Severe Snowstorm Disrupts South Korea as Heavy Snowfall Leads to Loss of Life and Widespread Transportation Chaos

South Korea is grappling with a powerful snowstorm that has brought the capital city of Seoul to a near halt for the second consecutive day. The heavy snowfall, which began earlier this week, has been one of the most intense on record, with some areas experiencing snow accumulation of over 40 cm (16 inches) by Thursday morning. According to the Yonhap news agency, this winter storm is now the third-heaviest snowfall in Seoul since weather records began in 1907.

As the city and surrounding regions continue to dig out from under the snow, more than 140 flights were canceled at Incheon International Airport, South Korea’s busiest airport. Delays affected nearly 15% of all flights, while many passengers faced delays of over two hours. In addition to the airport disruptions, ferry operations were also severely impacted, with 99 ferries across 76 routes suspended, further complicating travel across the country. Trains also experienced delays, exacerbating the already difficult travel conditions.

The snowstorm has had tragic consequences, with at least four people confirmed dead. In one incident, a net at a golf range collapsed under the weight of the snow, killing one person and injuring two others. Another person was killed when a protective tent collapsed at a parking lot. Further fatalities occurred on the highways east of Seoul, where traffic accidents claimed the lives of at least two people. In the central city of Wonju, a massive 53-vehicle pile-up on a snow-covered highway left 11 people injured.

Authorities have issued various warnings for residents and travelers. The snowstorm has also forced schools in the Gyeonggi province, which surrounds Seoul, to close or adjust their schedules. Local authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, but with weather conditions showing signs of improvement by Thursday afternoon, snow warnings in the capital’s metropolitan area were lifted by 10 a.m.

The heavy snowfall, which is atypical for November, is attributed to a collision of warmer-than-usual seawater temperatures to the west of the Korean Peninsula with cold air currents moving in from the north. Neighboring North Korea also experienced snow during the same period, with some areas receiving more than 10 cm (4 inches) of snow.

While the storm is beginning to ease, its impact has underscored the increasing unpredictability of weather patterns, with some experts linking such extreme events to climate change. As South Korea continues to recover from the snowstorm’s disruptions, attention is now turning to how the country can better prepare for similar severe weather events in the future.