Seoul Buried Under Record-Breaking November Snowfall

Heavy Snowfall in Seoul, South Korea

At least 16 cm of snow covered the city, beating the previous record of 12.4cm from November 1972.

The heavy snowfall was due to strong westerly winds and a significant temperature difference between the sea surface and the cold air, according to Youn Ki-han, the head of Seoul’s Meteorology Forecast Division.

Flights had been grounded, roads were closed, and there were delays to transport services as a result of the weather conditions.

A weather-related traffic accident near Seoul resulted in at least one fatality.

Weather Conditions in Seoul, South Korea

Impact of Heavy Snowfall

The heavy snowfall caused significant disruption across the country, with local media reporting that:

• Flights had been grounded

• Roads were closed

• There were delays to transport services

At least one person was reported to have died in a weather-related traffic accident near Seoul.

Weather Forecast

Youn Ki-han, the head of Seoul’s Meteorology Forecast Division, stated that the heavy snowfall was due to strong westerly winds and a “significant temperature difference between the sea surface and the cold air.”

The cold weather is expected to continue through Wednesday night and into Thursday morning.

Contrast in Autumn Temperatures

Businessman Bae Joo-han noted the contrast in autumn temperatures, saying: “Just last week, I felt that the November autumn was a bit warm, but in just one week it feels like it’s turned into a winter wonderland, which was quite a contrast.”

The first snow of the season was also the heaviest November snowfall since modern weather observations began in 1907.

Disruption to Flight Schedules

Some flight schedules were impacted by the weather.