The Commuting Crisis Was Avoided... But Snow-Covered Seoul Predicts 'After-Work Hell'

No Heavy Snowfall Between Dawn and Morning
Snow Begins Around 10 AM
Seoul City Maintains Level 2 Emergency Snow Removal Duty

On the 18th, when heavy snow was forecasted in most parts of the country, citizens hurried their steps on the streets of Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy reporters Jo In-kyung and Lee Hyun-joo] Although heavy snow fell overnight mainly in the central region, the snow cloud band shifted slightly southward, bypassing Seoul. On the morning of the 18th, the feared commuting chaos in Seoul did not occur. However, around 10 a.m., snow began falling in some areas of Seoul, and it is expected that traffic congestion and road delays may occur from midday through rush hour.

As of 7 a.m. that day, the Seoul Metropolitan Government deployed about 9,000 workers, 1,000 snow removal vehicles, and 2,000 tons of snow removal materials to carry out snow clearing operations on most main roads in the city. Although there were some snow flurries in certain areas from the previous night to early morning, the snowfall amounts were minimal?0.1 cm in Jongno-gu and 1.5 cm in Seocho-gu?and temperatures were mild, so there was no accumulation or road icing. A city official explained, "Snow removal on major roads has been completed, and all accumulated snow overnight has been cleared. There is no disruption to vehicle traffic."

In response to the snowfall forecast, the city had already issued a 'Snow Removal Emergency Duty Level 2' starting at 6 p.m. on the 17th and conducted preemptive snow removal by spreading de-icing agents on major roads and vulnerable spots within the city.

Additionally, to prepare for Monday morning rush hour congestion, the city extended the peak public transportation dispatch hours from the usual 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., increasing the frequency of subway and city bus operations. Both the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters sent advisory text messages to citizens from the afternoon of the previous day, urging the use of public transportation amid the heavy snow.

However, contrary to the Korea Meteorological Administration’s snow forecast, only light snow flurries occurred in Seoul until the morning of the 18th. Since snow is forecast to resume from midday, the emergency duty Level 2 system, which was activated from 6 p.m. the previous day, remains in effect. Han Je-hyun, head of Seoul’s Safety General Office, stated, "We will make every effort to carry out snow removal operations to prevent inconvenience to citizens caused by heavy snowfall," and urged, "Citizens are also encouraged to use public transportation and actively participate in 'clearing snow in front of their homes and stores' to prevent slip accidents caused by ice."

As of 10 a.m., snow was falling in northern Seoul districts including Yongsan-gu, Mapo-gu, Gangbuk-gu, Nowon-gu, Dobong-gu, Eunpyeong-gu, and Jung-gu. The Korea Meteorological Administration expects snow to intermittently fall or flurry in northern Seoul until the morning, then intensify again by region from midday.

At 6 a.m., a heavy snow advisory was issued for northeastern, northwestern, and southwestern Seoul, as well as Guri and Namyangju in Gyeonggi Province. Nationwide, as of 8 a.m., snowfall amounts recorded included 16.5 cm in Hongcheon (Guryongryong), Gangwon Province; 10.7 cm in Bonghwa (Seokpo), Gyeongsang Province; 10.8 cm in Gochang-gun, Jeolla Province; and 9.5 cm in Gimje (Jinbong), Jeolla Province. In the Seoul metropolitan area, Anseong recorded 7.1 cm, Yangju 4.7 cm, and Suwon 2.5 cm of snow. Currently, snow is falling in the central region, western inland Gyeongsang, and Jeolla areas, with some regions experiencing a lull. Most snow is expected to cease after 3 p.m. that day.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.