Both Japan and South Korea experience cold winters, but Japan is generally colder than South Korea. This is due to a few factors:
- Geography: Japan is a chain of islands located further north than South Korea, which is situated on the Korean Peninsula.
- Topography: Japan's mountainous terrain, particularly in the north, creates a colder climate compared to the relatively flatter landscape of South Korea.
- Ocean Currents: The warm Kuroshio Current influences South Korea's climate, making it milder than Japan's. Japan, on the other hand, is influenced by the colder Oyashio Current, which contributes to its colder temperatures.
Temperature Differences
- Average Winter Temperatures: While both countries experience sub-zero temperatures during winter, Japan's average winter temperatures are lower.
- Snowfall: Japan receives significantly more snowfall than South Korea, particularly in the northern regions.
Examples:
- Sapporo, Japan: Known for its snowy winters, Sapporo experiences average winter temperatures around -4°C (25°F).
- Seoul, South Korea: Seoul experiences colder winters than most of South Korea, with average winter temperatures around -2°C (28°F).
While Japan is generally colder, it's important to note that specific regions within both countries experience varying temperatures.