After the Cold Wave, Heavy Snow Hits the Seoul Metropolitan Area... 'Turtle-Speed Driving' on the Commute

Heavy Snow Warning Expanded to All of Seoul
Snow in the Capital Region Expected to Mostly Stop by Late Afternoon

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] As the severe cold wave subsided, heavy snowfall began pouring mainly in the central region from the early morning of the 26th, continuing the bad weather.

From 3:20 a.m. that day, the heavy snow warning issued for the western part of Seoul was expanded to cover the entire city. The Korea Meteorological Administration issued a heavy snow warning for the southeastern and northeastern areas of Seoul at 8:10 a.m.

The affected areas include Songpa-gu, Gangnam-gu, Seocho-gu, Gangdong-gu (southeastern area), Nowon-gu, Seongbuk-gu, Jungnang-gu, Gwangjin-gu, Dongdaemun-gu, Dobong-gu, Gangbuk-gu, and Seongdong-gu (northeastern area). A heavy snow warning is issued when snowfall is expected to accumulate 5 cm or more within 24 hours.

On the 26th, with snow falling mainly in the central region, office workers are heading to work near the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

In addition, heavy snow warnings are in effect for 17 cities including Incheon and Gyeonggi areas such as Suwon and Yongin, the western coast of Chungnam, and inland Gangwon. Currently, these areas are experiencing snowfall of 1 to 3 cm per hour.

From midnight to 9 a.m. that day, 3.8 cm of snow accumulated in Seoul. Taean, Chungnam recorded the highest snowfall with 9 cm. During the same period, new snowfall amounts in the metropolitan area were 8.3 cm in Incheon, 6.2 cm in Gimpo Janggi, 5.7 cm in Gwangmyeong Noon, 5.7 cm in Bucheon Wonmi, 5.5 cm in Uiwang Idong, 5.6 cm in Siheung, 4.5 cm in Gwacheon, 3.5 cm in Suwon, 2.3 cm in Yeoju, 2.3 cm in Gwangneung (Pocheon), 2.2 cm in Namyangju, and 2.1 cm in Yongin.

Due to the heavy snowfall continuing from early morning, traffic congestion and snow-related accidents were expected during the morning commute, but no major damage occurred. In some parts of Incheon, heavy snow continued past 8 a.m., causing congestion on major roads, but it did not lead to serious accidents. Near Mapo Bridge in Seoul and along Gangbyeonbuk-ro, vehicles slowed down and moved at a turtle's pace due to the heavy snow, causing traffic jams.

On the 26th, with snow falling mainly in the central region, office workers are heading to work near the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety (MOIS) responded by activating Level 1 of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) at midnight on the 26th after heavy snow warnings were issued in Incheon, Gyeonggi, and other areas the previous night.

Lee Sang-min, head of the CDSCH, instructed that pre-application of de-icing agents be completed before the morning commute, anticipating concentrated snowfall in the metropolitan area during the early hours. He also advised using public transportation to avoid congestion and urged active consideration of increasing public transit services.

Meanwhile, snowfall in the metropolitan area is expected to stop by late afternoon, and in other regions by night. However, in the southern parts of Chungcheong and Gyeongbuk, and inland Gyeongnam, snow will continue until early morning on the 27th. In the Jeolla inland and Jeolla western coast areas, snow will fall until the morning and night of the same day, respectively.

The Korea Meteorological Administration warned, "Many areas where snow has fallen or accumulated will experience icy roads and black ice, especially on bridges, elevated roads, and tunnel entrances. There will also be many icy roads on side streets, alleys, sloped roads, and shaded roads. Please be especially cautious about traffic safety and pedestrian accidents."

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