Snowfall and freezing subzero temperatures swept the country Monday morning, but forecasters said the latest cold snap would be replaced by milder weather this week.

Seoul and central regions saw 1 to 3 centimeters of snow while mountainous regions on Jejudo Island received up to 8 centimeters of snow until it stopped around noon on Monday.

The Korean Meteorological Administration issued cold weather warnings for central regions and North Gyeongsang Province, and strong wind warnings for Gangwon Province and the surrounding mountainous area.

Major cities in Gangwon Province ― Chuncheon, Inje and Cheorwon ― saw subzero temperatures in the morning, ranging from minus 18 to minus 13 degrees Celsius.

The strong wind lowered the outdoor temperature that people felt in these regions, dropping as low as minus 30 degrees.

The morning low in Seoul hit minus 9.6 degrees before retreating to 1 degree in the afternoon. The daytime high climbed to 3 and 6 degrees in Daejeon and Busan, respectively.

Weather forecasters said the daytime highs would stay on the positive side for the rest of the month, with the temperature this week expected to hit slightly above the average temperature year-on-year.

But sporadic snow or rain may fall as the peninsula is under the influence of high pressure that is forming rain clouds in the western coastal regions.

Weather forecasters urged people to stay safe on the street and drive with caution, as roads may become wet and slippery after snow piles begin to melt.

On Christmas Eve, Gyeonggi and Gangwon provinces may see rainfall whereas Gangwon Province is likely to welcome a White Christmas on Thursday, it added.

By Kim Da-sol, Intern reporter (dasolkim@heraldcorp.com)