The last sunset of the year is expected to be hidden by clouds, while the New Year's sunrise can be seen under clear skies. Sunsets and sunrises will be visible in most areas, but they will likely be hard to see along the Jeolla west coast, Jeju Island, and Ulleungdo-Dokdo due to cloudy weather.
The Korea Meteorological Administration said in a forecast briefing on the 30th that "it will be good to see the sunset or sunrise in most areas except the Jeolla west coast, Jeju Island, and Ulleungdo-Dokdo."
On the 31st, cloud cover along the Jeolla west coast is expected, so clouds will be somewhat present when viewing the sunset facing west. However, the east, where the sun rises, is expected to have continued clear weather on the morning of Jan. 1 next year. For reference, the expected sunset time is 5:29 p.m. at Kkotji Beach in Taean County, South Chungcheong, and the expected sunrise time is 7:32 a.m. at Homigot in Pohang, North Gyeongsang.
Those planning to visit popular sunrise spots should dress warmly. That is because the cold is expected to peak Jan. 1-2 next year as cold air moves down from the north. Lows will drop below minus 10 degrees Celsius in the inland areas and below minus 15 in the mountains of Gangwon. In Seoul, temperatures are forecast to fall to minus 12 on the 2nd of next month.
During the same period, very heavy snowfall at heavy snow advisory levels is expected along the Jeolla west coast, Jeju Island, and Ulleungdo-Dokdo due to cloud bands formed where very cold air meets warm sea surfaces. In particular, strong and heavy snow is expected to concentrate between the early morning and morning hours on Friday, Jan. 2.
An official at the Korea Meteorological Administration said, "This cold will last about 4-5 days," and "with strong winds, the wind chill will be even lower."
From Jan. 1-3, cold wave, strong wind, and high seas advisories may also be issued. An official at the Korea Meteorological Administration said, "There is a possibility that flights to and from Jeju Island will be canceled, so be sure to check information in advance, and be mindful of ship safety accidents across all seas."
Meanwhile, as temperatures have fallen sharply recently, cold wave advisories are currently in effect in some areas. The Korea Meteorological Administration announced that cold wave warnings will be issued for the northern and central mountains of Gangwon, and cold wave advisories will take effect at 9 p.m. today for Dongducheon, Yeoncheon, Pocheon, Gapyeong, Yangju, and Paju in Gyeonggi; Taebaek, Pyeongchang (lowlands), Jeongseon (lowlands), Hoengseong, Cheorwon, Hwacheon, Hongcheon (lowlands), Chuncheon, Yanggu (lowlands), Inje (lowlands), and southern mountain areas in Gangwon; and Bonghwa (lowlands) and the northeastern mountains in North Gyeongsang.