South Korea Issues Heavy Rain Warnings as Storm System Moves In

Rain showers are sweeping across much of South Korea on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, with some regions facing heavy downpours and lightning.

The weather system poses a significant risk of localized flooding and hazardous travel conditions, particularly in the southwest, where the most intense precipitation is concentrated.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), the weather is the result of a rain-cloud system moving eastward from the Shandong Peninsula in China ^[2]. The precipitation is expected to persist across most regions until Tuesday afternoon ^[1].

The Honam region is seeing the most severe impact, with total rainfall forecasts reaching up to 70 mm ^[2]. In Mokpo, the KMA said heavy rain concentrated at approximately 30 mm per hour ^[1].

Heavy rain warnings have been issued for six specific locations: Mu-an, Yeong-am, Mokpo, Ha-nam, Jin-do, and Sin-an ^[5]. These warnings follow reports of strong rain pouring over the coast of South Jeolla Province ^[3].

Other regions are also affected by the system. Forecasts for Chungcheong, Yeongnam, and Jeju range between 10 and 50 mm ^[2]. Meanwhile, the Seoul metropolitan area and Gangwon are expected to receive between five and 40 mm ^[2].

Weather caster Jung Su-hyun said that the rain will continue in most areas until this afternoon ^[1]. The KMA said that the showers may be accompanied by occasional gusts and lightning ^[1].

Local authorities in South Jeolla Province have remained on alert as the system moves through the peninsula. The combination of high hourly rainfall and wind gusts increases the risk of infrastructure damage in coastal areas ^[3].