In brief
Seoul has shattered its record for November snowfall, experiencing its highest accumulation since 1907, resulting in significant disruptions across the city and surrounding areas.
As Seoul recorded a remarkable 16 cm of snow on Wednesday, this surpassed the previous record of 12.4 cm set in November 1972. The heavy snowfall wreaked havoc, grounding flights, closing roads, and causing delays in public transport services. Tragic reports indicate that at least one life was lost in a weather-related traffic incident near the capital. The Seoul Meteorology Forecast Division's head, Youn Ki-han, attributed the unusual snowfall to strong westerly winds and a notable temperature contrast between the ocean and the cold air, with continued snowfall anticipated into Thursday morning. This dramatic shift from mild autumn weather baffled residents like businessman Bae Joo-han, who noted the surprising change to a ‘winter wonderland’ within just a week. Local attractions, such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, are now beautifully blanketed in snow, although the icy conditions have led to increased traffic accidents. The intensity of this snowfall highlights the extreme weather patterns faced in the region and impacts expected in the coming days.
