Most parts of the country were hit by a severe cold wave on Sunday, with some areas posting record low temperatures.

The mercury plummeted to minus 23 degrees Celsius in Daegwallyeong, Gangwon Province.

Morning lows in the central and southern parts of the country also dropped below zero, with minus 18 degrees in Seoul, minus 16-point-four degrees in Sokcho in Gangwon Province and minus six-point-three degrees in Seogwipo on Jeju Island.

Seogwipo and Sokcho recorded the lowest temperatures since the country started weather observation for the regions in 1961 and 1968, respectively.

Seoul also posted the lowest temperature since 2001 when the mercury fell to minus 18-point-six degrees.

The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) said that most parts of the nation recorded the lowest temperatures of this year’s winter season on Sunday morning.