What's happened
South Korea experienced its heaviest November snowfall on record, leading to at least five fatalities and significant travel disruptions. Over 140 flights were canceled, and many roads were blocked due to fallen trees and icy conditions. The snowfall reached up to 17 inches in some areas, causing widespread chaos and power outages.
What's behind the headline?
Impact on Travel
- Over 140 flights canceled, primarily at Incheon Airport.
- Significant delays reported, with average wait times of two hours.
- Ferry services suspended on 76 routes.
Public Safety Concerns
- At least five deaths reported due to snow-related incidents.
- Injuries from traffic accidents, including a 53-vehicle pile-up.
- Authorities mobilized over 11,000 personnel for snow removal.
Future Weather Predictions
- More snow expected in Chungcheong and Jeolla provinces.
- Weather officials lifted heavy snow warnings, but caution remains advised.
Economic Implications
- Potential impact on local businesses due to travel disruptions.
- Increased costs for snow removal and emergency services.
What the papers say
According to Business Insider UK, the snowfall in Seoul was the heaviest recorded in November since 1907, with 6.5 inches reported on Wednesday alone. The Independent highlighted that the snow caused significant travel chaos, with over 140 flights canceled and many schools closed. South China Morning Post noted that the severe weather resulted in multiple fatalities, including deaths from collapsing structures. The contrasting reports emphasize the dual nature of the snowfall, bringing both joy and despair to residents, as seen in quotes from locals enjoying the winter scenery while also facing the harsh realities of the weather's impact.
How we got here
The unusual heavy snowfall in South Korea is attributed to warmer sea temperatures interacting with cold air currents. This weather phenomenon has resulted in record-breaking snow accumulation, particularly in Seoul and surrounding regions.
Go deeper
- What caused the heavy snowfall in South Korea?
- How are authorities responding to the travel disruptions?
- What are the safety measures in place for residents?
More on these topics
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Seoul, officially the Seoul Special City, is the capital and largest metropolis of South Korea. Seoul has a population of 9.7 million people, and forms the heart of the Seoul Capital Area with the surrounding Incheon metropolis and Gyeonggi province.
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South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea, is a country in East Asia, constituting the southern part of the Korean Peninsula and sharing a land border with North Korea.
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North Korea, officially the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, is a country in East Asia constituting the northern part of the Korean Peninsula.
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Incheon, officially the Incheon Metropolitan City, is a city located in northwestern South Korea, bordering Seoul and Gyeonggi to the east. Inhabited since the Neolithic, Incheon was home to just 4,700 people when it became an international port in 1883.