On October 16, 2025, the beautiful coastal city of Busan is expecting autumn rain. According to the Busan Meteorological Administration, the Busan area is generally expected to be cloudy with occasional rain today. In particular, there may be strong rain with gusts and thunderstorms, with around 20mm per hour, especially until the morning, so special attention is needed for the safety of commuters and students going to school. The maximum daytime temperature is expected to range from 21 to 25 degrees Celsius, and the humidity is expected to be over 90%, making for a somewhat humid day. There may be high waves caused by swells on the coast that strongly roll onto the beach or overflow from the rocks and breakwaters, so caution should be taken against coastal safety accidents. The unpredictable precipitation patterns, even in mid-autumn, also suggest the recent effects of climate change.
In recent years, Busan's autumn weather has shown unpredictable changes. The amount of rainfall in October has noticeably decreased since the 2020s, but in 2024, the amount of rainfall in October exceeded 100mm, with more rain than usual. This is not unrelated to the phenomenon of heavy rain in the fall in the Korean Peninsula, with the new term 'autumn rainy season' being coined. The North Pacific High, which influences the Korean Peninsula even after September, leaves hot and humid air in the south, and the inflow of cold air from the north creates large rain clouds. Changes in these temperature and precipitation patterns can be interpreted as a sign of long-term climate change, showing that Busan's traditional autumn weather is gradually changing.
Busan is particularly vulnerable to climate change due to its maritime climate characteristics. According to an analysis by the Korea Development Institute (KDI), the minimum temperature in the Busan area is high compared to the national average, and the number of tropical nights will increase significantly in the future, and the duration of maximum warm days will be very long due to the influence of the ocean. In addition, the amount and intensity of precipitation are also expected to increase in the future, increasing the risk of heavy rain. In fact, an analysis showed that the manufacturing industry in Busan could reduce work efficiency by more than 30%, and the port logistics industry could suffer economic losses of up to 2 trillion won due to climate change. The increase in the number of heatwave days and the intensity of typhoons are cited as the main causes, and in particular, the increase in the maximum daily precipitation is the climate change risk that has the greatest impact on the overall Busan economy.
One of the most serious climate change threats facing Busan is sea level rise. According to the National Oceanographic Research Institute, the sea level off the coast of Busan has risen by an average of 2.76mm per year over the past 30 years, and there is a possibility that the sea level in the Korean Peninsula will rise by more than 73cm by 2100. In the high-carbon scenario (SSP 5-8.5), the domestic sea level is expected to rise by a maximum of 25cm by 2050 and a maximum of 82cm by 2100, and there is a warning that major coastal areas in Busan, such as Haeundae and Gwangalli, could suffer large-scale flooding damage. There are also simulation results that the sea level could temporarily rise by 3-5m when sea level rise, typhoons, and high tides overlap, causing serious concerns about the future of Busan's coast.
Busan is making various efforts to proactively respond to these climate threats. It has established a 'Climate Change Response Plan,' a customized promotion strategy to realize carbon neutrality by 2050, and has set a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030 compared to 2018. To this end, it is creating a pedestrian-centered living environment and reducing carbon emissions through the '15-Minute City Busan' vision, while fostering the eco-friendly energy industry through a hydrogen economy growth strategy specialized in the marine field. In addition, in preparation for sea level rise, it plans to build the world's first 'sustainable floating city' pilot model in Busan in cooperation with UN-Habitat, and plans to introduce the floating city 'Oceanix Busan' in front of the 2030 Busan Expo exhibition hall by 2028.
On October 16, 2025, the autumn rain in Busan is more than just a weather phenomenon, but a facet that shows the complex aspects of climate change. Busan is a city with beautiful natural scenery and marine resources, but at the same time, it is at the forefront of climate change. It faces various climate risks such as sea level rise, heavy rain, and heatwaves, and an effective response to these is an important task that determines the city's sustainability. Along with Busan's active efforts to respond to climate change, if the interest and practice of each citizen are added, it will be possible to overcome the climate crisis and create a more livable Busan. Beyond today's weather, it is time for a deep understanding of Busan's climate change and continuous interest.
Q1: What is the average weather in Busan in mid-October? A1: Busan in mid-October usually has pleasant and clear autumn weather, with an average daily high temperature between 19 and 24°C. However, recently, the precipitation pattern may become erratic due to the effects of climate change.
Q2: How serious is the sea level rise in Busan? A2: The sea level off the coast of Busan has risen by an average of 2.76mm per year over the past 30 years, and is expected to rise by up to 82cm by 2100 in the high-carbon scenario.
Q3: How is Busan responding to climate change? A3: Busan has set a 2050 carbon neutrality goal and is promoting greenhouse gas reduction and climate change adaptation policies. In particular, it is focusing on the construction of a floating city in preparation for sea level rise and the creation of an eco-friendly city such as the '15-minute city.'
Q4: What are the impacts of climate change on the economy in Busan? A4: Heatwaves, heavy rain, and typhoons due to climate change can reduce work efficiency in the manufacturing industry and cause huge economic losses in the port logistics industry.
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