Pedestrians walking in front of the Gyeongbokgung Palace amid heavy snowfall in central Seoul on Nov 27, 2024. - AFP
SEOUL: The most severe November snowstorm to hit South Korea's capital in more than a half century blanketed the capital on Wednesday (Nov 27), grounding hundreds of flights and disrupting commuter traffic.
South Korea’s weather agency said 20cm (7.8 inches) of snow fell in northern areas of Seoul and nearby areas. The agency said it was the heaviest snowstorm Seoul has experienced in 52 years. A storm on Nov 28, 1972 dumped 12cm (4.7) inches of snow on the capital.
South Korea’s Yonhap news agency said one person died and four others were injured in a five-vehicle accident in the eastern town of Hongcheon.
The storm blanketed much of the country, with the country’s central, eastern and southwestern regions seeing about 10 to 23cm (3.9 to 9 inches) of snow.
At least 220 flights were cancelled or delayed at airports nationwide, while authorities ordered around 90 ferries to remain at port. They also shut down hundreds of hiking trails.
A car park attendant clearing a road amid heavy snowfall in Seoul on Nov 27, 2024. - AFP
Icy road conditions slowed down the morning commute in Seoul, while emergency workers across the country responded to fallen trees, signs, and other safety risks.
The weather agency said snow will continue in most parts of the country until noon Thursday.
President Yoon Suk-yeol instructed the safety and transport ministries to mobilise all available relevant personnel and equipment to prevent traffic accidents and other snow-related incidents. Yoon also asked officials to convey weather and traffic information to the public swiftly to help ensure they avoid snow-related damages and inconveniences, according to the presidential office. - AP
