South Korea is blanketed by heavy snow for two days consecutively, with almost 130 centimeters of snow piling up in Mount Halla regions of Jeju. The snowfall is not just in Jeju but all across the country. Gangwon Province’s eastern counties got a whopping 40 cm of snow! The country’s capital recorded 2.5 centimeters of snow.
The Korea Meteorological Administration says it’s gonna snow and rain more. Central and southern parts of the country, like Daejeon, Sejong, Gwangju, and the provinces of South and North Jeolla and South Chungcheong, are going to get up to 15 centimeters of snow. Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi Province might get a bit more, like 3 to 8 centimeters.
Cold Wave Warnings in Effect
The snowfall comes with a cold snap with the temperatures ranging from minus 10°C to 0°C in the morning. The daytime highs were between minus 5°C and 6°C.
📍 Four Points by Sheraton Suwon 포 포인츠 바이 쉐라톤 수원
— Christopher Almon (@IrishWolfSTL) January 28, 2025
🌎 Suwon-si, South Korea
📅 Tuesday, January 28, 2025#SouthKorea #Suwon #SnowFall #Snow pic.twitter.com/Enemcfaa7n
Transportation Chaos
The level of severe weather has caused travel disruptions. There were multiple fight cancellations and passenger ships suspension affecting travel plans of individuals going home for Seollal holiday, there were additional delays in train services and highway gridlock.
As of Tuesday, there were many transportation disruptions across the country.
- Flight Cancellations: As of 11 a.m. Tuesday, 111 nationwide flight cancellations, including 68 departures from Incheon International Airport, South Korea’s main aviation hub, were reported.
- Road Closures: Major roads on Jeju Island’s Mount Halla were closed due to hazardous conditions.
- Train Services: The KTX train lines, including Gyeongbu, Honam, Gangneung, and central services, are running slower to keep passengers safe during this weather.
- Marine Transport: Marine transport, including fishing vessels and passenger ferries, was suspended, stranding many travelers.
- Light-Rail Delays: Light-rail train in Yongin, south of Seoul, was out of service for 2.5 hours before resuming at 11:10 a.m.
As a precautionary measure, authorities have restricted access to 19 national parks throughout the country, as confirmed by officials.
Tips for Tourists During Heavy Snowfall
- Stay Informed: Regularly check weather updates from reliable sources like the Korea Meteorological Administration and monitor news outlets for information on transportation services.
- Plan Ahead: Anticipate potential delays and allocate extra time for travel. Confirm the status of flights, trains, and buses before departure.
- Limit Travel: Avoid non-essential travel during severe weather. If you must travel, inform someone of your itinerary and expected arrival times.
- Dress Appropriately: Wear warm, waterproof clothing, including insulated boots with good traction, to prevent hypothermia and slips on icy surfaces.
- Stay Indoors: When possible, remain indoors during heavy snowfall. Utilize this time to explore indoor attractions or enjoy local cuisine.
- Emergency Supplies: Carry essentials such as water, snacks, a flashlight, a portable phone charger, and a basic first-aid kit in case of unexpected delays or emergencies.
- Heed Local Advisories: Follow guidance from local authorities regarding road closures, public transportation updates, and safety measures.
As the snowfall persists, authorities have issued a plea to residents to exercise caution, refrain from unnecessary travel, and remain vigilant for updates on weather advisories and transportation schedules. Given the anticipated accumulation of snow, South Korea continues to anticipate potential disruptions in the coming days.
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