15cm of Snow Accumulates in Pyeongchang, Gangwon... Increasing Visitors to East Coast Sunrise Spots

With up to 15cm of snow falling mainly in the inland and mountainous areas of Gangwon, the number of visitors gradually increased on the afternoon of the 31st along the East Coast, a popular spot for watching the sunset and sunrise. Although the rainy and gloomy weather kept crowds away, families and groups of friends secured spots along coastal roads and parking lots with good views of the sea to welcome the sunrise.

In Gangneung, Sokcho, and Samcheok, various events will be held to celebrate the sunset marking the end of a tumultuous year, followed by vibrant sunrise ceremonies on the 1st. Cities and counties such as Donghae, Yangyang, and Goseong will also welcome the New Year with diverse sunrise events. Chuncheon and Gangneung cities will ring in the vigorous New Year with bell-ringing ceremonies at city halls at midnight.

The snow that had fallen mainly in the mountainous areas along the East Coast of the province is now easing, with rain falling in some areas including Gangneung.

The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) forecasted an additional 3 to 8cm of snow in the mountains and 1 to 5cm along the East Coast by early morning on the 1st. However, heavy snow warnings for the southern, central, and northern mountain areas of Gangwon were lifted as of 8 p.m. that day.

Additionally, 5 to 10mm of precipitation is expected along the East Coast and in the mountains.

Heavy Snowfall in Chuncheon
Photo by Yonhap News

The amount of snow that fell from the 30th until 8 p.m. on the same day was 15.1cm in Myeonon, Pyeongchang; 11.1cm in Anheung, Hoengseong; 10.1cm in Bukpyeong, Jeongseon; 10cm in Namsan, Chuncheon; 9.2cm in Munmak, Wonju; 6.7cm in Sangseo, Hwacheon; 6.4cm in Dongsong, Cheorwon; 5cm in Yanggu; and 4.8cm in Yeongwol.

Heavy snowfall also accumulated in mountainous areas, with 15cm in Misiryeong, Goseong; 12.4cm in Daegwallyeong, Pyeongchang; 12.7cm in Guryongryeong, Hongcheon; 7.8cm in Jochimryeong, Inje; and 7.4cm in Wangsang, Gangneung.

The Gangwon Provincial Government lifted the operation of Disaster Countermeasures Headquarters Level 1 in the afternoon of the same day as most heavy snow warnings were lifted, after having operated it since the 30th. However, damages caused by icy roads and high waves due to the bad weather continued.

That morning, two people were injured when a passenger car slipped on a road in Hanbando-myeon, Yeongwol, and a man in his 40s, identified as Mr. A, slipped while hiking on Seonjaryeong, Pyeongchang, and was transported to a hospital by rescue teams. In the afternoon, a scuba diver, Mr. B, who was stranded on a rocky shore near Jumunjin Port, Gangneung, was rescued by the Sokcho Coast Guard.

Earlier, fallen trees in Chuncheon, Wonju, Gangneung, Donghae, Hongcheon, Hoengseong, and Yeongwol were cleared.

Currently, 41 national park trails remain closed due to the snow that fell the previous day.

Waves are high and winds are strong across the central East Sea. By afternoon, major expressways and national roads heading toward the East Coast showed mostly smooth traffic flow.

The KMA urged special caution for safety accidents, especially in areas where snow or rain has fallen.

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