Liberation Day Holiday Rain Across South Korea: Geoje Records 304 mm…Gyeongsang Region Faces 20–50 mm per Hour Until the Morning of 17
As of the night of 2026-08-16, the Gyeongsang region is at the center of the rainfall during this Liberation Day holiday. From 9 a.m. on 15 to 9 p.m. on 16, 304.0 mm of rain fell in Myeongsa, Geoje. Until the morning of 17, extremely heavy rainfall of 20–50 mm per hour may continue across the Gyeongsang region, with some areas receiving more than 50 mm per hour.
Initial forecasts had suggested around 200 mm of heavy rainfall, mainly in southern regions and Jeju. However, actual accumulated rainfall has already exceeded 200 mm in some areas. What matters now is not the earlier maximum forecast but which areas are currently under heavy rain alerts and when the heaviest rainfall is expected to occur.
Information verified as of 10:10 p.m. on 2026-08-16, Korea Standard Time
200 mm Rainfall Forecast: How Much Rain Has Actually Fallen?
Accumulated rainfall has already significantly exceeded 200 mm in parts of the southern coast. Major observation sites recorded the following cumulative rainfall from 9 a.m. on August 15 to 9 p.m. on 16: 304.0 mm in Myeongsa, Geoje; 279.7 mm in Tongyeong; 270.8 mm in Hai, Goseong; and 264.0 mm in Samcheonpo, Sacheon.
In South Jeolla Province, 201.3 mm was recorded in Solaseado, Haenam; 186.0 mm in Samho, Yeongam; 182.5 mm in Sani, Haenam; and 166.5 mm in Mokpo. A defining feature of this rainfall event is the substantial variation in precipitation between locations, even over the same observation period.
Therefore, it would be inappropriate to assess current conditions based solely on the early-holiday forecast of 'up to 200 mm in southern regions and Jeju.' Observations as of the night of 16 and subsequent forecasts must be checked separately. Forecast rainfall represents the amount of rain expected to fall in the future, while accumulated rainfall represents precipitation already observed. These figures should not be compared as though they measure the same thing.
Where Is the Heaviest Rain Falling on the Night of 16?
As of 9 p.m. on 16, heavy rainfall was concentrated in South Gyeongsang Province. At that time, some locations in the province were experiencing extremely heavy rain at rates of 20–50 mm per hour. The 1-hour rainfall total was 49.0 mm at Seoimal, Geoje, and 30.0 mm on Maemuldo Island.
According to weather alerts effective from 10 p.m., heavy rain warnings were issued for Tongyeong, Sacheon, Geoje, Goseong, and Namhae. Heavy rain advisories were issued for Yangsan, Changwon, Gimhae, Miryang, southern Hadong, Busan, and Ulsan. Strong wind advisories were also in effect for Tongyeong, Geoje, and Namhae.
Rain is not falling with the same intensity nationwide. In its 17 o'clock short-term forecast, the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) indicated that rainfall would temporarily weaken or pause in many areas, particularly central South Korea and the Jeolla region. By contrast, heavy rain could continue overnight in the Gyeongsang region, making it essential to check conditions separately for each area.
Until What Time Will Rain Continue on 17?
Persistent rainfall across most of the country is expected to continue until sometime between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. on 17. However, rain may continue into the night of 17 in parts of the Gyeongsang region and Jeju Island.
The periods of heaviest rainfall will differ by location. In Busan, Ulsan, the southern coast of South Gyeongsang Province, and eastern inland areas, rainfall of 30–50 mm per hour was forecast between 0 a.m. and 6 a.m. on 17, with some locations potentially exceeding 50 mm per hour. Rainfall of 20–30 mm per hour may also occur between 6 a.m. and 12 p.m.
In central inland areas of South Gyeongsang Province and along the southern east coast of North Gyeongsang Province, heavy rainfall of 20–30 mm per hour was expected through the early morning of 17. Mountainous areas of Jeju Island were also forecast to receive 20–30 mm per hour between dawn and morning.
Conditions are expected to change during the afternoon of 17. Showers may develop in parts of central South Korea and the Jeolla region from afternoon into evening. It is therefore more accurate to distinguish between the widespread rain continuing through the morning and the localized showers expected later in the day.
How Much Additional Rain Is Expected in Each Region?
The KMA's rainfall forecast for 16–17, issued at 5 p.m. on 16, shows substantial regional differences. Busan, Ulsan, and the southern coast of South Gyeongsang Province were forecast to receive 50–100 mm, with 150 mm or more in areas receiving the heaviest rain. Jeju Island was forecast to receive 20–70 mm, with 100 mm or more in some mountainous areas.
Inland South Gyeongsang Province and most of Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province were forecast to receive 20–70 mm. Some eastern inland areas of South Gyeongsang Province could receive 100 mm or more, while parts of the southern east coast of North Gyeongsang Province could receive 80 mm or more. Ulleungdo and Dokdo were forecast to receive 30–80 mm.
The eastern southern coast of South Jeolla Province was forecast to receive 20–60 mm, while the rest of Gwangju and South Jeolla Province, along with North Jeolla Province, were forecast to receive 5–30 mm. In the Seoul metropolitan area, Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi Province were forecast to receive 5–10 mm. Southern Gangwon Province was forecast to receive 5–20 mm, North Chungcheong Province 5–30 mm, and Daejeon, Sejong, and South Chungcheong Province 5–10 mm.
However, these figures represent forecast rainfall ranges issued at 5 p.m. on 16. They should not simply be added to rainfall already accumulated to calculate a 'final rainfall total.' Actual precipitation amounts and affected areas may change as rain clouds move. Real-time observations and the latest weather alerts should therefore take priority.
What Should Travelers Check First During the Holiday?
In areas such as the southern coast of South Gyeongsang Province, where substantial rainfall has already occurred, checking flood and flash-current risks is more important than simply preparing an umbrella. The KMA warned that water levels in valleys and streams can rise suddenly and that people may become trapped on riverside walking paths or in underpasses.
Before traveling by car, it is important to check whether heavy rain alerts are in effect along the travel route, rather than focusing only on rainfall at the destination. Roads may become flooded, visibility may deteriorate rapidly, and vehicles may stall in flooded areas. Avoiding roads covered by rising water is the safer choice.
In low-lying areas and around underground spaces, precautions should also be taken against backflow from sewers, stormwater pipes, and drains. Near mountains and slopes, it is important to check for risks of soil runoff, landslides, falling rocks, and retaining wall collapse.
Along the South Gyeongsang coast, wind and marine conditions must be monitored alongside rainfall. On the night of 16, strong wind advisories were in effect for Tongyeong, Geoje, and Namhae. High wave advisories were also in effect for the inner offshore waters of the eastern South Sea and the inner offshore waters southeast of Jeju Island.
For anyone who needs to travel, the most practical response is to check weather alerts, road closures, and the hourly forecast for the destination again immediately before departure.
Will All Rain End From 18 Onward?
Even after widespread rainfall subsides on the morning of 17, rain or showers may persist in southern regions and Jeju. On 18, rain may fall in the Gyeongsang region and along the southern coast of South Jeolla Province between dawn and morning, while rain on Jeju Island may continue into the afternoon. Showers are also possible in southern regions during the afternoon.
Forecast rainfall for 18 is 5–20 mm along the southern coast of South Jeolla Province; 5–30 mm in Daegu, southern North Gyeongsang Province, Busan, Ulsan, and South Gyeongsang Province; 5–20 mm on Ulleungdo and Dokdo; and 5–20 mm on Jeju Island. Separately, showers of 5–20 mm were forecast in parts of southern South Korea.
The current short-term forecast indicates mostly cloudy conditions nationwide from 19 to 20. However, forecasts may be updated immediately after heavy rainfall passes. Anyone planning to travel or return home should check the latest information just before departure rather than relying solely on the previous day's forecast.
What You Miss by Focusing Only on 'Up to 200 mm'
During this holiday, differences between regions and time periods matter more than the simple statement that 'rain is expected nationwide.'
Early in the holiday, around 200 mm of heavy rainfall was expected in southern regions and Jeju. However, actual observations through 9 p.m. on 16 showed that some locations along the southern coast had already exceeded 200 mm, including 304.0 mm in Myeongsa, Geoje, and 279.7 mm in Tongyeong. At the same time, heavy rain of 20–50 mm per hour could again concentrate over the Gyeongsang region from the night of 16 through the early morning of 17.
Conversely, rain may temporarily pause in parts of the Seoul metropolitan area, Chungcheong, and Jeolla, while some regions may experience a transition to showers during the afternoon of 17. This is why it is necessary to check conditions separately for your current location and travel destination rather than relying on a single nationwide forecast.
If you need to make a decision about travel or outdoor activities now, it is better to check information in the following order: current weather alerts → hourly rainfall forecasts → road and traffic conditions, rather than simply asking whether it will rain today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was the Forecast of Up to 200 mm in Southern Regions and Jeju Incorrect?
The forecast of around 200 mm issued early in the holiday and the accumulated rainfall currently observed refer to different times and periods. Actual observations through 9 p.m. on 16 showed that some locations along the southern coast had exceeded 300 mm. The current forecast provides updated rainfall ranges for the remaining period. These figures should not be directly compared as though they cover the same period.
Will Rain Continue in Seoul and the Metropolitan Area Until 17?
Rain is forecast across most of the country through the morning of 17. However, rainfall may weaken or temporarily stop in parts of central South Korea on the night of 16. Showers of 5–50 mm are forecast in the Seoul metropolitan area from the afternoon into the evening of 17.
Until When Should South Gyeongsang Province Remain on High Alert?
According to the current forecast, heavy rainfall is most likely to be concentrated along the southern coast and eastern inland areas of Busan, Ulsan, and South Gyeongsang Province through the early morning of 17. Rainfall could reach 30–50 mm per hour before dawn, exceeding 50 mm per hour in some locations. Rainfall of 20–30 mm per hour is also expected during the morning.
Should I Cancel My Trip or Return Journey?
Conditions vary by region and travel time, making a blanket recommendation difficult. If your route passes through an area under a heavy rain warning or an area at risk of flooding or landslides, check the latest alerts and road closure information first. If the route includes hazardous sections, it may be necessary to adjust your departure time or travel route.