Seoul residents woke up to a snow-blanketed city this week as record-breaking snowfall brought both joy and disruption to the South Korean capital.
On Wednesday, 16.1 centimeters (6.3 inches) of snow fell, marking the heaviest daily November snowfall since the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) began keeping records in 1907. This broke the previous record of 9.5 centimeters (3.7 inches) set in 1966. By Thursday morning, nearby Yongin city reported a staggering 47.5 centimeters (18.7 inches) of snow.
A Scene of Beauty and Playfulness
The heavy snowfall transformed Seoul into a picturesque winter landscape. Iconic landmarks such as Gyeongbokgung Palace were draped in white, while trees sagged under the weight of the snow. Residents bundled up to enjoy the rare sight, building snowmen, throwing snowballs, and strolling through the city’s snow-covered streets.
Adding to the charm, Everland’s twin panda cubs, born to nationwide fanfare last July, experienced snow for the first time. The cubs delighted visitors as they slid down snowy fields, their playful antics captured in videos that quickly went viral.
Disruption and Chaos
Amid the beauty, the snowstorm caused widespread disruption. Hundreds of power outages were reported in cities near Seoul, including Gwangju. Travel ground to a halt as over 150 flights were canceled or delayed nationwide, and more than 100 ferry services were restricted, according to the Interior Ministry.
Roads in and around Seoul faced closures, with at least 18 routes affected. Local authorities added subway trains to manage the spike in demand for public transit.
Tragically, three deaths were reported in connection with the severe weather. In Wonju, southeast of Seoul, a multi-car pileup on a snow-covered highway prompted emergency workers to assist stranded motorists.
Government Response
President Yoon Suk Yeol was briefed on the snowstorm’s impact and directed authorities to minimize damage and disruptions. He emphasized ensuring adequate public transportation capacity during rush hours and thorough management to safeguard citizens.
While the record snowfall delighted many, its impact on travel and infrastructure highlighted the challenges posed by such extreme weather events. For Seoul, this historic snowstorm will be remembered as a mix of wonder and adversity.
