A powerful cold wave has set in on Tuesday—which marks the coldest period of the lunar calendar, known as "daehan," or "the great cold"—with morning temperatures in parts of the central region plunging to around minus 20 degrees Celsius.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, daytime temperatures will also remain below freezing across most of the central region, with Seoul at minus three degrees, Gwangju at two degrees and Daegu at four degrees.

Cold wave advisories have been issued for most parts of the country, including Seoul, Gyeonggi Province and Incheon.

In addition, strong wind advisories are in place across many regions nationwide, including the South Chungcheong and South Jeolla provinces, intensifying the cold.

The cold spell will persist throughout the week.

Snow will fall in Jeolla Province and Jeju on Wednesday.