South Korea is enduring a severe cold wave continuing after Christmas Day, with Seoul's temperature plunging to minus 11 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, the mountainous Kangwon area is the coldest, with temperatures dropping below minus 21 degrees. Authorities have issued a cold wave warning for the entire province.
On 26 Dec 2025 GMT+7, Yonhap News Agency reported that South Korea is experiencing a severe and ongoing cold snap following Christmas. The Korea Meteorological Administration stated that morning temperatures in Seoul fell to minus 11 degrees Celsius, Incheon recorded minus 10.5 degrees, Gwangju minus 5.5 degrees, and the port city of Busan minus 4.8 degrees Celsius.
The report noted that in the mountainous region, Mount Hyangnobong in eastern Kangwon Province is facing the most intense cold, with temperatures dropping to minus 21.3 degrees Celsius and an apparent temperature (wind chill) as low as minus 35.3 degrees Celsius.
The meteorological authority issued a Cold Wave Alert covering all of Kangwon Province, advising residents to be cautious of the severe cold, especially the elderly and those working outdoors.
The report also indicated that, nationwide, daytime temperatures are expected to rise slightly, ranging from minus 7 to minus 2 degrees Celsius. Additionally, light snowfall is forecast along the northern and southern Jeolla coastlines and on Jeju Island, a popular tourist destination.
Source: Yonhap