Heavy rain is striking northern Gyeonggi and Gangwon provinces on July 23, 2026, coinciding with the Daeseo solar term's intense summer heat.
The weather pattern creates a stark contrast across the peninsula, where northern regions face flooding risks while southern areas endure extreme temperatures. This volatility increases the risk of flash floods and agricultural damage in the northern border regions.
In Gangwon Province, the Hwacheon area experienced strong rainfall between 20 and 30 mm per hour during the early morning hours [1]. Meanwhile, reporters noted that rain continued to fall in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province, and Cheorwon, Gangwon Province [2]. In Cheorwon, the rainfall intensity was measured at less than 10 mm per hour at the time of reporting [2].
Forecasters warn that the situation may worsen. The Korea Meteorological Administration has forecasted that extreme rain reaching up to 50 mm per hour is possible in the capital area and Gangwon [1]. Total accumulations of 80 mm or more are expected in northern Gyeonggi and Incheon [1].
Meteorologists attribute the prolonged precipitation to a stationary front positioned north of the Demilitarized Zone. This atmospheric setup traps moisture over the northern provinces, even as the rest of the country enters the peak of the summer heat wave.
"'Daeseo' today, fitting the name 'great heat,' will see continued sweltering heat in the southern regions," a YTN anchor said [2].
Jang Ah-young, a reporter for YTN, said there are still areas receiving rain in Pocheon and Cheorwon [2]. Jang also said the intensity of the early morning downpour in Hwacheon was notable [2].
“Extreme rain reaching up to 50 mm per hour is possible in the capital area and Gangwon.”
The simultaneous occurrence of a heat wave and heavy monsoon rains—known as jang-mat-bi—highlights the increasing atmospheric instability in the region. The positioning of the stationary front near the DMZ creates a localized weather trap, which forces northern provinces to manage flood risks while the southern half of the country manages heat-related public health crises.
