Driest Cities in South Korea

Top 100 cities ranked by driest cities

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All Countries · South Korea

Driest Cities — South Korea

1 Eisen 14 42.6"

2 Daegu 15 42.6"

3 Kunwi 14 43.1"

4 Hayang 14 43.5"

5 Heunghae 14 43.5"

6 Pohang 14 43.5"

7 Waegwan 14 43.6"

8 Yeonil 14 43.7"

9 Gumi 14 44.4"

10 Gyeongju 14 44.5"

11 Andong 14 44.5"

12 Cheongsong gun 14 45.2"

13 Sinan 16 45.4"

14 Yecheon 14 45.5"

15 Gyeongsan-si 14 45.7"

16 Jenzan 14 45.9"

17 Yeongju 14 46.4"

18 Muan 16 46.5"

19 Mungyeong 14 46.7"

20 Mokpo 16 46.8"

21 Taesal-li 17 47.5"

22 Gunsan 03 47.5"

23 Seosan 17 47.6"

24 Changnyeong 20 47.6"

25 Puan 03 47.7"

26 Gimcheon 14 47.7"

27 Yanggu 06 47.8"

28 Sangju 14 48.0"

29 Hwawŏn 15 48.0"

30 Boryeong 17 48.2"

31 Kosong 06 48.3"

32 Hongseong 17 48.3"

33 Hwacheon 06 48.3"

34 Tangjin 17 48.5"

35 Munsan 13 48.5"

36 Yeonggwang 16 48.5"

37 Cheorwon 06 48.7"

38 Ulsan 21 48.9"

39 Kimje 03 48.9"

40 Iksan 03 48.9"

41 Chuncheon 06 49.2"

42 Santyoku 06 49.4"

43 Hongch’ŏn 06 49.4"

44 Yeongdong 05 49.5"

45 Ganghwa-gun 12 49.5"

46 Bucheon-si 13 49.6"

47 Ansan-si 13 49.8"

48 Hwaseong-si 13 49.8"

49 Namsa 03 49.8"

50 Wanju 03 49.8"

51 Cheongju-si 05 49.8"

52 Yesan 17 49.9"

53 Buyeo 17 50.0"

54 Jungpyong 05 50.1"

55 Jangseong 16 50.1"

56 Gapyeong 13 50.1"

57 Koch'ang 03 50.1"

58 Chungju 05 50.1"

59 Jeongeup 03 50.2"

60 Neietsu 06 50.2"

61 Sejong 22 50.2"

62 Seonghwan 17 50.2"

63 Pyeongtaek 13 50.2"

64 Yŏnmu 17 50.3"

65 Miryang 20 50.4"

66 Naju 16 50.5"

67 Asan 17 50.5"

68 Masan 18 50.5"

69 Cheonan 17 50.5"

70 Wŏnju 06 50.6"

71 Chinch'ŏn 05 50.6"

72 Koesan 05 50.6"

73 Sokcho 06 50.6"

74 Gongju 17 50.7"

75 Jeonju 03 50.7"

76 Nonsan 17 50.7"

77 Dodong-ri 14 50.8"

78 Okcheon 05 50.8"

79 Pubal 13 50.8"

80 Anseong 13 50.8"

81 Yeoju 13 50.8"

82 Osan 13 50.9"

83 Kinzan 17 51.1"

84 Yangju 13 51.1"

85 Uijeongbu-si 13 51.1"

86 Songgangdong 19 51.3"

87 Sintansin 19 51.3"

88 Daejeon 19 51.3"

89 Uiwang 13 51.3"

90 Donghae City 06 51.3"

91 Siheungdong 11 51.3"

92 Gunpo 13 51.3"

93 Gwangmyeong 13 51.3"

94 Anyang-si 13 51.3"

95 Icheon-si 13 51.3"

96 Namyangju 13 51.4"

97 Wabu 13 51.4"

98 Hwado 13 51.4"

99 Hanam 13 51.4"

100 Yangp'yŏng 13 51.6"

The driest cities in South Korea receive the least annual precipitation, often characterized by arid landscapes and abundant sunshine. Eisen receives just 42.6 inches of precipitation annually.

Dry climates offer benefits including more sunny days, less seasonal affective disorder, lower humidity, and reduced mold and allergen concerns. These cities are often located in the desert Southwest or other arid regions with dramatic natural landscapes.

Water management is a critical concern for the driest cities, many of which rely on distant water sources, desalination, or strict conservation measures. As populations grow in these areas, sustainable water use and drought resilience become increasingly important priorities.

Did You Know?

1. Eisen gets just 42.6" of precipitation per year — less than many cities get in a single month.
2. Most of the driest cities are in the desert Southwest, where evaporation often exceeds precipitation by a factor of 10 or more.
3. Water conservation is a way of life in these cities, with many implementing xeriscaping requirements and water usage restrictions.

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