Journal of Korean Society of Agricultural Engineers ISSN:1738-3692(Print) 2093-7709(Online) 한국농공학회논문집

Local climate characteristics for both urban and rural areas can be attributed to multiple factors. Two factors affecting these characteristics include: 1) greenhouse gases related to global warming, and 2) urban heat island (UHI) effects caused by changes in surface land use and energy balances related to rapid urbanization. Because of the unique hydrological and climatological characteristics of cities compared with rural and forested areas, distinguishing the impacts of global warming urbanization is important. In this study, we analyzed anthropogenic climatic changes caused by rapid urbanization. Weather elements (maximum temperature, minimum temperature, and precipitation) over the last 60 years (1955-2016) are compared in urban areas (Seoul, Incheon, Pohang, Daegu, Jeonju, Ulsan, Gwangju, Busan) and rural/forested areas (Gangneung, Chupungnyeong, Mokpo, and Yeosu). Temperature differences between these areas reveal the effects of urbanization and global warming. The findings of this study can be used to analyze and forecast the impacts of climate change and urbanization in other urban and non-urban areas.