Temperatures on Wednesday morning dipped to -11 degrees Celsius as the entire nation was once again gripped by a cold spell. Some inland areas saw temperatures dip to as low as -20 degrees. A cold weather alert has been issued for most parts of central Korea except Seoul and the North Gyeongsang and Jeolla provinces.

"Temperatures were above zero on Tuesday in Seoul and most parts of central Korea," the Korea Meteorological Administration said. But a cold high pressure front was expected to expand into the country on Tuesday night, causing freezing temperatures to return.

The wind chill factor made it feel even colder as winds of 3 to 4 m/s blew across the region in the morning. Cold temperatures will last until Friday morning.

This winter is displaying a characteristic pattern of a few days of cold temperatures followed by several days of warmer weather.