South Korea is now battling extreme downpours after weeks of intense heat. On August 3, Muan Airport in Jeollanam-do recorded nearly 290 mm of rainfall, marking one of the heaviest single-day rainfalls this summer. Within just one hour, over 140 mm fell — nearing Korea’s all-time record. The airport roof leaked, and nearby roads were flooded, submerging cars and disrupting traffic.
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| Flooded roads in Muan at 8 PM August 03. |
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), 288.9 mm of precipitation was recorded at Muan Airport as of 9 PM. The most intense rainfall occurred between 7 and 8 PM, during which 140.8 mm fell in just one hour — approaching the all-time national hourly rainfall record of 146 mm set in July 2024 in Gunsan’s Eocheong Island.
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| Muan airport roof leaked on August 03 |
The KMA forecast warns of continued heavy rain until August 5, with 100 to 200 mm expected across Gwangju and Jeollanam-do, and localized areas possibly receiving over 250 mm. In southern coastal areas, 80 to 150 mm is expected, with some locations exceeding 200 mm. The rainfall estimates were raised from earlier forecasts due to slower movement of rainclouds, which are now stalling over the Honam region.
This rainstorm follows a long heatwave, now easing in some areas. However, heat and humidity persist across much of the country, with feels-like temperatures still over 35°C in places like Paju, Samcheok, and Tongyeong.
Experts say the clash of moist and dry air masses, combined with a slow-moving low-pressure system, is behind this extreme weather. More rain is expected as Korea’s summer monsoon season continues.
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| A flooded apartment underground parking lot in Muan on August 03 |
Learn Korean Through This News
Korean Text:
3일 전남 무안공항에 290㎜에 육박하는 비가 내렸다. 1시간 강수량만 140㎜을 넘어서는 극한의 폭우가 내리면서 무안공항 지붕에선 물이 새고 인근을 지나가던 차량은 물에 잠겼다.
Key Vocabulary:
- 전남 – South Jeolla Province (Jeollanam-do)
- 무안공항 – Muan Airport
- 육박하다 – to approach, to be close to
- 비 – rain
- 강수량 – amount of rainfall
- 극한 – extreme
- 폭우 – heavy rain
- 지붕 – roof
- 물이 새다 – to leak (water)
- 인근 – nearby, vicinity
- 차량 – vehicle
- 물에 잠기다 – to be submerged in water
Translation:
On the 3rd, nearly 290 mm of rain fell at Muan Airport in South Jeolla Province. An extreme downpour with more than 140 mm of rain in just one hour caused water to leak through the airport roof and submerged nearby passing vehicles.
References: mbc news, chosun news, donga news, hani news, joongang news
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