Pedestrians struggle to hold their umbrellas against strong wind and rain while walking through Cheonggye Plaza in central Seoul on Friday. (Yonhap)
Pedestrians struggle to hold their umbrellas against strong wind and rain while walking through Cheonggye Plaza in central Seoul on Friday. (Yonhap)

The summer monsoon season has begun earlier than usual in Korea, with heavy showers forecast to drench much of the country.

Commuters were seen carrying umbrellas and wearing rain boots on their way to work Friday, bracing for the monsoon rain.

A branch of a more than 500-year-old zelkova tree fell and blocked a road in Ogeum-dong, Deogyang-gu, Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, on Friday after heavy rain. (Yonhap)
A branch of a more than 500-year-old zelkova tree fell and blocked a road in Ogeum-dong, Deogyang-gu, Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, on Friday after heavy rain. (Yonhap)
A fallen tree blocks a road in Jipori, Galmal-eup, Cheorwon County, Gangwon Province, on Friday. (Yonhap)
A fallen tree blocks a road in Jipori, Galmal-eup, Cheorwon County, Gangwon Province, on Friday. (Yonhap)
A road in Unnam-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon, was flooded due to heavy monsoon rains on Friday. (Yonhap)
A road in Unnam-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon, was flooded due to heavy monsoon rains on Friday. (Yonhap)

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, heavy rain of up to 50 millimeters per hour will hit the greater Seoul area and northern parts of Gangwon Province in the afternoon.

Other areas, including southern Gangwon, North Jeolla and South Chungcheong provinces, are expected to see rainfall Friday evening.

The weather agency issued a heavy rain advisory at 6 a.m. for all of Seoul, along with Hwacheon and Cheorwon in Gangwon Province; Incheon and northern Gyeonggi Province were placed under a heavy rain warning.

Heavy rain clouds loom over Yongmeori Coast in Sagye-ri, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo, Jeju Island, Friday. (Yonhap)
Heavy rain clouds loom over Yongmeori Coast in Sagye-ri, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo, Jeju Island, Friday. (Yonhap)
Barricades block access to the Cheonggyecheon in central Seoul on Friday after a heavy rain advisory was issued across the capital. (Yonhap)
Barricades block access to the Cheonggyecheon in central Seoul on Friday after a heavy rain advisory was issued across the capital. (Yonhap)

A heavy rain advisory is issued when rainfall is expected to exceed 60 mm in three hours or 110 mm in 12 hours, while a warning applies when the amount exceeds 90 millimeters in three hours or 180 millimeters in 12 hours.

Through Saturday, more than 150 mm of rain is expected to fall in the capital region, as well as in parts of Gangwon Province, North Jeolla Province, South Chungcheong Province and Daejeon.

People walk with umbrellas near Haeundae Beach in Busan, which is shrouded in heavy fog and rain on Friday. (Yonhap)
People walk with umbrellas near Haeundae Beach in Busan, which is shrouded in heavy fog and rain on Friday. (Yonhap)

Meanwhile, southern Gyeonggi Province, North Chungcheong Province, South Jeolla Province and Gwangju are likely to see over 120 mm during that time.

Showers are expected to ease by Friday afternoon, with clearer skies and warmer temperatures forecast for the capital region. Daytime highs are projected to range from 23 to 29 degrees Celsius on Saturday and 24 to 30 degrees Celsius on Sunday.

“Please avoid rivers and low-lying areas and limit outdoor activities. If strong winds and lightning occur, it’s also important to inspect electrical systems and outdoor facilities," said Kong Sang-min, a forecast analyst at the KMA.


cjh@heraldcorp.com