• Journal of the Korean Geographical Society
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.237-246
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• 2002

This study classified wintertime bioclimatic zones of South Korea based on daytime and nighttime distribution of wind chill index calculated from climate data during the coldest month for latest 30 years (1971- 2000). The results show that the winter daytime and nighttime wind chill index were influenced by climatic factors such as elevation, land-sea breeze, topology, and sea currents etc. as well as climatic components such as temperature, wind speed, and sunshine, so that South Korea was divided into five bioclimatic zones; Cool day- cold night zone, Keen day- Cold night zone, Keen day-Very Cold night zone, Cold day and night zone, and Cold day-Extremely Cold night zone. Especially, coasts and island areas, except for south coast of Korea, shows Keen bioclimatic response during daytime and Very Cold bioclimatic response during nighttime. This indicates that coasts and island areas, except for south coast of Korea are affected by moonson and land-sea breeze. In addition, highly elevated Daegwallyeong shows Cold bioclimatic response during daytime and Extremely Cold during nighttime due to the influence of adiabatic temperature lapse rate and monsoon. This study offers basic data necessary to make decisions concerning insulation such as clothing and architect etc. by classifying winter bioclimatic zones of South Korea based on various daytime and nighttime distribution of wind chill.