South Korea is reeling from an unseasonably intense snowstorm that battered the country for a second consecutive day on Thursday, leaving a trail of disruptions, casualties, and significant economic implications. With flights grounded, transportation paralyzed, and lives lost, the nation is struggling to navigate through one of its most severe early winter weather events in over a century.
Seoul, the bustling capital of South Korea, experienced its third-heaviest snowfall since meteorological records began in 1907, according to Yonhap News Agency. By Thursday morning, more than 40 cm of snow blanketed parts of the city, creating havoc on roads, in neighborhoods, and at major transportation hubs.
While weather authorities lifted heavy snow warnings in the Seoul metropolitan area by mid-morning, the damage had already been done. Commuters faced treacherous conditions, with icy roads leading to accidents and widespread delays across the region.
The storm’s devastating impact has resulted in at least four deaths and numerous injuries. Late on Wednesday, tragedy struck at a golf range when a snow-laden net collapsed, killing one person and injuring two others. In a similar incident, a protective tent at a car park collapsed under the weight of accumulated snow, claiming another life.
Meanwhile, icy highways turned into deadly traps. Two fatalities were reported from separate traffic accidents east of Seoul. In Gangwon province, a 53-vehicle pile-up near the city of Wonju injured 11 people, highlighting the dangers posed by the wintry conditions.
The heavy snowfall wreaked havoc on South Korea’s transportation systems.
Air Travel: Incheon International Airport, the nation’s busiest air hub, bore the brunt of the storm. Passengers faced average delays of two hours, and flight tracking website Flightradar24 reported that 14% of flights were delayed and 15% canceled. Over 140 flights were grounded across the country as airlines scrambled to adapt to the adverse weather conditions.
Singapore Airlines confirmed delays of up to nine hours for several flights between Seoul and Singapore on Wednesday and Thursday. Affected passengers were offered refreshments and assistance, the airline said. Scoot, another Singapore-based carrier, reported no cancellations but emphasized its commitment to closely monitoring the weather to ensure passenger and crew safety.
Ferries and Trains: Beyond the airports, operations of 99 ferries on 76 routes were suspended, further complicating travel plans for many. Train services also faced significant delays, according to local media reports, adding to the woes of commuters relying on public transport.
In Gyeonggi province, which borders Seoul, authorities allowed schools to close on Thursday if conditions became too hazardous. Local governments deployed emergency measures, including the dispatch of snow-clearing vehicles and personnel, but the sheer volume of snowfall proved overwhelming in many areas.
Meteorologists have pointed to an interplay of unusual climatic factors as the cause of this early and extreme snowstorm. Warmer-than-usual sea surface temperatures west of the Korean Peninsula combined with frigid air currents have created a volatile environment conducive to heavy snowfall.
While South Korea often experiences snow in the winter months, such significant accumulation in November is rare, underscoring the storm’s anomalous nature.
Neighboring North Korea was not spared by the storm. State broadcaster Korean Central Television reported snowfall exceeding 10 cm in some regions between Tuesday and Wednesday. Although specific details of the impact in the reclusive nation remain scarce, the conditions are likely to have compounded existing challenges in the country’s transportation and agricultural sectors.
The snowstorm’s impact extends beyond the immediate disruptions. Retail businesses, particularly those dependent on foot traffic, have suffered losses as customers stay home. The cost of clearing snow and repairing damaged infrastructure will likely weigh on local governments already grappling with other economic pressures.
For airlines and logistics providers, the delays and cancellations represent not only lost revenue but also the need to compensate passengers and adjust schedules, further straining resources during the busy holiday travel season.
Amid the chaos, communities across South Korea have demonstrated resilience. Volunteers and local officials have rallied to assist with snow removal, provide emergency aid to stranded travelers, and ensure the safety of vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and homeless.
Authorities have urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and to remain vigilant for further weather updates. Emergency services continue to work around the clock to restore normalcy and prevent additional casualties.
