Seoul has been blanketed with record-breaking snowfall, igniting joy and chaos across the South Korean capital. Residents woke up on Wednesday to find 16.1 centimeters (6.3 inches) of snow had fallen, marking the heaviest November snowfall recorded since the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) started keeping track of such data back in 1907. This extraordinary amount shattered the previous record of 9.5 centimeters (3.7 inches) set way back in 1966. But the snow wasn’t finished yet; by Thursday morning, residents of Yongin city faced even more—47.5 centimeters (18.7 inches)—making the winter spectacle both beautiful and troublesome.
The heavy blankets of snow transformed the streets of Seoul, covering its iconic landmarks like Gyeongbokgung Palace, which looked stunning with the addition of white. Trees bent to the ground under the weight of the snow, and many locals took this as their chance to embrace the winter magic. Kids and adults alike frolicked through the snow-covered streets, creating snowmen, hurling snowballs, and relishing the rare sight.
At Everland, South Korea’s popular amusement park, the twin panda cubs—born to much fanfare last July—were let out to experience snow for the very first time. Their delightful antics of sliding down snowy hills enthralled visitors and were quickly shared online, bringing smiles to many faces.
Yet, amid the fun, disaster loomed. The snowstorms led to widespread disruptions, creating chaos for the city’s residents. Hundreds of power outages were reported around Seoul and nearby cities like Gwangju. Travel was severely hindered as over 150 flights were either canceled or significantly delayed, and more than 100 ferry services faced restrictions. Local roads were not spared either; 18 routes were shut down due to the snowfall, enveloping public transportation systems.
Tragedy struck as well, with three deaths reported during the snow incidents. Most alarming was the multi-car pileup on the snow-covered highway near Wonju, situated southeast of Seoul, which left emergency workers scrambling to help stranded motorists and those involved.
South Korea's government did not sit idly by as the chaos unfolded. President Yoon Suk Yeol was briefed about the snowfall’s impacts and instructed authorities to take immediate action to minimize the damage and disruptions experienced by residents. He emphasized the need for adequate public transportation capacity, especially during rush hours, as snowstorms often catch people off guard.
While many enjoyed the winter wonderland, the record snowfall also spotlighted pressing challenges of managing and responding to extreme weather conditions. It served as both a reminder of nature's beauty and its potential to disrupt, leaving Seoul residents with mixed memories of wonder and trouble.
More about the aftermath was revealed when the Ministry of the Interior shared plans for snow-removal support. Reports indicated the establishment of task forces aimed at aiding snow-removal and restoration efforts across Gyeonggi Province and other hard-hit areas of the country. Across the region, nearly 3,000 facility damage incidents were logged, prompting the mobilization of over 2,600 officials and workers to clear snow and assist affected communities.
Particular cities, like Anseong, bore the brunt of the aftermath, with eight casualties and damages estimated at around 35.2 billion won (approximately $25.2 million). The government indicated it would be reviewing the situation closely, potentially declaring some areas special disaster zones to facilitate recovery and financial assistance to victims.
Among the toughest impacts were felt by displaced individuals; over 400 people found refuge in temporary shelters. Local governments worked tirelessly to assess damage and provide aid as they navigated both delivery of disaster relief funds and restoration of services. Task force chief Lee Han-gyeong assured the public of the government’s commitment, stating, “The government will make all-out efforts to support victims swiftly and effectively, collaborating with ministries and local governments.”
The heavy snowfall has left its mark on South Korea's capital and surrounding regions, creating spectacles and misfortunes alike. Sky-high snowdrifts painted the nation’s cultural heart with elegance, yet the disrupted infrastructure brought undeniable chaos and loss. For everyone, this winter event will remain etched in memory, serving as both thrilling fun and practical challenges to overcome.