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[Weather] Cold wave continues, more snow from tomorrow afternoon

2025/02/05 20:00

The cold wave is raging again today. The temperature in Seoul only moved up to minus 5 degrees Celsius even during the daytime and the feels-like temperature stayed at nearly minus 13 degrees. With cold wave warnings and advisories in place nationwide, this cold spell will be seen tomorrow across the country. Please dress extra warm when you go outside. In these Arctic conditions, snow will continue on the west coast and Jeju Island until tomorrow morning. From tomorrow afternoon, more snow will continue throughout the country, including the Seoul metropolitan area. Tomorrow, Seoul will start off at minus 12 degrees and Daejeon at minus 11 degrees. Highs will move up to zero degrees in Seoul, 3 degrees in Gwangju and Daegu. This extreme cold spell is expected to continue until early next week. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

S. Korean Embassy in Greece urges caution after hundreds of earthquakes hit Santorini

2025/02/05 20:00

The South Korean Embassy in Greece is advising caution to any South Korean nationals in Santorini. The embassy posted the alert on its website on Wednesday, urging nationals to consider that there could be further damage caused by aftershocks or other strong earthquakes. It also advised not to visit ports, and to stay alert for potential landslides and tsunamis. So far, there have been no reports of South Korean nationals affected by the earthquakes.

Thousands leave Santorini amid earthquakes

2025/02/05 20:00

Thousands of people are fleeing the Greek island of Santorini, as a result of a series of earthquakes. The mass exodus has left the island nearly empty. Lee Seung-jae has the details. The picturesque Greek island of Santorini is a world-famous tourist destination. It also has some 20-thousand residents. Now, thousands are fleeing the island, as it has experienced hundreds of earthquakes in just a few days. Around 550 earthquakes of magnitude 3 or above have been recorded since Sunday, with experts saying the tremors could continue for weeks. As February is the off-peak season for tourists on the Greek island, most of the people evacuating Santorini are residents. "Our Santorini is shaking every 10 minutes on average. A lot of earthquakes, there is concern." Authorities have closed schools until Friday, and have also warned against any large indoor gatherings on the island. Some have opted to sleep inside their cars, over fears that a bigger earthquake would destroy their homes. Local residents say all shops have been closed, and the island is virtually empty, leaving them with no choice but to leave the island. On Sunday a magnitude 4-point-8 earthquake struck 18 kilometers southwest of Amorgos Island. Less than an hour later, a magnitude 4-point-7 earthquake shook Amorgos and nearby islands, including Santorini. In 1956, a magnitude 7-point-5 earthquake struck near Santorini, killing 53 people and injuring more than 100. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

[Weather] Cold wave continues, more snow from tomorrow afternoon

2025/02/05 17:00

With the nationwide cold wave warnings, temperatures below minus 20 degrees Celsius were recorded in Gyeonggi-do, Gangwon-do and Jeollabuk-do Provinces this morning. Seoul was severely cold at minus 12 degrees in the morning and rose up to only minus 5 degrees even in the middle of the day today. This cold wave will freeze the whole country tomorrow. Heavy snow has been falling on the west coast for three days already. While a heavy snow warning has been issued in Yeonggwang in Jeollanam-do Province, snow will continue on the west coast and Jeju Island until tomorrow morning and then lull for a while. Tomorrow, Seoul will start off at minus 12 degrees and Chuncheon at minus 17 degrees. Highs will move up to zero degrees in Seoul, 2 degrees in Daejeon and Gyeongju. Another round of snow will make a quick return from tomorrow afternoon in many areas including the Seoul metropolitan area. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

[Weather] Dangerously cold day with snow in Jeolla-do

2025/02/05 10:00

After the long Seollal holiday last week, Korea is in the grip of a deep freeze, making a rougher week for many of us in Korea. Dangerously cold temperatures continue nationwide. Factor in the wind, and it feels even colder. Blustery winds and heavy snowfall are also making for hazardous travel conditions, especially along the west coast and Jeju Island. Some areas are getting a significant amount of snow accumulation. Jeolla-do Province and surrounding areas could see up to 15 centimeters of snowfall through tomorrow morning. Heavy snow alerts remain in place for those regions and Jeju, so if you're traveling to these areas, be prepared for delays. Seoul stays under sunny skies with a high of minus 5 degrees, and Busan at 3 degrees. The east coast is under a strong and dry weather advisory, so fire precaution is a must. This cold snap isn't going anywhere. The big freeze will stick around through the weekend. Until then, bundle up, and limit time outdoors. Stay warm and safe!

Record snowfall in northern Japan

2025/02/05 10:00

Finally, to Japan where the country's northern island of Hokkaido saw record-breaking snowfall on Tuesday. The city of Obihiro recorded some 120 centimeters of snow within a 12-hour period, setting a new national record for the most snowfall in that time. The Japan Meteorological Agency attributed the extreme weather to two powerful low-pressure systems channeling cold air into the region. Numerous flights have been canceled, while roads, train services, and 370 schools have been closed as a result. Residents and visitors have been advised to practice caution and carry shovels and warm clothing in their vehicles.

Thousands leave Santorini amid earthquakes

2025/02/05 10:00

Thousands of people are fleeing the Greek island of Santorini, a world-famous tourist destination, as a result of an unprecedented series of earthquakes. The mass exodus has left the island nearly empty. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News. The picturesque Greek island of Santorini is a world-famous tourist destination. It also has some 20-thousand residents. Now, thousands are fleeing the island, as it has experienced hundreds of earthquakes in just a few days. Around 550 earthquakes of magnitude 3 or above have been recorded since Sunday, with experts saying the tremors could continue for weeks. As February is the off-peak season for tourists on the Greek island, most of the people evacuating Santorini are residents. "Our Santorini is shaking every 10 minutes on average. A lot of earthquakes, there is concern." Authorities have closed schools until Friday, and have also warned against any large indoor gatherings on the island. Some have opted to sleep inside their cars, over fears that a bigger earthquake would destroy their homes. Local residents say all shops have been closed, and the island is virtually empty, leaving them with no choice but to leave the island. On Sunday a magnitude 4-point-8 earthquake struck 18 kilometers southwest of Amorgos Island. Less than an hour later, a magnitude 4-point-7 earthquake shook Amorgos and nearby islands, including Santorini. In 1956, a magnitude 7-point-5 earthquake struck near Santorini, killing 53 people and injuring more than 100. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

[Weather] Cold spell across the country, heavy snow on the west coast

2025/02/04 20:00

There is a strong cold spell all over the country. Cold wave warnings and advisories are in effect in most parts of the country with freezing conditions. The coldest place this morning was Mountain Seorak, where temperatures plummeted to nearly minus 23 degrees Celsius. This cold spell will be seen tomorrow as well. As the heavy snow warnings continue to expand, snow will become thicker on the west cost of Chungcheongnam-do Province. Heavy snow of as much as 40 centimeters will fall in the mountainous areas of Jeju Island, and more than 30 centimeters in Jeollabuk-do Province by Thursday. Tomorrow morning, Seoul will be as cold as today, dropping to minus 12 degrees, Daegu and Gyeongju at minus 9 degrees. Seoul will move up to minus 5 degrees, and Gwangju will move up to minus 1 degree. This cold spell will continue throughout the week. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

[Weather] Cold wave reaches its peak, heavy snow on west coast

2025/02/04 17:00

With the first cold wave warning issued in Seoul this year, the cold wave reached its peak nationwide today. The coldest place this morning was Mountain Seorak, where temperatures plummeted to nearly minus 23 degrees Celsius. While the cold wave warnings continue to be expanded, this cold spell will freeze the country tomorrow as well. As this powerful cold wave passes through the West Sea, heavy snow clouds formed around the west coast areas and Jeju Island. Even more snow is expected from dawn tomorrow. By Thursday, heavy snow of 40 centimeters or more is expected in the mountainous areas of Jeju Island, and more than 30 centimeters in Jeollabuk-do Province. Tomorrow morning, Seoul will be as cold as today, dropping to minus 12 degrees, Gwangju and Busan at minus 6 degrees. Seoul will move up to minus 5 degrees, and Chuncheon will move up to minus 4 degrees. Freezing cold weather will remain this whole week. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

[Weather] Deep freeze across Korea with season's first snow warning in the capital

2025/02/04 09:00

Just when we thought we were stepping into spring with longer daylight hours and more bearable temperatures the coldest air of the season has moved into the country. A cold wave warning has been issued for the first time this winter in the capital area. The wind chill makes it feel closer to minus 17 degrees Celsius in Seoul, so bundle up tight all day. On top of that, heavy snowfall is expected in many of the western regions. More than 40 centimeters of snow is in store for mountainous regions on Jeju, up to 30 centimeters in Jeollabuk-do Province into Thursday. Seoul stays under clear skies with a high of minus 6 degrees, Busan and Jeju are also getting trapped in cold weather. Snow is in the forecast on Thursday in the capital. Meanwhile, the cold wave alert should remain in effect for most parts of the country for the rest of the week and into the weekend. Make sure to dress in layers and protect yourself from the harsh wind. If possible, limit your time outdoors and keep warm!

People leave Santorini after increase in seismic activity

2025/02/04 10:00

Over in Greece, the tourist island of Santorini, is on alert after more than 200 undersea earthquakes were recorded between February 1 and 3. The most substantial quake, a magnitude 4.8, occurred on Monday local time, leading to landslides and rockslides on the island. In response, authorities have closed schools in related areas, advised residents and tourists to avoid abandoned buildings, and issued tsunami warnings. Emergency teams, including rescue units and medical personnel, have been deployed as a precaution. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, has urged residents to stay calm and adhere to protection guidelines. The frequency and intensity of the recent quakes have led to many residents to temporarily leave the island.

[Weather] Cold wave warnings issued across the country, snow is forecast

2025/02/03 20:00

Even though today is 'Ipchun' on the solar calendar, which means the beginning of spring, cold wave advisories and warnings have been issued all over the country. Even in the middle of the day today, temperatures stayed below zero degrees Celsius in the Seoul metropolitan area. Starting with the Jeolla-do provinces, snow will expand to the west coast of Chungcheongnam-do Province tonight. Heavy snow of up to 25 centimeters is expected in Jeollabuk-do Province. On the west coast, snow is expected to become thick from dawn tomorrow. Please take extra precautions. Most of this snowfall will continue until Thursday, and until the weekend in the southwest and Jeju Island. Tomorrow, Seoul will be as cold as minus 13 degrees in the morning. Daejeon and Gyeongju at minus 9 degrees. Daily highs will only move up to minus 5 in Seoul, Chuncheon will reach minus 4 degrees. The cold wave will continue this whole week. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

[Weather] Cold wave warnings, snow forecast all over the country

2025/02/03 17:00

On the very first Monday of February, an untimely cold wave has come around. As a strong cold wave moves south from the north, cold wave advisories and warnings are in place all over the country. Even in the middle of the day today, temperatures remained below zero degrees Celsius in the Seoul metropolitan area. In addition, starting with the Jeolla-do provinces, snow will spread to the west coast of Chungcheongnam-do Province tonight. Heavy snow of up to 25 centimeters is expected in Jeollabuk-do Province and up to 15 centimeters is also predicted on the west coast of Chungcheongnam-do Province and rest of the southwest. Most of this snowfall will continue until Thursday, and until the weekend in the southwest and on Jeju Island. Tomorrow, Seoul will be as cold as minus 13 degrees in the morning. Gwangju and Busan at minus 6 degrees. Daily highs will only move up to minus 5 in Seoul, Daejeon will reach minus 3 degrees. This cold wave will remain throughout this whole week. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

[Weather] Brutal cold snap for week of Ipchun

2025/02/03 10:00

Today is Ipchun, the start of spring on the seasonal calendar but brace for the coldest week of the season, forget about the weekend's warmth. A cold wave advisory was re-issued for the upper parts of Korea. Tomorrow morning it will feel like minus 20 degrees Celsius in the capital. Gangwon-do and southern provinces are seeing a mix of rain and snow this morning, it will snow up to 1 centimeter. Then heavy snow will return to Jeolla-do Provinces from late this evening, piling up to 25 centimeters until Wednesday, Chungcheong-do could see more than 15 centimeters of massive snowfall. The capital and Gyeongsang-do Province will be under sunny skies, but biting winds will add more chill to the air. Seoul gets up to minus 2 degrees, 9 degrees lower than yesterday, Daegu at 2 degrees. Jeju and Jeolla-do should receive snow possibly into the weekend. Meanwhile, a rapid drop in readings will be no joke with this whole week looking to be a freezing one. It's going to be a long week. Bundle up tight.

[Weather] Warmer weekend before major cold snap next week

2025/01/31 20:00

Snowy weather continued on this last day of January, making travel difficult on the roads. Rain will move into the southwest tonight and gradually spread to the rest of the central and southern regions on Saturday. Meanwhile, Jeju and Gyeongsang-do Provinces could see rain until Sunday, with Jeju expecting heavier showers of up to 70 millimeters. Some areas in Jeolla-do and Gyeongsang-do provinces may also see snow. Seoul will stay dry this weekend, and temperatures will climb well above seasonal norms. However, much colder weather is on the way next week. Looking at tomorrow's temperatures, Seoul starts off at minus 2 degrees Celsius, while Daejeon begins the day at 1 degree. Afternoon highs will reach 7 degrees in Seoul and 8 degrees on Daegu. Although the seasonal calendar shows next Monday as Ipchun, the start of spring, it will feel more like midwinter with freezing temperatures ahead. That's Korea for you, here's a look at the weather conditions around the world.

Snow in central regions through this evening, warmer weekend

2025/01/31 17:00

On and off flurries and sleet were pounding down on this last day of January, making travel on the roads tougher. There will be rain in the southwest tonight, gradually spreading to the rest of the central and southern parts of Korea on Saturday. Meanwhile, Jeju and Gyeongsang-do provinces could see rain until Sunday with heavier rain in the forecast on Jeju with up to 70 millimeters. Parts of Jeolla-do and Gyeongsang-do provinces could see snow as well. Seoul will be free from precipitation this weekend and warmth returns with highs going way above seasonal norms. But icy weather is ahead of us next week. Checking on tomorrow's temperatures first, Seoul starts the day at minus 2 degrees Celsius, Daegu and Gwangju at 3 degrees. Then Seoul gets up to 7 degrees, Jeju makes it to 14 degrees. The seasonal calendar may say next Monday is Ipchun, the start of spring, but it will feel more like mid-winter with freezing temperatures. That's Korea for you, here's a look at the international weather conditions.

[Weather] Snow and rain in central areas, rise in highs

2025/01/31 10:00

The long Seollal holiday has passed in a blink of an eye, but the snowy and freezing weather made the travel harsh in many parts of the country over the holiday. Snowy conditions continue in central parts of Korea. Between 1 and 5 centimeters of snow are in store throughout the day. Northern parts of Gyeongsangbuk-do Province will see a mix of rain and snow today. Holiday snow hasn't completely melted yet on the sidewalks, so please walk and drive with care. The cold snap has eased, afternoon highs will be 1 to 5 degrees higher today, getting up to 2 degrees Celsius in the capital and Chuncheon, Daegu and Busan top out at 10 degrees. Weekend weather looks promising with warmth but there could be more wintry precipitation across Korea. Then there will be a major cold snap next week, mornings will drop down to below minus 10 degrees Celsius in the capital despite Monday marking Ipchun, the onset of spring, on the seasonal calendar. Get ready for freezing morning commute next week.

Ongoing heavy snow causes flight cancellations during Seollal holiday

2025/01/28 18:00

South Korea is seeing heavy snow this Seollal holiday, causing numerous flight and ferry cancellations, as well as road accidents across the nation. Our Lee Soo-jin starts us off. Heavy snow is blanketing South Korea this Seollal holiday. According to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters on Tuesday, heavy snow warnings have been issued across the nation including for the cities of Daejeon and Sejong, and for Gyeonggi-do, Gangwon-do, and Jeollabuk-do provinces. A heavy snow warning is issued when snowfall is forecast to exceed 20 centimeters over a 24-hour period. As of 12 PM on Tuesday, the snowfall accumulated since midnight on January 27th in certain districts in Seoul has reached nearly 16 centimeters. Meanwhile, more than 40 centimeters was seen in Jincheon-gun County situated in the central part of the country. The heavy snow has led to the cancellation of one-hundred-eleven flights as of 11 AM, including 68 at Incheon Airport and 16 at Jeju Airport. And passenger ferry services for 96 vessels on 73 routes including those between Yeosu City and Geomundo Island have faced disruptions. The Korea Railroad Corporation, also announced that KTX trains on certain lines will be operating at reduced speeds for safety on Tuesday. And not only is the snow expected to persist, but the subzero temperatures are likely to cause it to freeze. On Wednesday, the actual day of Seollal, morning temperatures are forecast to reach minus seven degrees, with feels-like temperatures falling to minus 12 degrees. With the ongoing heavy snowfall, there have been numerous traffic accidents. At around 9 PM on Monday, a van fell off the roadside in Yeongwol County in Gangwon-do Province, and earlier that day, there was a vehicle collision on an expressway heading towards the city of Gangneung, injuring nine people who had to be transported to hospital. And on Tuesday at 11:40 AM, a bus collided with a cargo truck on the Honam Expressway, a major expressway that runs through the southwest of the country, injuring six people. Lee Soo-jin, Arirang News.

Heavy snow blankets S. Korea during Seollal holiday

2025/01/28 12:00

South Korea is seeing heavy snow this Seollal holiday, causing even more traffic congestion and road accidents. Our Lee Soo-jin has the details. Heavy snow is blanketing South Korea this Seollal holiday. The Korea Meteorological Administration on Tuesday issued a heavy snow warning for the city of Suwon as well as eight other areas in Gyeonggi-do Province, an area that borders the capital city Seoul. Heavy snow warnings had already been issued for six areas within the province. A heavy snow warning is issued when snowfall is forecast to exceed 20 centimeters over a 24-hour period. But it's not just Gyeonggi-do Province that is seeing large amounts of snow. On Hallasan Mountain on Jeju Island, snow has reached a whopping 120 centimeters, the height of a young child. And in the county of Muju-gun in Jeollabuk-do Province situated in the central-southern part of the country, snow has surpassed 80 centimeters. Certain districts in Seoul, meanwhile, have also seen almost 14 centimeters of snowfall. Not only is the snow expected to persist, but the subzero temperatures are likely to cause it to freeze. As of 8AM,.. temperatures in Seoul fell to minus 4-point-4 degrees Celsius while even the southeastern coastal city of Busan saw temperatures fall below zero. The heavy snow is also causing traffic delays on highways across the nation, particularly as tomorrow is the actual day of Seollal. It usually takes around five hours to drive from Seoul to Busan, but according to the Korea Expressway Corporation, as of 8 AM, the estimated journey time for that route is 7 hours and 20 minutes. The agency also said that peak traffic congestion is expected at around 12 PM and 1 PM with conditions easing around 8 PM or 9 PM. It urged drivers to drive cautiously due to the slippery roads. The Korea Railroad Corporation, announced that KTX trains on certain lines will be operating at reduced speeds for safety on Tuesday. Since Monday, numerous road accidents have occurred due to the snow. At around 9 PM, a van fell off the roadside in Yeongwol County in Gangwon-do Province, and earlier during the day, there was an 11-vehicle collision on an expressway heading towards the city of Gangneung ,.. injuring nine people who had to be transported to hospital. Lee Soo-jin, Arirang News.

Heavy snowfall leads to severe traffic congestion on third day of Lunar New Year holiday

2025/01/27 18:00

It's a snowy third day of the Lunar New Year holiday, with a heavy snow warning issued across many regions, causing traffic delays. The Korea Expressway Corporation estimates that a total of 4-point-8 million vehicles are on the move today nationwide. The estimated travel time by car from Seoul is 6 hours to Busan, 5 hours to Daegu, and a little over 3 hours to Gangneung as of 5 PM. Traffic congestion is expected to clear by around 1AM or 2 AM on Tuesday. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety has issued heavy snow warnings for central parts of the country, Jeju, Jeollabuk-do, and Gyeongsangbuk-do provinces. It has activated the first level of the response system, and also raised the crisis alert level for heavy snow, from "attention" to "caution." Also, according to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, 10 flights were canceled as of 11 AM, due to heavy snow. The air quality in the central and western regions is also poor due to the first yellow dust of the winter.