Chungnam, and Jeonbuk were forecast as “bad,” while other regions would see “good” to “normal” conditions. On Monday, the metropolitan area and Chungcheong were again expected to experience poor air quality, with the rest of the country faring better. The KMA urged residents in high-dust zones to limit outdoor activities, especially those with respiratory conditions.
The sea, too, had its warnings. Waves on Sunday were expected to be moderate—0.5 to 1.0 meters along the East and South coasts, and 0.5 meters on the West coast. In deeper waters, waves could reach up to 1.5 meters in the East Sea. Mariners and fishermen were reminded to stay updated on conditions, as both fog and waves could make for tricky navigation.
Wind was another factor not to be ignored. The CEN News reported that on Monday evening, strong gusts—up to 55 km/h (about 15 meters per second)—were forecast along the Gyeongsang coastal areas. Outdoor facility managers and residents were advised to secure loose objects and be alert for sudden changes in weather.
All told, the start of spring in South Korea was shaping up to be a season of contrasts: warm afternoons and frosty mornings, dry air and sudden rain, calm seas and gusty winds. The nation’s meteorologists continued to urge vigilance. Whether tending crops, planning outdoor activities, or simply heading to work, Koreans were reminded that this week, the only predictable thing about the weather was its unpredictability.