Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Gongeum, South Korea, where varying sun exposure throughout the day can significantly impact skin health. With peak UV levels often reaching as high as 11 during midday, awareness of these levels is key to preventing sunburn and protecting against long-term skin damage. Given Gongeum's Cfa climate, characterized by warm summers and mild winters, residents face unique UV exposure risks that necessitate proactive measures. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoors safely while minimizing harm to your skin.
The UV Index shows a dramatic rise as the sun climbs in the sky, peaking at 11 between noon and 1 PM, indicating an exceptionally high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Starting the day low at a mere 1 at 7 AM, it steadily increases to 3 and then 5 by 9 AM, setting the stage for the intense midday sun. As it reaches 10 at 11 AM, it signals to outdoor enthusiasts to seek shade or don protective gear. The index begins to wane after 1 PM, dropping to 10 at 2 PM, and declining further to 3 by 5 PM, before settling back to 1 after 6 PM. To stay safe under the scorching sun, be sure to take precautions 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | 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, 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 |