Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Koch'ang, South Korea, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With its Cfa climate characterized by warm summers, residents and visitors alike need to be vigilant about sun exposure, especially during peak hours. The UV levels can reach as high as 10 around midday, significantly increasing the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. By being aware of the UV Index and its implications, you can effectively plan your outdoor activities, ensuring you enjoy the sun safely while protecting your skin.
At sunrise, the UV Index begins its ascent with a gentle maximum of 1 at 07:00, indicating minimal sun exposure risk. As the day progresses, the intensity climbs, peaking at a striking 10 by 12:00, making midday the most crucial time to seek shade and wear protection. The UV levels start to taper off in the afternoon, dropping to 6 at 15:00 before gradually declining to 1 by 19:00. It's essential to stay vigilant during peak hours, particularly between 11:00 and 13:00, when the sun’s rays are most intense.
| 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 | 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 variations, with the highest risk months being May through August. During this period, UV Index levels peak at 10 to 12, categorizing the exposure as very high to extreme, with burn times dropping to just 10-15 minutes. In contrast, the months of January, February, November, and December present a moderate UV exposure with indices around 3 to 5 and longer burn times of 30 minutes. It's essential for visitors and residents alike to take appropriate precautions, such as applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during the high-risk months of April to September, to minimize the risk of skin damage. Staying informed about local UV levels can significantly enhance sun safety practices.
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 |
| Koch'ang | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 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 |