Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Gwanchon, South Korea, where the climate brings unique exposure risks. With long summers characterized by high UV levels, knowing how to interpret these readings can help in preventing sunburn and preserving skin health. The UV Index in Gwanchon peaks at a significant 10 around noon, indicating a need for diligent sun protection during peak hours. By staying informed about daily UV levels, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while safeguarding your skin from harmful effects.
The UV Index throughout the day paints a vivid picture of sun intensity. Starting at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM, the index gradually climbs, reaching a more noticeable 3 by 8:00 AM. The real surge occurs between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM, where it peaks at 10—a crucial time for sun protection. After that, it begins to gently decline, with 9 at 1:00 PM, 8 at 2:00 PM, and dropping further to 6 by 3:00 PM. As the sun starts its descent, the index sees a steady fall, ending at a comfortable 1 by 6:00 PM, making the later hours much safer for outdoor activities. Pay attention to the height of UV levels around midday for optimal sun safety!
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | 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 exhibits significant seasonal changes, with high-risk months primarily occurring from March to September. During these months, UV levels climb sharply, peaking at an extreme 12 in July and August, where the burn time is reduced to just 10 minutes. As summer transitions to fall, UV exposure slightly declines but remains notable, hitting 10 in April, May, and September, with burn times of only 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during these high-risk months by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, particularly during midday when the sun's rays are most intense. From late fall through winter, while the UV Index drops to moderate levels (3-5), it's still important to remain cautious, especially if spending extended time outdoors.
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 |
| Daegu UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| Gwanchon | 4 | 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 |