News

[Weather] Fine dust across the country, warmer conditions tomorrow

2025/03/12 20:00

With cloudy conditions across the country, there was light rain in the Seoul metropolitan area, western parts of Gangwon-do Province, and Jeju Island today. The daytime temperature in Seoul rose up to 11 degrees Celsius, a bit lower than yesterday. It will rise back to 14 degrees tomorrow feeling like early April. However, in addition to fine dust, yellow dust will arrive overnight. Therefore, the concentration of fine dust will stay at "bad" levels in most parts of the country tomorrow. In Incheon, Sejong, and the Chungcheong-do provinces, "very bad" levels of fine dust will cover the skies. Tomorrow morning will be very similar to today. Seoul and Daejeon will start off at 3 degrees and Jeju at 8 degrees. Daily highs will move up to 15 degrees in Chuncheon, Daejeon and Gwangju, 16 degrees in Gyeongju and Busan. There is rain forecast nationwide on Sunday with a cold snap. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

[Weather] Bad air quality will last this week, temperatures as warm as early April

2025/03/12 17:00

With the whole country cloudy today, it rained a little in the Seoul metropolitan area, western parts of Gangwon-do Province and Jeju Island. From tomorrow to the weekend, the weather will continue to be as warm as early April with Seoul rising up to 14 degrees Celsius tomorrow. However, due to the yellow dust overnight, the concentration of fine dust will stay at "bad" levels in most parts of the country tomorrow. Incheon, Sejong, and the Chungcheong-do provinces will have "very bad" levels of fine dust. Please wear a protective mask when you go outside. Tomorrow morning will be very similar to today. Seoul and Daejeon will start off at 3 degrees and Busan at 7 degrees. Daily highs will move up to 15 degrees in Chuncheon, Daejeon and Gwangju, 17 degrees in Daegu. On Sunday, there is rain forecast across the country along with a cold snap. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

[Weather] Dusty air continues with yellow dust to blow in

2025/03/12 10:00

Amazing to notice what mother nature is capable of, it was only couple of weeks ago we were holding on to winter jackets but yesterday's afternoon warmth made it feel like hotter weather was just around the corner. As for today, highs will go down more than 5 degrees in the capital and the rest of the upper regions. There will be afternoon spotty rain in the upper regions and Jeju. The amount won't be much but those of us in the capital area will be trapped in high levels of fine dust again so make sure to keep an umbrella handy to avoid dusty rain. Stagnant air flow is the main cause of dusty air this morning, plus yellow dust will blow into the entire country affecting western regions first as early as this afternoon. Tomorrow will be dustier. Afternoon highs will be 1 to 5 degrees lower today, with Seoul at 11 degrees. Daegu is still warm at 18 degrees. Temperatures will stay above seasonal norms through Saturday then nationwide spring rain on Sunday will bring a drop in temperatures next week.

[Weather] Warm spring conditions with fine dust across the country

2025/03/11 20:00

As the weather is getting warmer and the atmosphere stays stagnant, the concentration of fine dust increases. The first "high-concentration fine dust emergency reduction measures" of this spring were implemented today. In addition, ultra-fine dust warnings have also been issued in some areas. High concentrations of fine dust will continue tomorrow. There will be additional smog from overseas tomorrow night. There is a possibility that yellow dust will gradually flow in as well. Take special care of your health throughout the week. Tomorrow morning will start mild all over the country with Seoul at 6 degrees Celsius, Daejeon and Daegu at 5 degrees. Highs will move up to 13 degrees in Seoul and Chuncheon, 17 degrees in Daegu. Mild temperatures of more than 5 degrees above the average will continue for the time being. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

[Weather] Dusty air with warm weather similar to late March to early April

2025/03/11 17:00

Warm weather that feels like late March to early April continued during the day today. However, in the Seoul metropolitan area, the first "high-concentration fine dust emergency reduction measures" of this spring are implemented until tonight. In addition, ultra-fine dust warnings were issued in southwestern Gyeonggi-do Province, including Incheon and Suwon. This stuffy air is expected to continue until Thursday, especially in the central parts of the country including Seoul. In addition to the stagnant atmosphere, there will be additional smog from overseas tomorrow night. There is a possibility that yellow dust will gradually be added to the dusty air. Tomorrow morning will start mild all over the country with Seoul at 6 degrees Celsius and Gwangju at 7 degrees. Highs will move up to 13 degrees in Seoul and Chuncheon, 18 degrees in Gyeongju. In the second half of the week, it will be as warm as mid-April with Seoul rising up to 17 degrees. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

First emergency fine dust reduction measures issued this spring for metropolitan area

2025/03/11 10:00

Spring's first emergency fine dust reduction measures have been issued for South Korea's metropolitan region. The Ministry of Environment issued the emergency measures on Tuesday due to the high concentration of fine dust in Seoul, Gyeonggi-do Province and Incheon areas between 6 AM and 9 PM. With the measures in place, grade-five emissions vehicles will be prohibited from operating, while work at construction sites must be scaled back. A high level of fine dust is expected to continue until Thursday due to an inflow of yellow dust from China.

[Short-form] Korea’s battle against fine dust

2025/03/11 14:00

Discover how Korea fights off this unwelcome guest every winter

[Kulture Issue] Places to travel in Seoul, in spring and solo

2025/03/11 14:00

Spring has arrived. Temperatures here in Korea are now hovering in the teens during the peak of the day. This means, lighter clothes, more outdoor activities and more traveling, either with family, friends or ALONE. Today, we invite tourism expert Darryl Bilbao, former PR Global Manager at the Seoul Tourism Organization into the studio, to have a chat on traveling in Seoul, especially alone. Welcome Darryl! 1) Darryl, please introduce yourself to the Kulture Wave viewers. 2) It’s a perfect time to talk about tourism and travel. It’s not only gotten warmer recently here in Korea, but travel figures are looking good. Especially here in the capital Seoul, the number of foreign tourists climbed past 12 million last year (12.12 mil.), close to the highest ever figure in 2019 (12.47 mil.), so before the pandemic. What are the reasons behind this surge? 3) What makes Seoul so attractive as a travel spot? 4) Darryl, you worked as a global PR manager for the Seoul Tourism Organization. You must have communicated a lot with foreign tourists. What are some memorable things they had to say about their trip to Seoul? 5) In recent years there has been a rising trend of doing things alone. “Honhaeng” meaning traveling alone is one of those. And amid that trend, Seoul recently has also been ranked as the number one city for solo travel by travel platform Tripadvisor. Why is that and do you agree that Seoul is a great place to visit solo? 6) Could you recommend any top spots to visit alone in Seoul this spring season? 7) As a tourism expert, maybe some last tips for solo travelers who choose Seoul as their next travel destination?

[Weather] Early spring conditions continue, ultra-fine dust in the west

2025/03/06 20:00

This morning, temperatures started at below zero degrees across the country. However, the daytime temperature rose to around 10 degrees Celsius in Seoul, feeling a lot like early spring. There are huge daily temperature gaps between morning and the middle of the day, so please dress in layers when you go outside. With warmer conditions, an uninvited guest has filled the atmosphere of the western regions. Looking at the ultra-fine dust forecast, Sejong, Chungcheongnam-do Province, Gwangju in Jeollanam-do Province, and Jeollabuk-do Province will have "bad" levels of ultra-fine dust tomorrow. Tomorrow morning will be a bit chilly with Seoul and Gyeongju at zero degrees, Daejeon at minus 2 degrees. Daily highs will be higher than today nationwide. Daejeon, Gwangju, and Jeju will reach 12 degrees. Seoul will rise up to 13 degrees on Sunday, and typical early spring weather will continue for the time being. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

[Weather] Large daily temperature differences, ultra-fine dust in west

2025/03/06 17:00

In most parts of the country, temperatures were below zero degrees this morning, around 1 to 5 degrees lower than yesterday. The daytime temperature in Seoul jumped to 10 degrees Celsius, returning back to early spring conditions. As there are large daily temperatures gaps of around 10 degrees, please take care not to catch a cold. In addition, an uninvited visitor has covered the atmosphere of the western regions. Looking at the ultra-fine dust forecast, Sejong, Chungcheongnam-do Province, Gwangju in Jeollanam-do Province, and Jeollabuk-do Province will have "bad" levels of ultra-fine dust tomorrow. Tomorrow morning will be a bit chilly with Seoul and Gyeongju at zero degrees, Chuncheon at minus 4 degrees. Daily highs will be higher than today across the country. Seoul, Chuncheon, Daegu and Busan will reach 11 degrees. The early spring weather will continue at this time of year for the time being, with the temperature in Seoul rising up to 13 degrees on Sunday. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

[Weather] Welcome back the sunshine with warmer highs

2025/03/06 10:00

After a chilly and gloomy stretch, it's finally time to welcome back the sunshine at least for the western regions. But mornings are still on the chilly to freezing side for many parts of Korea, those in cooler regions like Paju should feel the change. Do dress accordingly before heading out. However, the western parts of Korea and Jeju need to be aware of ultrafine dust levels that could go up respectively from early in the day. It shouldn't be too bad but keep a face mask handy. Afternoon highs will be similar to slightly higher than yesterday topping out at 10 degrees in Seoul as well as other major cities, there could be spotty rain in the afternoon in some of the east coast regions under cloudy skies. Speaking of rain, Jeju will see frequent rain for the next 5 days! The much-awaited spring is knocking on the door, and Korea is finally starting to feel it as temperatures keep climbing. We could have a high of 15 degrees Celsius by next Tuesday here in Seoul.

Indonesia uses cloud seeding to combat severe flooding

2025/03/06 10:00

Indonesia is using cloud seeding technology to mitigate severe flooding in the capital, Jakarta, and surrounding areas. The heavy rains, which began on Monday, local time have left at least one person dead and forced thousands to evacuate. Officials warn that the downpours could continue until next Tuesday. and have implemented precautionary measures to minimize further damage. One of those measures is cloud seeding, where salt or other chemicals are released into clouds to induce rainfall. Authorities are using cloud seeding to divert rain away from flood-affected areas or prevent the formation of heavier downpours.

[Weather] Typical early spring weather will continue for time being

2025/03/05 20:00

Today is the start of the traditional calendar's third season of spring, "Gyeongchip." Even though the morning was cold, the temperature in Seoul rose to 9 degrees Celsius during the day. Tomorrow, it will rise to 10 degrees, returning to typical early spring conditions nationwide. In the meantime, all of the heavy snow warnings are lifted in the eastern parts of Gangwon-do Province. However, the east coast of Gangwon-do Province, Jeolla-do provinces, and western parts of Gyeongsangnam-do Province will have rain or snow until tonight. The expected snowfall is about 1 to 5 centimeters. Tomorrow morning, Busan will start off at 2 degrees, Chuncheon at minus 4 degrees. Daily highs will move up to around 9 to 10 degrees across the country. The snow will continue until dawn tomorrow on Jeju Island, and it will get warmer next week. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

[Weather] Cold relief, typical early spring weather will continue

2025/03/05 17:00

Today marks the start of the season of "Gyeongchip" on the traditional calendar, which means everything wakes up for spring. However, it was hard to feel the spring as the temperatures felt like they were below zero degrees this morning in most areas. Seoul rose to 9 degrees Celsius in the middle of the day today, about 5 degrees higher than yesterday. It will rise to 10 degrees in Seoul tomorrow, very similar to today. Meanwhile, it rained and snowed sporadically in many areas, delaying spring. The east coast of Gangwon-do Province, Jeolla-do provinces, and western parts of Gyeongsangnam-do Province will have rain or snow until tonight. About 1 to 5 centimeters of snow is expected. Tomorrow morning, Daejeon will start off at minus 1 degree, Chuncheon at minus 4 degrees. Daily highs will move up to around 9 to 10 degrees all over the country. For the time being, the early spring weather will continue. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

[Weather] Today marks Gyeongchip, most parts in for a pleasant change

2025/03/05 10:00

After some rough winter weather conditions yesterday, we'll be rewarded with spring-like conditions from today. Today is Gyeongchip, the third spring seasonal term, a day of awakening from hibernation. To meet the term, we are in for a pleasant change. Afternoon temperatures are around normal for the time of year, a big rise from yesterday's chilly weather. However, the east of Gangwon-do is still under a heavy snow advisory with up to 15 centimeters of snow expected today. Some of the southern provinces will see spotty rain. The rest of the country will be under rather cloudy skies. Afternoon highs will range from 8 to 10 degrees Celsius this afternoon. Air quality will be good nationwide all day. Looking ahead, this warming trend is set to continue this week under sunnier skies. It will get even warmer next week. But there will be big gaps in readings between lows and highs remember to dress in layers to stay comfortable as temperatures fluctuate.

[Weather] Snow will mostly stop tonight, typical spring conditions will return tomorrow

2025/03/04 20:00

Rain turned into snow today in areas with low temperatures. As the heavy snow advisories and warnings were extended further, heavy snow advisories were also issued in the eastern and southern parts of Seoul. Up to 40 centimeters or more has been falling in the mountainous areas of Gangwon-do Province and up to 30 centimeters in the northeastern mountainous areas of Gyeongsangbuk-do Province. Snow across the country will mostly stop tonight. From tomorrow, which is Gyeongchip on the traditional calendar, the cold will fall back and the normal temperatures for this time of year will be make a return. However, rain and snow will continue until tomorrow on the east coast and Jeju Island. Tomorrow morning, Seoul and Daejeon will start off at zero degrees Celsius, Jeju at 7 degrees. Daily highs will move up to around 10 degrees in Daejeon, Gwangju, Busan and Jeju. Temperatures will increase from tomorrow and stay in double digits throughout the week. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

[Weather] Typical spring conditions across the country, rain and snow on the east coast and Jeju until tomorrow

2025/03/04 17:00

Rain started in the southern parts of the country at dawn today and expanded across the country. Snow has been falling in some central areas including Seoul. Looking at the amount of snowfall, up to 40 centimeters or more will fall in the mountainous areas of Gangwon-do Province and up to 30 centimeters in the northeastern mountainous areas of Gyeongsangbuk-do Province. This snow will mostly stop tonight. From tomorrow, which is Gyeongchip on the traditional calendar, the cold will recede and the normal temperatures for this time of year will be restored. However, rain and snow will continue until tomorrow on the east coast and Jeju Island. Tomorrow morning, Seoul and Daejeon will start off at zero degrees Celsius, Chuncheon at minus 2 degrees. Daily highs will move up to around 10 degrees all over the country. Temperatures will return back to spring conditions throughout this whole week. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

S. Korea hit by heavy snowfall leading to facilities damage, ship cancellations

2025/03/04 17:00

Most parts of Korea witnessed snow and rain starting Tuesday morning and in quite a few places the precipitation will persist into the the late hours of this evening. Dozens of ferries and flights have been canceled and property damage of greenhouses and livestock sheds has been reported. Accordingly the Interior Ministry has raised its alert level from "attention" to "caution". Also as of noon a heavy snow advisory was issued for some regions including eastern Seoul and some parts of eastern Gangwon-do Province. About three centimeters of snow has fallen in Seoul while about seven centimeters of snow accumulated in Ulsan in the southern part of the country. The advisory is issued when more than five centimeters of snow is expected to accumulate within 24 hours.

[Weather] Winter-like conditions back with nationwide wintry mix

2025/03/04 10:00

Just when we thought springtime was well underway, snow and chilly air bring back winter-like conditions. The wintry mix that started in southern provinces will gradually expand to the capital area and Gangwon-do Province. Mountainous regions in Gangwon-do Province could see up to 40 centimeters of snow through tomorrow, Chungcheong-do and Gyeongsangbuk-do Provinces could receive up to 10 centimeters with a heavy snow advisory issued in those areas. Meanwhile, the capital could see 1 to 5 centimeters of snow. A strong wind advisory is in place for Jeju and the south and east coasts. Wind chill will make it feel colder than the readings show. Keep your winter jackets on today, Seoul gets up to 4 degrees, a huge drop from the weekend's warmth Daegu and Gyeongju top out at 5 degrees. A chilly day ahead, but things will gradually warm up starting tomorrow, with a beautiful and pleasant stretch of weather expected under sunnier skies. But there could be evening chaos tonight, be extra careful on the road!

[Weather] Rain and snow forecast nationwide during the Samiljeol holiday

2025/02/28 20:00

The Samiljeol holiday begins tomorrow. There are no worries about the cold, but rain is forecast all over the country. Starting from the Jeolla-do provinces and Jeju Island tomorrow morning, it will spread to the whole country in the afternoon. The amount of rainfall will be 5 to 30 millimeters. Rain will continue on Sunday. This rain will turn into snow in northeastern parts of Gyeonggi-do Province, Gangwon-do Province, and the mountainous areas of northeast Gyeongsangbuk-do Province. Heavy snow of up to 20 centimeters is expected in the mountainous areas of Gangwon-do Province. Please be prepared in advance. Seoul and Gwangju will start off at 5 degrees Celsius tomorrow morning, Gyeongju at 1 degree. Daily highs will move up to 13 degrees in Seoul and Chuncheon, 14 degrees in Daejeon, Gwangju, and Busan. From Monday, the temperatures will return back to typical numbers for the beginning of March. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.