Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Gongju, South Korea is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. The UV Index measures the strength of solar ultraviolet radiation on a given day, serving as a guide for sunburn prevention and long-term skin health. With Gongju's Dfa climate, which features hot summers and moderate sunshine, being aware of UV levels is essential, especially during peak hours when the index can soar to 11—the highest risk rating. By staying informed about the UV Index, residents and visitors can better enjoy outdoor activities while safeguarding their skin against harmful effects.
The UV Index data paints a vivid picture of a day under the sun, starting with a gentle maximum of 1 at 7 AM. As the morning progresses, the index gradually climbs, reaching 3 by 8 AM and hitting 5 by 9 AM. However, the real intensity arrives around 10 AM, when the UV Index peaks at a striking 11—a clear signal to seek shade and protect your skin. It remains at this maximum level until 1 PM, heralding the highest potential for sunburn and skin damage. As the afternoon unfolds, the index begins to taper off, dropping to 9 at 2 PM, then further declining to 5 by 4 PM. By evening, the intensity wanes, returning to a mild 1 by 6 PM and staying low through the rest of the night. Enjoy the sunshine, but remember to stay safe during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, seasonal changes in UV Index reflect varying levels of sun exposure and associated burn times. The high-risk months are identified as April through August, where the UV Index reaches its peak at 11 during June, July, and August, indicating an extreme exposure category with a burn time of just 10 minutes. In contrast, the winter months of January, February, and December maintain a moderate UV Index of 3, allowing for longer exposure times of 30 minutes without immediate risk of burning. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to take necessary precautions during high UV Index months, including wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak hours to minimize the risk of skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Incheon UVI | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| Seoul UVI | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| Gongju | 3 | 4 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| Daejeon UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| Daegu UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| Busan UVI | 4 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 3 |