As South Korea approaches Seollal, the lunar New Year, the weather forecast for January 16 indicates an improvement in air quality, with fine dust levels expected to be 'good' nationwide. While most regions will see clouds clearing to sunshine, heavy snowfall is predicted particularly along the mountainous areas and the East Coast of Gangwon, prompting local authorities to warn of potential transportation hazards due to slippery roads. The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) has indicated that the snowfall may accumulate at rates of 1 to 3 cm per hour in some areas.

In terms of expected precipitation, the East Coast and mountainous regions of Gangwon could receive between 5 to 15 mm of snow, while other coastal areas like Busan and Ulleungdo may have lighter amounts. The forecast highlights the importance of caution in affected areas, with anticipated short visibility and icy conditions making travel more hazardous. Residents are advised to heed safety warnings and prepare for challenging weather conditions during the holiday.

Temperature-wise, the range for the day will see morning lows of -6 to 4 degrees Celsius and daytime highs of 4 to 13 degrees Celsius, reflecting a drop of 3 to 8 degrees from the previous day. The combination of lower temperatures and wind chill will lead to a notably colder feel across the country. As for fine dust, the forecast suggests that most areas will experience clean air due to prevailing northwesterly winds, though some regions in the south, such as Busan and Daegu, will experience poorer air quality in the morning hours.