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Temperatures in South Korea inland areas drop below freezing due to cold snap
Temperatures are expected to return to seasonal norms by Wednesday.
November 04, 2025, 10:39 AM
South Korea was freezing as a cold snap plunged inland regions to sub-zero temperatures on Nov. 3.
Cold wave warnings have been issued by the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) for most inland areas, including northeastern and southwestern Seoul, after temperatures dropped 5 to 10°C from the day before.
Gyeonggi Province’s Paju area dropped to negative 3.8°C and the central observatory in Seoul’s Jongno District recorded a low of 0.5°C on early Monday morning, The Korea Herald reported.
However, localised readings in Eunpyeong and Gwanak saw the mercury drop to below freezing.
Forecasted daytime highs will range from 11°C to 18°C and nighttime lows are projected to be between 1°C and 11°C.
High pressure system
This early winter surprise is driven by winds from a continental high-pressure system moving from northern China.
This has also caused strong winds and high waves in coastal areas.
As such, maritime warnings were also issued. Strong winds and rough seas off Jeju Island and Ulsan are expected with wind speeds reaching 30 to 65 kilometres per hour and wave heights of two to four meters.
Despite low estimates for November, temperatures are projected to be restored to seasonal norms by Wednesday, according to the KMA.
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