South Korea’s Capital Experiences Highest Snowfall in Over 100 Years

Gwanghwamun Square and Gyeongbok Palace are blanketed with snow in Seoul, South Korea, on Nov. 27, 2024. Ahn Young-joon/AP Photo

Hundreds of flights have been canceled as Seoul, the capital of South Korea, faced its heaviest November snowfall in over a century since the country’s weather observations began, according to local reports.

The Korea Meteorological Administration said that Seoul recorded more than 20 centimeters (7.8 inches) of snow on Wednesday, the highest level since the agency began keeping records in 1907.

At least one person was killed and nine others were injured in car accidents caused by heavy snow in Gangwon province, Yonhap News Agency reported. In Seoul’s Songpa district, three people were injured when a snow fence collapsed near a construction site.

More than 300 flights were suspended or delayed at airports nationwide and passenger ferries serving 70 routes paused operations due to the severe weather conditions, according to multiple reports. The snow also led to the closure of hundreds of hiking trails.

The weather agency forecasted that snow will persist nationwide until Thursday morning, with precipitation expected to continue until Thursday afternoon in Gangwon and North Gyeongsang provinces. The snow may last until Friday in some provinces, the report stated.

Hundreds of houses were left without electricity as fallen trees severed power lines in some locations. Local media reported that more than 170 households in Seoul’s Seongbuk district were hit by power outages.

Some 230 residences in the city of Gwangju experienced temporary power outages caused by snow-related incidents, according to the Gyeonggi provincial government. Dozens of houses in the Eunpyeong-gu district were also affected by power cuts.

Authorities have alerted residents about potential traffic congestion and accidents due to icy road conditions and other safety risks from heavy snow. The Seoul metropolitan government said it was working with district governments and local agencies in snow removal efforts.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has urged the safety and transport ministries to mobilize all available relevant personnel and equipment to prevent traffic and other accidents amid the severe weather conditions.

Emergency workers across the country have also responded to fallen trees, damaged road signs, and other safety hazards. It remains unclear whether the heavy snow has resulted in any school closures.

The recent snow level also exceeded the previous record of 12.4 centimeters (4.88 inches) in November 1972, according to local reports.

In December last year, Seoul received its highest single-day snowfall since 1981, with 12.2 centimeters (4.8 inches) of snowfall, which led to traffic congestion in some areas. No weather-related deaths or injuries were reported at that time.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.