South Korea Gripped By Sudden Cold Wave And Rain

As the weekend of October 18, 2025, unfolded across South Korea, residents braced themselves for a dramatic shift in the weather. According to multiple forecasts from the Korea Meteorological Administration, a sweeping cold wave was set to grip the nation, bringing plummeting temperatures, gusty winds, and intermittent rain to both northern and southern regions. The sudden chill, arriving on the heels of relatively mild autumn days, caught many off guard and sent people reaching for their light jackets and padded coats.

In Seoul, the nation’s bustling capital, skies remained overcast throughout Saturday. The city’s weather, as reported by Econovill, was expected to stay gloomy all day, with a notable dip in temperature as the evening approached. By 11 PM, the mercury was forecast to drop to around 15 degrees Celsius, accompanied by a 20% chance of rain. The cooler air prompted a palpable shift in the city’s mood—gone were the balmy evenings, replaced by a briskness that hinted at the coming winter.

The cold wave wasn’t limited to the capital. Gangwon Province, especially its eastern region, was singled out for its particularly biting chill. According to Econovill, temperatures there had already fallen by 20% compared to seasonal norms, and the forecast called for persistent rain and thick cloud cover. The city of Gangneung, for example, was expected to remain shrouded in drizzle, with an 80% chance of precipitation lasting well into the night.

Further south, the story was much the same. In the Jeolla region, residents woke up to windy conditions and dropping temperatures, with highs barely reaching 23 degrees Celsius. Cities like Gwangju, Mokpo, and Yeosu saw occasional showers, while Jeonju experienced overcast skies and a high of 21 degrees. In the coastal provinces of Gyeongsang, the pattern repeated itself: overcast skies, scattered rain, and a lingering sense of chill. Busan, though relatively warm at 25 degrees, was not spared the periodic rainfall, while Jeju Island hovered around 23 degrees with intermittent showers.

As Gukje News reported, the cold snap was expected to intensify in the coming days. By Sunday, October 19, morning temperatures nationwide were forecast to range between 10 and 17 degrees Celsius, with daytime highs only reaching 17 to 23 degrees—roughly in line with seasonal averages, but feeling colder due to the strong winds. The meteorological agency warned that from the afternoon onward, a mass of cold air would sweep down from the northwest, causing temperatures to tumble even further. This sudden influx of chilly air, combined with gusts reaching up to 55 kilometers per hour in coastal and island regions, would make the air feel even colder than the thermometer suggested.

“The cold air will be especially noticeable from the afternoon of October 19,” a meteorologist from the Korea Meteorological Administration told Gukje News. “People should be prepared for a significant drop in temperature and strong winds, especially in the northern and eastern provinces.” The agency also cautioned that frost could form in the highlands of Gyeonggi, Gangwon, and eastern Jeolla provinces, potentially harming late autumn crops and gardens.

Rainfall was another feature of this chilly spell. On October 20, Gangwon Province was expected to receive between 10 and 40 millimeters of rain, while northern Gyeonggi could see 5 to 20 millimeters. The southern and coastal regions, including Busan, Ulsan, and the eastern interior of Gyeongsang, were also likely to experience light rain, though amounts were expected to be less than 5 millimeters. Jeju Island’s residents, meanwhile, braced for a soggy Sunday, with rain forecast from morning through late afternoon.

Monday, October 20, was set to be even colder. Morning lows were expected to range from just 2 to 14 degrees Celsius, with daytime highs struggling to reach 12 to 22 degrees. The cold air mass would linger, and the meteorological agency predicted that the chill would persist through Tuesday and beyond, with further rain and even the possibility of snow in the highest mountains of northern Gangwon Province—those over 1,200 meters in elevation. “From October 21, occasional rain and cold air will continue in Gangwon and northern Gyeonggi regions,” noted the Gukje News forecast. “Wind speeds could reach up to 55 km/h, making conditions feel even harsher.”

Visibility was another concern, especially in the mountainous areas of Gangwon. Thick, low-lying clouds were expected to blanket the region, reducing visibility to less than 200 meters in some places. Drivers and hikers alike were urged to exercise caution, particularly as the combination of rain, fog, and wind could make travel treacherous.

Despite the gloom, there were some silver linings. The strong winds and fresh air meant that air quality remained excellent across the country, with Hankook Ilbo reporting that fine dust concentrations were at “good” levels everywhere. In Seoul, for instance, the brisk weather was a welcome respite from the stuffy, humid conditions of earlier in the month. Retailers in the city’s popular Myeongdong shopping district reported a surge in demand for light padded jackets and windbreakers, as shoppers prepared for the colder days ahead.

For those planning outdoor activities, the forecast was a mixed bag. While Sunday morning would start off cloudy and damp in most regions, the weather was expected to clear gradually from the afternoon, especially in the central and southern provinces. Jeju, however, would remain rainy until late in the day. By Monday, the entire country would be under the influence of the cold air mass, with only brief intervals of sunshine breaking through the clouds.

Major cities saw their own share of the chill. According to Hankook Ilbo, Seoul’s temperatures on October 19 were forecast to be 13 degrees in the morning and 19 degrees in the afternoon—a noticeable drop from the previous week. Incheon, Chuncheon, and Gangneung all reported similar patterns, with morning lows in the low teens and daytime highs barely reaching 20 degrees. Busan and Jeju, typically milder, still felt the effects, with highs of 22 and 23 degrees, respectively.

Looking ahead, meteorologists warned that the cold wave was unlikely to relent anytime soon. “The cold wave is expected to continue with temperatures dropping further next week,” Econovill cautioned. Residents were advised to dress warmly, keep an eye on the weather updates, and take precautions against the sudden temperature swings—especially vulnerable populations such as the elderly and young children.

As autumn’s golden leaves gave way to the first real bite of cold, South Koreans found themselves at the mercy of nature’s unpredictable rhythms. Whether trudging through rain-soaked streets or bundling up against the wind, the nation was reminded once again that, in Korea, the change of seasons is never subtle—and never boring.