Record-Breaking Monsoon Rains Batter South Korea, Leave Two Dead and Dozens Rescued Amid Widespread Flooding and Landslides

An aerial view of flooding caused by torrential rain in Yesan, South Korea

At least two people have died and several others have been rescued as historic monsoon rains continue to pound central and southern South Korea, delivering the most intense rainfall in over 120 years. Authorities have issued the highest-level landslide alert, warning that the next 48 hours will be critical as rainfall totals rise and saturated ground increases the risk of flash floods and slope collapses.

In Seosan, South Chungcheong Province, a man in his 50s died after his vehicle was swept away in floodwaters. He called his wife early Thursday to say, “The car is being swept away,” before losing contact. Emergency crews located the submerged car at 6:15 a.m. and transported him to Seosan Medical Centre, where he was pronounced dead. Authorities had responded to reports of sunken vehicles at 3:59 a.m. and rescued three individuals from another vehicle about an hour before discovering the fatal incident. Rainfall in Seosan peaked at 114.9mm per hour—the highest on record since 1904.

In Osan, Gyeonggi Province, another man in his 40s was killed when a 10-meter retaining wall collapsed under intense rainfall, crushing two vehicles. A second individual in his 50s survived after part of his vehicle was buried.

Heavy rains triggered a landslide in Cheongyang, South Chungcheong, temporarily trapping two residents who were later rescued. In Hongseong County, local officials issued evacuation orders early Thursday as floodwaters from a nearby stream inundated the area. Over 100 residents were forced to evacuate, and several schools and nurseries were closed for safety.

More than 400mm of rainfall has fallen in parts of South Chungcheong Province since Wednesday, prompting the Korea Forest Service to raise its landslide risk alert to “serious,” the highest level, for central regions including South and North Chungcheong and parts of Gyeonggi Province. The national disaster agency elevated its emergency response to Stage 2, enhancing coordination across national and local governments and allowing for expanded deployment of emergency personnel and resources.

The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) warned that some areas could receive an additional 300mm of rain by Saturday, with rainfall rates possibly spiking to 80mm per hour. Localized downpours have already exceeded this, overwhelming drainage systems and triggering widespread disaster alerts. The erratic rainfall is caused by the collision of a descending cold air mass from the northwest and warm, moist southwesterly winds from the North Pacific. This clash has created a massive, unstable rain system over the Yellow Sea, fueling intense storms across the peninsula.

A man makes his way through a flooded street, caused by torrential rain, in Gwangju, South Korea

In Dangjin, South Chungcheong, fire crews responded to a flooded underpass, while across the Seoul metropolitan area, 29 streams and four riverside parking lots—including Cheonggyecheon and Anyangcheon—were closed as flood warnings persisted. Train services on the Gyeongbu, Janghang, and Seohae lines were partially suspended due to submerged tracks.

Weather forecasts show that southern Gyeonggi Province could experience up to 80mm of rain per hour through Thursday night. Seoul, Incheon, and northern Gyeonggi are expected to receive 30–50mm per hour, while South Chungcheong and Gangwon could see rainfall peaking at 50mm per hour into Friday.

Regions under continued watch include North Jeolla, Gwangju, South Jeolla, Busan, Ulsan, South Gyeongsang, and Jeju Island, where rainfall intensity may range from 30 to 80mm per hour. Despite the official end of the monsoon in southern regions and Jeju, the extensive low-pressure system has allowed rain bands to extend across the entire country.

With soil saturation increasing, even areas receiving moderate rainfall face significant landslide risks. The KMA has advised the public to stay away from underground roads, streams, and flood-prone areas—particularly during low-visibility hours overnight. Evacuation is strongly recommended for residents near vulnerable slopes or riverside communities.