So, here’s the scene in Seoul: snow. And not just any snow—a full-blown record-breaking blizzard, the kind that hasn’t been seen in over a century. The city’s practically buried, flights are grounded, and people are out here just trying not to slip on their way to work.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
That’s wild, right? The last time it was even close to this bad was back in 1972 when 12.4 cm fell, and that record had stood for 100 years. This isn’t just a sprinkle; this is Mother Nature saying, “Let me show you what I’ve got!”
Travel Plans? Not Happening
If you were planning on flying out of South Korea this week, well… tough luck. Over 220 flights got canceled, ferries were told to stay docked, and even hiking trails got shut down. Oh, and the roads? Absolute madness. Ice everywhere, cars crawling, and accidents piling up.
In one scary incident, a five-car crash in Hongcheon left one person dead and four others hurt.
Power Outages and Commute Nightmares
As if the snow wasn’t enough, thousands of homes lost power thanks to trees coming down under the weight of the snow. Meanwhile, commuters had to deal with icy streets and even subway delays. One subway line in Seoul got held up for nine minutes during the morning rush. Nine minutes might not sound like much, but in rush hour? It feels like forever.
The Government’s On High Alert
President Yoon Suk Yeol isn’t messing around. He’s told safety and transport ministries to throw everything they’ve got at this snowstorm. We’re talking personnel, equipment—the whole nine yards. The goal? Keep accidents to a minimum and make sure people know what’s happening with weather and traffic updates.
A Nation Under Snow
It’s not just Seoul, either. The storm blanketed most of South Korea, with snow piling up anywhere from 10 to 23 cm across the central, eastern, and southwestern regions. It’s a full-on winter wonderland—except, you know, the kind that comes with chaos.
The Takeaway
South Korea’s dealing with its snowiest day in over 100 years, and it’s safe to say it’s a mess. Whether it’s grounded flights, power outages, or slippery streets, this storm is making life tough for everyone. If you’re in the area, stay safe, bundle up, and maybe skip the morning commute if you can.