It’s October, but Korea is already feeling like winter!
Just over a week ago, people in Seoul were enjoying unusually warm weather. On October 12, the capital reached an astonishing 30.1°C (86.2°F), setting an October temperature record.
Now, only ten days later, Seoul is expecting a morning temperature of around 5°C (41°F) on October 22. That’s a remarkable difference of about 25°C (45°F) between the two dates!
Cold wave advisories have been announced for numerous regions, including parts of Gyeonggi, Gangwon, Chungcheong, and Gyeongsang provinces. Some inland and mountainous areas could even fall below freezing.
What would Koreans say about such an abrupt change in weather?
1. 갑자기 추워졌어요! (It suddenly got cold!)
갑자기 (gapjagi) = suddenly
춥다 (chupda) = to be cold
추워졌어요 (chuweojyeosseoyo) = has become cold / got cold
Together:
갑자기 추워졌어요!
Gapjagi chuweojyeosseoyo!
“It suddenly got cold!”
This is one of the most natural expressions you’ll hear in Korea when the weather changes unexpectedly.
You might also hear:
어제는 따뜻했는데 오늘은 너무 추워요!
Eojeneun ttatteutaenneunde oneureun neomu chuwoyo!
“Yesterday was warm, but today is so cold!”
2. Korean weather expressions you should know
Korean
English
추워요. It’s cold.
쌀쌀해요. It’s chilly.
바람이 차가워요. The wind is cold.
기온이 뚝 떨어졌어요. The temperature dropped sharply.
일교차가 커요. There’s a big day-night temperature difference.
감기 조심하세요. Be careful not to catch a cold.
따뜻하게 입으세요. Dress warmly.
쌀쌀하다 (ssalssalhada) is particularly useful in autumn. It describes that chilly feeling when a light jacket is no longer enough.
Another expression you’ll frequently hear in Korean weather reports is 기온이 뚝 떨어지다, meaning the temperature suddenly drops.
The word 뚝 (ttuk) emphasizes the abruptness of the fall.
3. Why is Korea getting so cold?
Cold, dry air moving south from the northwest is responsible for the latest temperature plunge.
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, temperatures on October 22 could drop by approximately 5–10°C from the previous morning in affected areas.
In Daegwallyeong, Gangwon Province, the temperature is forecast to reach −3°C (26.6°F), while Paju and Cheorwon could reach 0°C (32°F).
Strong winds will make conditions feel even colder.
Fortunately, this particular cold snap is expected to be brief, with milder daytime temperatures returning around October 23.
4. 상강 (Sanggang): When the frost arrives
Here’s an interesting cultural coincidence!
October 23 marks 상강 (霜降), one of Korea’s traditional 24 seasonal divisions, known as 24절기 (이십사절기). 상강 literally means “frost descends.”
Traditionally, it signals the arrival of colder mornings, the appearance of frost, and the approach of winter.
This year, Korea’s cold snap is arriving almost exactly on schedule!
The traditional seasonal calendar is based on the sun’s position and was historically important for agriculture and everyday life.
5. What do Koreans do when the temperature suddenly drops?
One of the most common things Koreans say to friends, coworkers, and family is:
감기 조심하세요! Gamgi josimhaseyo! “Be careful not to catch a cold!”
You’ll also hear:
옷 따뜻하게 입으세요!
Ot ttatteutage ibeuseyo! “Please dress warmly!”
As temperatures fall, convenience stores and street vendors also become popular places to find warming snacks such as:
- 붕어빵 (bungeoppang) — fish-shaped pastries with sweet fillings
- 호떡 (hotteok) — sweet Korean pancakes
- 어묵 (eomuk) — fish cakes often served in hot broth
- 군고구마 (gungoguma) — roasted sweet potatoes
These familiar foods are a wonderful part of Korea’s colder seasons.
Today’s expression
갑자기 겨울이 온 것 같아요!
Gapjagi gyeouri on geot gatayo!
“It feels like winter suddenly arrived!”
Are you in Korea right now? Have you noticed the sudden temperature drop?
감기 조심하세요! Stay warm, everyone!
Related articles
- Preparing for cold weather part one and part two
- Cold weather and staying warm
- Padding coat culture
- Long down jacket part one, part two, and part three
