South Korea is often known as a nation of four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Although many countries have different degrees of the seasons, South Korea is located between polar and tropical seasons, meaning its four seasons are very distinct from each other (Gao). 

A notable part of summer is the monsoon season. Often during late June or early July, it is a period of continuous, heavy rain and is generally an important part of growing crops. The monsoon season is common among other countries in Asia, West Africa, and more. 

The monsoon season during the summer also involves typhoons (“tae-pung” in Korean), which are tropical storms like hurricanes or cyclones that occur in the western Pacific or Indian oceans. Because of South Korea’s location close to the Pacific rather than the Indian Ocean, South Korea is affected by typhoons like Typhoon Maemi that start as small storms in Oceania and increase in size as they move northwest towards the peninsula before it weakens (Korea Meteorological Association). 

However, due to climate change, South Korea’s climate has also changed in various ways. According to the National Environment Information Network System, the average temperature in South Korea has increased by 1.2°C since the nation first started recording data in 1912. Along with affecting flora and fauna on land, this would mean higher ocean temperatures as well, which would affect the habitats of aquatic plants and animals that prefer colder ocean temperatures. 

Furthermore, the annual rainfall in the 21st century is set to increase by 19.3% compared to the previous century (NEINS). This was mainly due to the increases in heavy rain, not as much from the increases in the number of rainy days. Yet, these changing patterns may be responsible for the delays of this year’s heavy monsoon (continuing into late July). 

Other irregular weather patterns are surfacing in the 21st century due to climate change, but South Korea’s industrial development may mean greater climate change in the future. Therefore, we need to try to reduce our consumption of fossil fuels, which enhance the greenhouse effect and lead to global warming, by decreasing electricity and vehicle use, encouraging renewable energy, and raising awareness about climate change. 

“Climate Change in South Korea.” National Environment Information Network System, Korea Environment Institute, www.neins.go.kr/etr/climatechange/doc04b.asp.

Gao, Sisi. “Assigning Seasons.” ASU Ask A Biologist, Arizona State University School of Life Sciences, 20 May 2015, askabiologist.asu.edu/assigning-seasons.

“Typhoon Maemi.” Korea Meteorological Association, Korea Meteorological Association, 10 Sept. 2003, web.kma.go.kr/notify/press/kma_list.jsp?bid=press&mode=view&num=1170969.