Severe Cold Wave Hits Daehan... Gwangju and Jeonnam Under Cold Wave Advisory

Gwangju Drops to Minus 7 Degrees, Wind Chill Reaches Minus 13
Sub-zero Temperatures to Persist All Week Amid Strong Winds and Snow Forecast

On Daehan, January 20, a cold wave advisory was issued across Gwangju and Jeonnam, with morning temperatures dropping to around minus 7 degrees Celsius. Strong winds and snow forecasts are expected to bring severe cold below freezing throughout the week. The photo shows a citizen wiping their face with a handkerchief at the Sejong-daero intersection in Seoul on the day the cold wave advisory was issued. Photo by Yonhap News.

On January 20, the day of Daehan according to the solar calendar, Gwangju and the Jeonnam region were gripped by a severe cold wave from early morning, with temperatures dropping sharply and commuters facing bitterly cold conditions on their way to work.

According to the Gwangju Regional Meteorological Administration, as of 5 a.m. that day, the morning's lowest temperatures were minus 7 degrees Celsius in Gwangju, minus 6.6 degrees in Jangseong, minus 6.3 degrees in Gurye, minus 5.9 degrees in Hwasun, minus 5.7 degrees in Damyang, minus 5.5 degrees in Yeonggwang, and minus 5.4 degrees in Gokseong, among others.

With strong winds added to the mix, the perceived temperatures dropped even further. In Hwasun, the wind chill reached minus 13 degrees Celsius, and all 22 cities and counties in Gwangju and Jeonnam recorded sub-zero temperatures.

Since 9 p.m. the previous day, a cold wave advisory has been in effect for Gwangju as well as Jangseong, Damyang, and Gokseong in Jeonnam, and it remains in place as of this morning. A cold wave advisory is issued when the morning's lowest temperature is expected to drop by more than 10 degrees Celsius from the previous day and fall below 3 degrees Celsius.

A strong wind advisory has also been issued for 16 cities and counties in Jeonnam (Goheung, Boseong, Yeosu, Gwangyang, Suncheon, Jangheung, Gangjin, Haenam, Wando, Yeongam, Muan, Hampyeong, Yeonggwang, Mokpo, Shinan, Jindo, Geomundo, and Chodo), further lowering the perceived temperatures.

Light snow of less than 0.1 centimeters is expected in some mountainous areas between morning and noon. From January 21, snow is forecast for inland areas of Gwangju and Jeonnam (1 to 3 centimeters) and for the west coast of Jeonnam (2 to 7 centimeters), with the possibility of continued snowfall on January 22 and 23.

An official from the Gwangju Regional Meteorological Administration stated, "As cold air continues to flow in from the northwest, sub-zero temperatures are expected to persist throughout the week," and advised, "Please wear winter gear on your way to work and take special care to prevent cold-related illnesses and maintain your health."