In brief
Seoul has been blanketed in over 16 centimeters of snow, surpassing previous records and causing widespread chaos across the city and beyond.
Over a century since records began, Seoul has witnessed its most significant November snowfall, accumulating at least 16 cm on Wednesday—shattering the previous record of 12.4 cm set in November 1972. The sudden winter weather has led to considerable disruptions, including grounded flights, closed roads, and delays across various transport services. Local reports highlight that at least one individual has tragically lost their life due to a weather-related traffic accident in the vicinity.The heavy snowfall is attributed to robust westerly winds and a stark temperature disparity between the ocean surface and cold air masses, according to Youn Ki-han, head of the Meteorology Forecast Division in Seoul. Forecasts indicate that the adverse weather will persist through Wednesday night and into Thursday morning. The snowy transformation comes after a brief period of unusually mild autumn temperatures, which left many locals surprised. Businessman Bae Joo-han remarked on the dramatic shift, sharing how the initial warmth of November quickly morphed into a winter landscape. “Just last week, I felt that the November autumn was a bit warm, but now, it feels like a winter wonderland, quite a contrast,” he stated while enjoying the first flakes of the season.As the snow continues to fall, the capital grapples with both the beauty of the winter scene and the challenges it presents for daily life and safety.
