An unrelenting cold snap took hold of the nation on Monday with many parts of the country, including Seoul, recording the lowest morning lows of the season.

The mercury fell to minus 18 degrees Celsius in Daegwallyeong in Gangwon Province and minus 12-point-six degrees Celsius in Seoul. 

The cold wave gripping the central region and inland areas down south will continue on Tuesday with the low in Seoul expected to again fall to minus 12. Temperatures are forecast to be slightly more bearable from around the middle of the week and return to seasonal norms for the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday.

Heavy snow alerts have been issued along west coast areas of the Jeolla Provinces. Snow is expected to pound the areas as well as Jeju Island until Monday afternoon.

The Korea Meteorological Administration said temperatures in some of the inland regions will remain as low as minus ten degrees for the time being, adding that the wind chill will make conditions feel even colder.

The weather agency urged citizens to take care of their health and be mindful of water pipes that can freeze and burst.