Cold northwesterly winds kept daytime temperatures subdued on Monday, and forecasters say much of the country will remain below freezing on Tuesday morning.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, most eastern coastal regions will stay very dry with strong winds, and the East Sea, Yellow Sea and waters off Jeju will experience rough conditions through Monday night, requiring caution for vessels.

Mercury will fall as low as minus two degrees Celsius in Seoul, with nationwide temperatures ranging from about minus eight degrees to two degrees, marking a drop of three to seven degrees compared to Monday.

Afternoon highs will recover slightly, reaching about seven degrees in Seoul and four to 11 degrees nationwide, similar to the previous day.

Waves in the far-off East Sea and near Jeju will rise to around two meters.

Forecasters say early winter conditions will continue through the week, with a nationwide chance of rain on Thursday.