Korea braces for cold snap as weather agency issues warnings

People wear coats over "hanbok," traditional Korean clothing, in Seoul, as a cold wave alert is set to be issued in the capital city starting at 9 p.m. on Sunday. (Yonhap)

South Korea is bracing for a cold snap this week, with weather forecasts predicting a sharp plunge in temperatures.

A cold wave advisory will take effect in central and northern areas including Incheon, Gyeonggi Province, and parts of Gangwon Province at 9 p.m. Sunday, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration.

A cold wave advisory is issued when the lowest morning temperature is expected to fall below minus 12 degrees Celsius for more than two consecutive days, or when the temperature drops more than 10 C to below minus 3 C.

Nationwide morning temperatures will range from minus 11 C to 0 C, with strong winds predicted for Monday, making it feel even colder. In contrast to the relatively warm weekend, daytime highs are expected to range from minus 8 C to 2 C.

Most regions are forecast to see rain or snow through Monday morning.

Beginning Tuesday, the KMA said that most areas nationwide would witness a further decline in morning temperatures, dropping to minus 10 C or lower. Daytime temperatures are forecasted to remain at or below 0 C.

The Seoul City Government on Sunday announced its plan to transition into a 24-hour emergency response mode to take precautionary measures against potential damage caused by the cold snap, in cooperation with its 25 districts. The measures include offering temporary shelter to the homeless, the Seoul Metropolitan Government said.

By Lee Jaeeun(jenn@heraldcorp.com)