Severe snowstorm causes chaos in Seoul and leads to fatalities
- A historic snowstorm blanketed Seoul with up to 20 centimeters of snow, making it the heaviest in 52 years.
- Hundreds of flights were canceled, and ferry services were suspended as the storm disrupted travel across the country.
- The storm led to a deadly accident in Hongcheon, highlighting the significant dangers posed by the severe weather.
On November 27, 2024, a historic snowstorm struck Seoul, South Korea, marking the most severe November snowfall in over fifty years. The South Korean weather agency reported that up to 20 centimeters (7.8 inches) of snow blanketed northern areas of Seoul and its surroundings. This unprecedented snowstorm caused significant disruptions, grounding at least 220 flights across the country and halting ferry services as authorities ordered around 90 ferries to remain docked. Additionally, hundreds of hiking trails were closed due to the treacherous conditions. Emergency responders received numerous calls regarding fallen trees, signs, and other hazards throughout the region. The icy roads led to a slow and difficult commute for residents, highlighting the storm's widespread impact. Tragically, the storm also resulted in a fatal incident, where one person was killed and four others were injured in a five-vehicle accident in Hongcheon, demonstrating the storm's dangerous consequences. The weather agency indicated that snowfall was expected to continue in most parts of the country until noon the following day, emphasizing the ongoing threat posed by the storm. As the weather worsened and conditions deteriorated, many aspects of daily life in Seoul and other affected areas were significantly disrupted, preventing people from going about their usual routines.