Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Gongeum, South Korea, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels not only helps prevent sunburn but also plays a vital role in long-term skin health, reducing the risk of skin cancer and premature aging. Located in a Cfa climate zone, Gongeum experiences fluctuating levels of UV exposure throughout the day, peaking in the late morning and early afternoon with indices reaching as high as 9. Awareness of these levels empowers residents and visitors alike to take necessary precautions, ensuring enjoyable and safe outdoor activities under the sun.
The UV Index for the day reveals a dramatic rise in sun intensity as morning turns to afternoon. At 7:00 AM, the index starts at a low 1, offering a gentle introduction to the day’s sun. By 9:00 AM, it ramps up to 4, marking the transition towards higher exposure. The peak is reached between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, where it soars to 9, signaling a critical time for sun safety. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually declines, settling at 6 by 3:00 PM. Finally, the evening brings relief as the UV Index drops to 1 by 7:00 PM. This daily pattern highlights the importance of sun protection during peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | 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, UV exposure varies significantly, with the highest risks typically occurring in the summer months. Notably, June, July, and August see the peak UV Index at 11 to 12, classified as extreme, with a burn time of just 10 minutes. The spring months, particularly April and May, also present considerable risk with a UV Index of 9 (very high), requiring careful sun protection for 15 minutes of exposure. As autumn approaches, the UV Index decreases, with September still maintaining a 10 (very high) rating before dropping to moderate levels in November and December (UV Index 3-5). Residents and visitors are advised to take appropriate precautions during the high-risk months from March through September, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours to minimize the risk of sunburn and harmful UV exposure.
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 |
| Daejeon UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| Gongeum | 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 |