An abrupt blast of early winter cold has swept across South Korea, bringing the season's first snowfall to Mount Seorak and plunging temperatures nationwide. The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) reported that snow began falling in the high-altitude areas of Seoraksan National Park on the morning of October 20, with approximately 1cm accumulating near the Jungcheong Shelter.

This year's first snow on Mount Seorak was observed one day later than last year (October 19, 2024) but one day earlier than in 2023 (October 21). Temperatures on Seoraksan's peaks dropped below freezing, recording a low of $-1.3^circ C$ around 7:16 AM, with the wind chill plummeting to $-8.2^circ C$ earlier in the morning.

The frigid air also extended to the capital, with Seoul recording its coldest morning of the autumn on Monday. The morning low in Seoul reached $5.3^circ C$ at 6:49 AM, which is lower than the average early November minimum temperature of $6.3^circ C$. Daytime highs remained unseasonably low, with Seoul only expected to reach $15^circ C$ and Daejeon $16^circ C$, roughly $3$ to $5$ degrees below the seasonal norm.

The severe cold is expected to intensify on Tuesday, October 21, when the chill is forecast to peak. The morning low in Seoul is predicted to drop further to $4^circ C$, setting a new record for the lowest temperature this autumn. Parts of Gyeonggi Province may experience sub-zero wind chills for the first time this season. The KMA also forecasts rain for the eastern coast, with $30$ to $40$mm expected in Gangwon Yeongdong and Gyeongbuk's northeastern coast. The cold snap is projected to persist through Thursday, urging citizens to take precautions against the sudden drop in temperature.

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