Seoul Issues 'Level 1 Snow Response' as First Snowfall Forecast During Evening Commute

Up to 5cm of Snow Forecast for December 4, 6-8 PM
City Begins Emergency Operations in Cooperation with Local Districts

With the first snowfall of the season, measuring around 1 to 5 centimeters, forecasted for Seoul between 6 PM and 8 PM-the evening rush hour-the city of Seoul has issued Level 1 of its snow response protocol.

On December 4, starting from 2 PM, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that it would implement these measures and begin emergency snow removal work in cooperation with local districts and relevant agencies.

Citizens dressed in thick clothing are walking in the snow on Dosan-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jo Yongjun

The city will use 968 CCTVs installed along the snow movement routes in the West Sea region to detect signs of snowfall in advance and preemptively spread de-icing agents throughout Seoul before the snow begins. A workforce of 5,052 people and 1,145 snow removal machines will be deployed.

Given the forecast for a significant amount of first snow, the city is establishing a comprehensive response system to prepare for the snowfall and plans to mobilize all available snow removal equipment for a swift initial response.

Taking into account the expected snow accumulation and subzero temperatures, the city has also replenished de-icing agents and equipment in snow removal boxes placed in alleyways and on steep slopes. Citizens are being asked to participate by clearing snow in front of their homes and businesses.

Han Byungyong, Director of Disaster and Safety at the Seoul Metropolitan Government, stated, "We will fully mobilize available personnel and equipment to ensure thorough snow removal measures so that citizens are not inconvenienced by the first snowfall of this winter." He added, "If temperatures drop while snow is on the ground, icy road sections may form, so we ask citizens to refrain from using private vehicles and to use public transportation for safety."

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