Seoul was hit by a powerful snowstorm that broke a century-old record, with heavy snowfall disrupting flights and ferry services. The snowstorm, which dropped 16.5 cm of snow, occurred on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at 07:00 AM, surpassing the previous record of 12.4 cm set on November 28, 1972. This marks the heaviest snowfall recorded in Seoul since records began in 1907.
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, the heavy snow led to the cancellation of at least 220 flights across South Korea. Authorities also ordered around 90 ferries to remain in port. Hundreds of hiking trails were also closed due to the storm. The icy roads caused significant delays in morning travel across Seoul, and emergency responders throughout the country dealt with fallen trees, damaged signs, and other safety hazards.
Media outlet Yonhap reported that the snowstorm caused a fatality and left four others injured in a five-vehicle accident in Hongcheon, a city in eastern South Korea. The weather agency has indicated that snow will continue to fall across much of the country until Thursday afternoon.
The heavy snowfall also caused widespread power outages, with thousands of homes in Seoul and central regions losing electricity due to fallen trees.
President Yoon Suk Yeol ordered the Ministry of Safety and the Ministry of Transport to mobilize all available personnel and equipment to prevent traffic accidents and other snow-related incidents. Yoon also urged officials to continuously update the public on weather and traffic conditions to ensure citizens avoid damage and inconvenience caused by the snowstorm.
The snowstorm also impacted one subway line in Seoul, causing a nine-minute delay during peak hours. The storm covered much of the country, with the central, eastern, and southwestern regions receiving snow accumulation of 10-23 cm.
