Heavy rain hit Seoul and surrounding regions overnight on July 18, with meteorologists forecasting another round of storms tonight [1].
This weather pattern is critical because the region just experienced its strongest rainfall of the year, leaving infrastructure vulnerable to further saturation and potential flooding [1, 2].
The most severe totals were recorded in Gyeonggi Province, where Paju-Adeong-myeon saw a rainfall total of 197.5 mm [1]. In Seoul, the official rainfall total reached 121.1 mm [1]. The intensity of the storm was high in Seoul's Gangseo and Eunpyeong districts, which recorded over 50 mm of rain in a single hour during the peak period [1].
Gangwon Province also faced significant precipitation. Cheorwon recorded 171.1 mm of rain over a 24-hour period [1]. Other areas in the province, including Taebaek, Pyeongchang, and Samcheok, saw hourly rainfall exceeding 20 mm [1].
The peak of the overnight rainfall occurred between 4:00 and 5:00 KST on July 18 [3]. Meteorologists said rain clouds have moved eastward, which has kept the moisture-laden system over the region [1].
Forecasters now expect another bout of heavy rain to fall tonight, July 18, focusing specifically on the Chungcheong and Gangwon provinces [1, 2]. Authorities are monitoring these areas as the system continues to move across the peninsula.
“Paju-Adeong-myeon saw a rainfall total of 197.5 mm”
The repetition of extreme rainfall events within a short window increases the risk of landslides and urban flooding. Because the ground in the capital region is already saturated from the year's strongest rainfall, subsequent storms, even those with lower totals, can trigger more severe runoff and drainage failures.
