Seoul has experienced its heaviest November snowfall on record, with the South Korean capital blanketed by at least 16 cm of snow on Wednesday. This surpassed the city’s previous record of 12.4 cm, which was set in November 1972, marking the most significant snowfall in the city since records began in 1907.
The heavy snowfall has caused widespread disruption across the country, with reports of grounded flights, closed roads, and delays to public transport services. At least one fatality has been reported, with a person dying in a weather-related traffic accident near Seoul.
Youn Ki-han, head of Seoul’s Meteorology Forecast Division, explained to AFP that the intense snowfall was caused by strong westerly winds coupled with a “significant temperature difference between the sea surface and the cold air.” The snow is expected to continue through Wednesday night and into Thursday morning.
The sudden cold snap comes just after the region had been experiencing unseasonably mild autumn temperatures. “Just last week, I felt that the November autumn was a bit warm, but in just one week it feels like it’s turned into a winter wonderland, which was quite a contrast,” said Bae Joo-han, a businessman in Seoul. “So I came out onto the streets today to enjoy the first snowfall of this winter.”
The heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures have led to hazardous conditions on the roads and at airports, where several flights were delayed or canceled due to the snow. Authorities have urged the public to stay safe and avoid unnecessary travel as the storm continues to affect the capital and surrounding areas.
As the snow continues to fall, residents of Seoul are grappling with the abrupt change in weather, marking an early start to the winter season. The city’s emergency services are on high alert, with additional resources deployed to clear snow from major roadways and transport hubs.
The unprecedented snowfall serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable weather patterns that can affect the region, as both officials and citizens work to navigate the challenges posed by the storm.
