
Heavy snowfall is expected across the country during the Seollal holiday, with the weather authorities on Sunday forecasting as much as 30 centimeters of snow in some regions.
The Korea Meteorological Administration projected heavy snow from Sunday night, throughout Tuesday, and possibly on Wednesday due to the effects of a low-pressure system expected to pass through the Korean Peninsula on Monday. The greater Seoul area is forecast to receive accumulated snowfall of 10 to 20 centimeters through Tuesday, with up to 25 centimeters of snow expected for the southern and northeastern parts of Gyeonggi Province.
In the same time period, the mountainous regions of Gangwon Province are expected to see 10 to 20 centimeters of snow, and 30 centimeters or more in some parts. The eastern coastal area of the province will receive 1-5 centimeters of snow, as will the coastal areas of South Jeolla Province and North Gyeongsang Province.
Unlike most coastal regions, the west coast can expect heavy snowfall, with 10 to 25 centimeters predicted for the Five West Sea Islands.
Five to 15 centimeters (up to 20 centimeters in some areas) is expected for Chungcheong Province.
The eastern part of North Jeolla Province is forecast to receive 10 to 25 centimeters of snow (30 centimeters or more in some parts), the same as the inner areas of Gangwon. Meanwhile, the western part of North Jeolla, along with South Jeolla Province and the city of Gwangju, can expect 5 to 10 centimeters, with certain regions getting up to 15 centimeters.
Jeju Island can expect between 10 and 20 centimeters of snow in mountainous areas -- up to 30 centimeters in some parts -- and 1-5 centimeters in coastal areas.
In addition to the precipitation clouds formed by the low-pressure system, the KMA has forecast a cold snap throughout the country around Tuesday. Strong winds are expected from Monday through Wednesday in most regions, with wind speeds reaching up to 20 meters per second in coastal areas on Wednesday.
The weather agency is also expecting storms, which could hinder sea travel throughout most waters surrounding the peninsula.