Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Hwacheon, South Korea, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels helps you take proactive steps to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, especially during peak exposure hours. With a Dwa climate characterized by warm summers, residents and visitors alike face varying UV risks throughout the day. Notably, from 10 AM to 2 PM, UV levels reach their highest point, peaking at a dangerous 9, underscoring the importance of staying informed and protecting yourself under the sun.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its steady ascent. At 7:00 AM, it starts at a modest 1, signaling a low risk for sun exposure. By 8:00 AM, it climbs to 3, prompting early risers to take some precautions. However, from 9:00 AM onward, the intensity increases significantly, peaking at 12:00 PM with a striking 9—a reminder that peak hours warrant serious sunscreen application and protective measures. The index hovers at 9 until 1:00 PM, before gradually tapering off, falling to 6 by 3:00 PM and concluding the day at 1 by 7:00 PM. This hourly UVI data beautifully illustrates the sun's powerful midday effect, underscoring the importance of vigilance when enjoying the outdoors during peak sun hours.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index displays significant seasonal variations, indicating the need for heightened awareness during certain months. The high-risk months, particularly from April to August, show UV Index levels of 9 to 11, categorized as very high to extreme, with notably short burn times of just 10-15 minutes. In contrast, the winter months of January, February, November, and December have moderate levels, with burn times extending to 30 minutes. To protect skin health, visitors and residents should take precautionary measures during peak UV periods, including seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying broad-spectrum sunscreen whenever UV Index levels reach 6 or higher. By staying informed and prepared, individuals can enjoy outdoor activities safely throughout the year.
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 |
| Hwacheon | 3 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 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 |