Severe Snow And Cold Weather Expected Across South Korea

The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) has issued weather forecasts for March 18, 2025, predicting significant snowfall and temperature drops across South Korea. This weather system is expected to heavily affect the Seoul metropolitan area, including Seoul, Gyeonggi, and surrounding provinces.

On March 18, 2025, conditions are expected to be mostly cloudy, with rain and snow starting from the evening of March 17 through early morning hours on the 18th. Specifically, the KMA notes snowfall rates of 5-10cm across the Seoul metropolitan area and the West Sea 5 Islands. Some areas, especially northwestern and eastern Gyeonggi, could see even more accumulation — up to 15cm. The forecast also indicates the potential for thunderstorms and lightning accompanied by gusty winds, which could exacerbate hazardous conditions.

Forecasted snow amounts for various regions include:

• Gangwon Province (East Coast and mountainous areas): 10-30cm (with localized areas exceeding 40cm).


• Gangwon inland: 5-15cm (more than 20cm possible in certain spots).


• Daejeon, Sejong, and South Chungcheong: 3-10cm (southern coast excluded).


• North Jeolla: 3-10cm (with localized areas exceeding 15cm).


• North Gyeongsang, Ulleungdo, and Dokdo: 10-20cm; more than 10cm anticipated in southern coastal areas.


• Jeju Island: 3-8cm at higher elevations.

The KMA's report warns of the potential for heavy snow falling at rates of 1-3cm per hour, particularly during the morning of March 18, especially throughout Seoul and Gyeonggi. The strong winds, with gusts potentially reaching 55-75km/h (15-20m/s) are expected to make conditions feel considerably colder.

Forecasted temperatures for March 18 are unseasonably low, with morning lows ranging from -3 to 3 degrees Celsius across much of the country, significantly lower than average for this time of year. Expected high temperatures for major cities include 6°C for Seoul and 5-9°C across other regions.

The KMA cautions residents about the risks posed by icy roads and paths due to expected precipitation. Visibility may be reduced during periods of rain or snow, particularly near tunnels and bridge exits where weather conditions can change rapidly.

Forecast for upcoming days anticipates gradual improvements as temperatures are expected to rise significantly following the cold snap. By March 19, conditions are expected to clear, with mostly sunny weather forecasted, and morning lows rising to around -6 to 1 degrees Celsius with highs of 6 to 10 degrees.

On March 20, 2025, the region can expect mostly clear skies, but still with some clouds hanging around the central inland areas, as morning lows become more forgiving at -4 to 4 degrees Celsius and afternoon highs reach 12-16 degrees.

Heading over the weekend of March 22 and 23, the country is expected to enjoy mostly clear conditions, with lows between 1-10 degrees and highs ranging from 14-22 degrees.

Nevertheless, from March 24 to 26, coverage from high-pressure systems will create more cloudy conditions across the nation. Morning lows are predicted to be slightly warmer at 2-11 degrees, with daytime highs reaching approximately 12-21 degrees.

Residents are urged to take precautions considering potential mishaps due to the winter storm. The KMA suggests ensuring proper safety measures during travel, keeping vehicles equipped for winter conditions, and monitoring the forecasts closely for updates.

Overall, South Korea is gearing up for what can be described merely as the return of winter's chill right before the onset of spring, with the flower cold making its notable presence known.