On the 22nd, the winter solstice on the seasonal calendar, most regions nationwide will drop below freezing from the morning and be very cold. However, the cold will gradually ease from the afternoon, with highs expected to be similar to or slightly higher than average.
According to the Korea meteorological Administration on the 21st, morning lows nationwide on the 22nd are forecast at -10 to 0 degrees. By region, expected morning lows are Seoul, Incheon, Cheongju, and Jeonju -5 degrees; Suwon, Wonju, Daejeon, and Sejong -6 degrees; Chuncheon -7 degrees; Gangneung -1 degree; Gwangju -3 degrees; Busan 0 degrees; Ulsan -2 degrees; and Daegu -4 degrees.
In particular, compared with the morning of the day before, morning temperatures in the southern regions will be 5 to 10 degrees lower, making it feel even colder. Inland areas are expected to be around -5 degrees, and some inland mountainous areas of Gangwon around -10 degrees.
The Korea meteorological Administration urged caution for drivers and pedestrians, noting that icy patches often form on side streets and alleyways where temperatures are low, as well as on bridges, tunnel entrances, slopes, and shaded roads.
On Jeju Island, excluding the mountainous areas, winds will be very strong through dawn on the 22nd. Strong winds are also expected over the seas around Jeju, the far offshore waters of the southeastern South Sea, and the East Sea except off Ulsan, with waves of 1 to 4 meters. Along the east coast, high waves are expected to crash forcefully onto beaches and in places overtop rock reefs and breakwaters.