Seoul has been buried under a record-breaking November snowfall, with 16.5cm (6.5 inches) of snow falling by 7am on Wednesday, the heaviest since records began in 1907. Icy road conditions have disrupted the morning commute, while emergency workers respond to fallen trees and signs. One person died and four others were injured in a five-vehicle accident.
First Day of Snowfall This Season is Heaviest on Record, Says Weather Bureau
16.5cm (6.5 inches) of Snow Fell by 7am on Wednesday
The Korea Meteorological Administration said that 16.5cm (6.5 inches) of snow fell by 7am on Wednesday, compared with Seoul’s previous record of 12.4cm on 28 November 1972. It was the heaviest snowfall since records began in 1907, the KMA said.
Icy Road Conditions Slowed Down the Morning Commute in Seoul
Icy road conditions slowed down the morning commute in Seoul, while emergency workers across the country responded to fallen trees and signs, and other safety risks.
One Person Died and Four Others Were Injured in a Five-Vehicle Accident
Yonhap said one person died and four others were injured in a five-vehicle accident in the eastern town of Hongcheon.
Snow Would Continue in Most Parts of the Country Until Noon on Thursday
The weather agency said snow would continue in most parts of the country until noon on Thursday.
South Korea’s Capital Hit by Record-Breaking Snowfall
Morning Commute Disrupted
Icy road conditions slowed down the morning commute in Seoul, with emergency workers responding to fallen trees and signs, as well as other safety risks. The weather agency reported that snow would continue in most parts of the country until noon on Thursday.
Travel Disruptions
At least 220 flights were grounded at airports across the country, while authorities ordered about 90 ferries to remain at port. Hundreds of hiking trails were also shut down due to the heavy snowfall.
President Orders Emergency Response
President Yoon Suk Yeol ordered the safety and transport ministries to mobilize all available personnel and equipment to prevent traffic accidents and other snow-related incidents. The president also asked officials to convey weather and traffic information to the public swiftly to help ensure they avoid snow-related damages and inconveniences.
Snow-Related Incidents
One person died and four others were injured in a five-vehicle accident in the eastern town of Hongcheon, according to Yonhap news agency. A Seoul subway line experienced a nine-minute delay during rush hour due to the heavy snowfall.
Photos from the Scene
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Macau tourists wearing Korean traditional Hanbok dresses take pictures amid snowfall at Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul.
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Cars move slowly on a snow-covered road in southern Seoul, South Korea, amid a heavy snow alert.
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Thai tourists wearing Korean traditional Hanbok dresses take pictures amid snowfall at Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul.
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Visitors enjoy snow at Gyeongbok Palace, one of South Korea’s best-known landmarks, in Seoul.
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Snow-covered persimmons in Seoul.
