Early-winter cold has arrived nationwide. The first snowfall of the fall fell in high elevations such as Daecheongbong in Seoraksan, and the temperature in Seoul dropped to 5.3 C, the lowest this fall.

The Seoraksan National Park Office said that snow began to fall from the early hours of Oct. 20, with around 1 centimeter accumulating at the Jungcheong shelter. The first snowfall of the year came one day later than last year (Oct. 19). Morning lows in the mountainous areas of northern Gangwon included ▲ Seoraksan -1.3 C ▲ Hyangnobong 0.4 C. Snow and rain are mixed in these areas.

On the morning of the 20th, the high elevations of Seoraksan observe the season's first snowfall. /Courtesy of Seoraksan National Park Office

Kim Gi-chang, head of disaster and safety at Seoraksan National Park, said, "Late-autumn hikes in Seoraksan National Park involve large temperature swings and heavy physical exertion, which can easily lead to major accidents due to low temperatures, so extra caution is needed," and added, "Please check hiking hours under the entry time designation system, use designated trails with well-established guidance systems, and, if possible, hike in groups of two or more."

Single-digit temperatures are appearing not only in Gangwon but across the country. The low in Paju, Gyeonggi, was 2.7 C, 4 degrees lower than the average (6.7 C). Elsewhere, ▲ Seocheongju, North Chungcheong, 4.6 C ▲ Cheonan, South Chungcheong, 4.7 C ▲ Dongducheon and Suwon, Gyeonggi, 4.8 C ▲ Incheon and Hongseong, South Chungcheong, 4.9 C, while Seoul recorded 5.3 C.

The Korea meteorological Administration said, "As cold air moves south, temperatures will remain about 2 to 7 degrees below average for the time being, and strong winds will make it feel even colder," and added, "Through Oct. 22, frost is expected in parts of inland and mountainous Gyeonggi, inland Chungcheong, and high mountains in eastern North Jeolla, and some inland northern Gyeonggi and northern Gangwon inland and mountains may see ice."

On the morning of the 20th, as morning low temperatures in Seoul and most areas fall to single digits, making it the coldest day this autumn, pedestrians wearing heavy coats walk through Gwanghwamun Intersection in Seoul. /Courtesy of News1

There is also rain in the forecast. On this day, some areas of Yeongdong in Gangwon and the East Coast and northeastern mountains of North Gyeongsang will see rain, expanding to eastern South Gyeongsang in the afternoon. Light drops under 0.1 millimeter may fall in Jeju's mountains, southern Yeongseo in Gangwon, northern North Chungcheong, and inland North Gyeongsang. Forecast precipitation for Oct. 20–21 is ▲ Yeongdong, Gangwon, 10–40 millimeters ▲ North Gyeongsang's northern East Coast and northeastern mountains 5–30 millimeters. Expected snowfall is around 1 centimeter in high mountains (elevation 1,200 meters or higher) in northern Gangwon.

Meanwhile, a high wind warning is in effect for Ulleungdo and Dokdo, and a high wind advisory has been issued for the five West Sea islands; Taean, Dangjin, Seosan, Boryung, Seosan, Seocheon, and Hongseong in South Chungcheong; coastal South Jeolla, Yeongam, Muan, Hampyeong, Yeonggwang, Mokpo, Sinan (excluding Heuksan-myeon), Jindo, Heuksando, and Hongdo; Gochang, Buan, Gunsan, and Gimje in North Jeolla; and Ongjin in Incheon. Most seas are under a high seas advisory.

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