Winter Starts with Subzero Temperatures

The mercury dipped below zero as strong winds blew in some regions on Wednesday, the day of "Ipdong" or the start of winter by the lunar calendar. Temperatures could fluctuate by more than 15 degrees between day and night in some areas.

The lowest morning low ranged between -3 degrees and 9 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, two to five degrees lower than the previous day, as cold air blew in from the north.

Most inland regions will be frosty until late morning with puddles and ponds freezing over.

The mercury plummeted to -3 degrees in Cheorwon, 0 degrees in Chuncheon, 2 degrees in Seoul and Daejeon, 3 degrees in Daegu, 4 degrees in Incheon, 5 degrees in Gwangju, 7 degrees in Gangneung, 8 degrees in Busan, and 11 degrees in Jeju.

But daytime highs will reach 13 degrees in Incheon, 14 degrees in Chuncheon, 15 degrees in Seoul, 17 degrees in Daejeon, 18 degrees in Daegu, Gangneung, Gwangju and Jeonju, and 19 degrees in Busan and Jeju.

The weather will remain changeable for the time being, the Korea Meteorological Administration predicted Tuesday. Morning temperatures will briefly return to normal between 3 and 15 degrees on Thursday and Friday but dip below zero again from Saturday.