Record snowfall in November ensures joy and chaos in Seoul

Record snowfall in November ensures joy and chaos in Seoul

This week the residents of Seoul, South Korea, were surprised by a glittering white winter landscape when a record snowfall caused both joy and disorders in the South Korean capital.

record snowfall in Seoul

The city recorded 16.1 centimeters (6.3 inches) on Wednesday - the strongest daily snowfall in November since the beginning of the records in 1907, as the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) announced. The previous record was set up in 1966 with 9.5 cm (3.7 inch) snow.

snow until the morning hours

During the day and overnight, further violent snow fell; Until Thursday morning, parts of the city of Yongin, south of the capital, had already measured 47.5 centimeters (18.7 inches) of snow, reports the KMA.

winter joys and disorders

photos from the capital show impressive scenes of trees that give in under the weight of the snow, as well as the iconic palaces in Seoul, which are wrapped in white snow. The residents wrapped themselves in thick coats and enjoyed throwing snowballs, building snowmen and having fun in the fluffy snow.

The first twin panda babies in the country that were born in July last year had fun in Everland themed park and zoo by slipping over a snow-covered field. It was the first time that the little Pandas experienced snow, since the nurses protected them in the last winter before the weather conditions, so .

traffic disruptions and disorders

But the snowfall also brought considerable disorders. Many travelers had to change their plans because the travel and transport infrastructure came to a standstill in many places. By Thursday evening, over 130 households in Seoul had reported that they were without electricity, according to the Ministry of Internal and Security. Hundreds also lost electricity in cities near the capital like Gwangju, such as the Associated press

effects on air traffic

Over 150 flights were deleted or late nationwide between Tuesday and Thursday, while more than 100 ferry connections were restricted, according to the Ministry of the Interior. At least 18 roads around Seoul had restrictions due to the snow, and the authorities increased the number of subway trains to meet the increased demand in public transport.

President Yoon Suk Yeol orders measures

President Yoon Suk Yeol received information about the blizzard on Wednesday and pointed out "a thorough administration to avoid damage to the population." He also asked the authorities to ensure that there were enough capacities in public transport during the main traffic time on Thursday.

Current warnings and developments

to Thursday, the warnings of strong snowfall remained in the southern parts of the province of Gyeonggi, while the warning was lifted for Seoul and the snow in the capital passed to light snowfall.