Nationwide Rain and Snow from Feb 10; Mild Weather Forecast for Lunar New Year

Rain or snow is expected nationwide starting on the 10th, and no severe cold is anticipated through the Lunar New Year holiday (February 15–18).

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, morning temperatures in Seoul dropped to -10.1°C on the 9th, with strong cold around -10°C recorded nationwide. However, temperatures are expected to rise significantly above freezing in the afternoon, returning to average levels.

In Seoul, the midday high is expected to reach 5°C, a sharp rise of about 15 degrees from the morning. Consequently, all cold wave warnings that had been issued across the country were lifted as of that morning.

Due to a low-pressure trough, nationwide rain and snow are forecast starting on the 10th. Precipitation will begin in Incheon, northern Gyeonggi, Gangwon, Chungcheong, and southern regions in the morning, spreading to most of the country in the afternoon, and is expected to mostly subside by the morning of the 11th.

Snow accumulation of 1–5 cm is expected in colder regions such as northern Gyeonggi, Gangwon, and North Chungcheong, while the mountainous areas of Jeju, which have already seen significant snowfall, are forecast to receive another 2–7 cm. Light rain of less than 5 mm is expected in Seoul and other areas.

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[ONLINE-KOREA：A Letter from Korea]

February 4 marked "Ipchun," the onset of spring, yet the past weekend was so bitterly cold that it was painful to stay outdoors. However, seeing the forecast suggests that winter is finally coming to an end, which also brings a touch of bittersweetness.

Please note that the period from February 15 to February 18, 2026, is Korea's biggest traditional holiday, Seollal (Lunar New Year).

If you are planning to visit Korea during this time, please be prepared for extreme congestion on trains, buses, and highways as locals return to their hometowns. We strongly recommend booking your transportation tickets in advance, especially for travel between cities.

Lotte Department Store to Close All Locations Feb 16–17

Furthermore, while major palaces and large shopping malls generally remain open, some may close on the day of Seollal itself, so it is necessary to verify in advance. In particular, local restaurants and small shops often close for several days; we advise checking their operating status before your visit.

On a final note, ONLINE-KOREA will not be handling regular operations during the holiday, but we will remain available for consultations and inquiries. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

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