Fri Dec 19 11:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Weekend Weather: Light Rain Saturday Followed by a Sunday Cold Snap

Seoul, South Korea – South Korea is bracing for a weekend of contrasting weather, with light rain expected across the nation on Saturday, followed by a sharp drop in temperatures on Sunday. According to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), a passing pressure trough will bring scattered showers of approximately 5mm nationwide on Saturday, with Jeju Island potentially seeing 5-20mm.

“While the rainfall itself poses minimal risk, we are concerned about the rapid temperature drop following the precipitation,” stated Lee Chang-jae, KMA weather analyst, during a briefing on Friday. “This will likely lead to icy patches and black ice on roads, requiring increased vigilance.”

The anticipated rain is primarily due to a pressure trough moving between high-pressure systems located to the east and west of the Korean Peninsula. The influx of warm, southwesterly winds will keep temperatures above freezing in most areas, minimizing the chance of snow except possibly in the highest mountainous regions.

However, the reprieve from the cold will be short-lived. On Sunday, a continental high-pressure system will expand, bringing cold air southward and causing a significant temperature drop. Seoul’s morning low is predicted to plummet to -3°C (27°F), while Cheorwon could see lows of -7°C (19°F), a decrease of roughly 10 degrees Celsius (18 degrees Fahrenheit) compared to the previous day. The KMA indicated that a cold weather alert may be issued for western regions.

Despite the sudden drop, overall temperatures are expected to remain within normal seasonal ranges, reducing the likelihood of a severe cold wave warning. The KMA is urging drivers and pedestrians to exercise extreme caution due to the potential for hazardous icy conditions.

Looking ahead, another pressure trough is expected to pass through the country around December 23rd and 24th, bringing more rain across the nation. While Seoul is likely to experience rain due to relatively warmer temperatures, higher elevations in Gangwon Province may see rain or snow.

Good news for those hoping for a White Christmas: The KMA predicts clear skies nationwide on Christmas Day, December 25th, as the country comes under the influence of a high-pressure system. “We anticipate relatively mild weather with no rain or snow for Christmas,” concluded the KMA.

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