Seoul experienced its heaviest November snowfall on record this week, setting a new benchmark for the capital. On Wednesday, the city was blanketed by 16 centimeters of snow, surpassing the previous November record of 12.4 cm set in 1972. This unexpected early winter storm disrupted daily life across South Korea, with local reports indicating that flights were grounded, roads were closed, and public transportation faced significant delays.
The severe weather also led to at least one fatality. Authorities reported a tragic traffic accident near Seoul, likely caused by the hazardous, icy roads. The snowfall, which began in the morning, continued well into the night, causing further inconvenience for commuters and residents.
The snow-covered Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of Seoul’s most iconic landmarks, provided a picturesque scene for tourists, including a group of Thai visitors who posed in traditional Hanbok dresses. Yet, despite its beauty, the storm’s aftermath was a reminder of the power of nature, with cars crawling along the snow-laden streets of southern Seoul, where icy conditions had triggered numerous accidents.
Youn Ki-han, head of Seoul’s Meteorology Forecast Division, explained that the heavy snow was caused by strong westerly winds and a stark temperature difference between the warm sea surface and the cold air, making for ideal snowstorm conditions. Weather experts predict the snow will continue into Thursday morning, leaving the city to cope with another day of winter challenges.
For many, this sudden shift from mild autumn temperatures to winter’s grasp was a jarring experience. Businessman Bae Joo-han reflected on the rapid change, saying, “Just last week, the autumn felt unusually warm, but now it feels like we’ve jumped straight into winter. It’s a stark contrast.” Despite the chaos, he couldn’t resist heading outside to enjoy the beauty of the first snowfall of the season.
