Drought Conditions Spread Across 97 Regions in South Korea

South Korea is confronting widespread drought conditions across 97 regions, with low rainfall and depleted agricultural reservoirs creating the most acute pressure in the southeastern city of Yeongcheon.

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety said in its October drought report that meteorological drought had been observed in 97 regions as of Oct. 1. Of those areas, 74 were classified as experiencing mild drought and 22 were assessed as having moderate drought. Yeongcheon, located in North Gyeongsang Province about 300 kilometers southeast of Seoul, was the only region placed in the severe category.

The nationwide assessment reflects a sustained rainfall deficit rather than a brief dry spell. Cumulative precipitation from April 2 through Oct. 1 reached 783.3 millimeters, equivalent to 72.5 percent of the normal-year average. The shortage has also reduced water held in reservoirs that support farming communities. Storage at agricultural reservoirs nationwide stood at 70 percent of the level recorded in an average year.

The figures indicate that drought stress is geographically broad even though its intensity varies sharply. Most affected locations remain in the mild category, but the concentration of severe conditions in Yeongcheon highlights the vulnerability of parts of southeastern Korea. Nearby water infrastructure has also shown signs of strain during the prolonged dry period. Unmun Dam in Cheongdo County had a storage rate of 22.9 percent on Oct. 5.

Agricultural reservoir levels are a key indicator because they influence the water available to farms during dry conditions. A prolonged shortfall can increase pressure on local authorities to conserve supplies and closely monitor weather patterns, particularly in areas where water reserves have already fallen substantially below normal.

The government expects conditions in Yeongcheon to improve before the end of the year. The ministry said precipitation is forecast to exceed normal levels in November and December, which could help replenish local water supplies and ease the severe drought classification.

Until that expected rainfall arrives, the latest report presents a mixed outlook: the drought is widespread across the country, but most affected regions are still experiencing mild or moderate conditions. The depth of the rainfall deficit and reduced reservoir storage nevertheless leave authorities with limited room if the anticipated late-year precipitation fails to materialize.