Mon Mar 17 04:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Late-Winter Cold Snap Brings Snow and Strong Winds to South Korea
**Seoul, South Korea (March 17, 2024)** – A sudden cold snap has swept across most of South Korea, bringing freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall to some mountainous regions. The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) warned that sub-zero temperatures will persist until March 19th.
Early morning temperatures on March 17th dipped below freezing across the country, with Seoul recording -0.7 degrees Celsius, Incheon -0.2 degrees Celsius, and other cities reporting similarly low temperatures. The KMA expects temperatures to remain below average for the coming days, particularly in the eastern and inland regions.
Heavy snow, with accumulation rates of 1-3 centimeters per hour (up to 5cm per hour in some mountainous areas), is affecting Gangwon and North Gyeongsang provinces, where heavy snowfall warnings remain in effect. Snow accumulation is expected to reach 5-15 centimeters in mountainous areas, with lesser amounts in other regions. The KMA also forecasts strong winds, with gusts exceeding 72 kilometers per hour expected in coastal areas and up to 90 km/h in mountainous areas of Jeju Island. Rain or snow is also expected to begin in the west of the country later in the evening.
Despite the inclement weather, air quality is expected to remain good to moderate across the country. The KMA advises residents to take precautions against the cold and strong winds.