First Snowfall of the Season Blankets South Korea, Icy Roads Expected Friday
SEOUL – The first snowfall of the season arrived in South Korea on Thursday, impacting travel and prompting warnings of hazardous road conditions, particularly during Friday morningS commute. Accumulation in Seoul and other central regions ranges from 1 to 5 centimeters, while northern and eastern Gyeonggi and northern Gangwon provinces-where temperatures are lower-may see up to 8 centimeters.
The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) has issued preliminary heavy snow alerts for Yeoncheon and Pocheon in Gyeonggi province, and cheorwon, Hwacheon and Yanggu in Gangwon province. This year’s initial snowfall occurred approximately two weeks later than the seasonal average of November 20th; last year,the first snow fell on November 26th.
Areas in the Jeolla region and other parts of the south, which experienced snow on Wednesday, are forecast to receive an additional centimeter of snowfall, possibly accompanied by strong winds creating blizzard-like conditions.
The snowfall coinciding with the evening rush hour has raised concerns about critically important traffic delays. With temperatures expected to remain below freezing overnight, the falling snow is unlikely to melt, increasing the risk of icy roads during the Friday morning commute. The KMA advises the public to “use public transportation whenever possible.”
“Traffic conditions will remain hazardous today due to icy roads and snowfall, but people should be especially cautious early tomorrow morning as precipitation from the night may freeze over, creating black ice,” said a KMA representative.
The cold snap is anticipated to continue through Friday before moderating over the weekend. Seoul’s temperatures are forecast to rise sharply, reaching 12 degrees Celsius (53.6 degrees Fahrenheit) on Sunday. However, another cold spell is expected next weekend as colder air descends from the north.
