Heavy Snow Paralyzes Seoul & Capital Region Commute; Emergency Response Activated Amidst Icy Road Warnings for Friday

Heavy Snowfall Grips Seoul, Disrupting Evening Commute and Triggering Emergency Response

Seoul and its surrounding metropolitan area experienced significant disruption on Thursday evening as heavy snowfall brought the region to a near standstill. Commuters faced severe challenges, with traffic grinding to a halt and roads becoming treacherous across the capital.

Emergency Measures and Widespread Advisories

The sudden influx of snow prompted the Ministry of the Interior and Safety to elevate the national heavy snow alert from “attention” to “caution,” activating the government’s emergency response headquarters at 6 p.m. Heavy snowfall advisories were swiftly issued for key areas including Seoul, Incheon, Gyeonggi Province, and parts of Gangwon Province, underscoring the widespread impact of the weather event.

Traffic Chaos and Subway Crowding

The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) reported that Seoul could anticipate 2 to 6 centimeters of snow overnight, while certain sections of Gyeonggi Province were witnessing snowfall rates up to 3 centimeters per hour. These conditions rapidly transformed major thoroughfares and highway ramps into slippery hazards, leading to widespread traffic congestion and lengthy delays. Images from central Seoul depicted cars caught in gridlock and pedestrians carefully navigating snow-covered streets.

To circumvent the stalled road traffic, many residents opted for public transportation, causing subway stations to become unusually crowded. Cities within Gyeonggi Province, such as Namyangju and Suwon, reported similarly difficult conditions as snow continued to accumulate throughout the evening. Delays in snow removal operations in some locations further exacerbated the risk of vehicle skidding and minor accidents.

Official Directives and Public Safety Warnings

In response to the escalating situation, local authorities were directed to intensify snow removal efforts and proactively manage traffic bottlenecks, especially around critical intersections and pedestrian zones. Furthermore, officials urged inspections of facilities susceptible to heavy snow damage, including greenhouses, livestock shelters, and older structures. The public was strongly advised to prioritize public transport and exercise extreme caution on icy roads and sidewalks.

Outlook: Icy Friday Morning Commute Expected

As the snow was forecast to persist into the late evening across the capital region, with northern Gyeonggi Province and mountainous inland areas of Gangwon Province potentially receiving up to 8 centimeters, a critical warning was issued. With temperatures expected to plummet overnight, authorities cautioned that widespread icy conditions would likely make Friday morning commutes exceptionally challenging, urging continued vigilance from residents.