Cold snap hits Seoul as temperature falls to minus 11.8°C on Boxing Day

Winter is in full swing in South Korea as the temperature in Seoul dipped to as low as minus 11.8°C on the morning of Dec. 26.

This is the lowest recorded temperature this season, The Korea Herald wrote, citing the Korea Meteorological Administration.

Strong winds pushed wind chill temperatures even lower, reaching minus 20°C.

Below-zero days are expected to continue throughout the day across the country.

Daytime highs in Seoul, Chuncheon and Gangwon province will only reach around minus 4°C.

In some regions like Ulleungdo and Dokdo, snowfall will intensify the cold temperatures.

Mountainous areas in Jeju are expected to receive five to 10 centimetres of snow.

The cold spell is forecast to last until Saturday (Dec. 27) morning, Yonhap News Agency wrote.

The cold already set in across Seoul on Christmas day, but it did little to dampen Christmas festivities as crowds were seen at popular spots like Myeong-dong and Coex Malls' Starfield Library, The Korea Herald reported.

Top image by Yonhap News Agency via The Korea Herald