Snowfall Surprises South Korea As Winter Weather Persists

Heavy snowfall enveloped much of South Korea over the weekend, bringing unexpected disruptions as citizens anticipated the arrival of spring. Starting on March 17, 2025, snow blanketed the nation, with various cities experiencing significant accumulations that caught many off guard.

In the capital, Seoul, the weather stations reported a total of 8.9cm of snow between 8 PM on March 17 and 7 AM on March 18, a substantial snowfall for this late in the season. This was just part of a larger pattern; regions across the country were heavily impacted, with Uijeongbu and Hwacheon reporting 13.8cm and 14.3cm respectively.

The Korea Meteorological Administration had issued a heavy snow advisory in anticipation of the weather patterns on March 17. This marked one of the latest advisories in the city’s history, surprising residents who were prepared to welcome the warmer spring months.

Among the shocked residents was a 43-year-old man living in Dongdaemun-gu, who remarked, "I sometimes see snow in March, but it hasn't felt this cold lately, so I was stunned." Similarly, commuters in Eunpyeong-gu expressed their astonishment as they navigated the treacherous conditions. One commuter noted, "I was late for work by about ten minutes because the buses were so delayed due to the snow." As traffic ground to a halt, the average speed in downtown Seoul plummeted to just 17.9km/h.

Alongside these challenges, events unfolded that further showcased the chaos snow could bring. At 6:18 AM, a minor collision occurred at the entrance of the Jeongneung Tunnel on the Seoul Inner Ring Road, demonstrating the hazards on the slick roads. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported in these incidents, though they highlighted the risks faced by drivers in inclement conditions.

Tragedy struck in Ansan, where a man in his 20s from Uzbekistan died in a single-car accident after hitting a median on a slippery road. Local authorities suggested the wet conditions due to snowfall contributed to the incident. Traffic authorities reported significant delays, and in Uijeongbu, train services were suspended for over two hours due to snow covering signal devices, showcasing a domino effect on public transportation as well.

As heavy snow continued to blanket the nation on March 18, the picturesque landscape at Dumujibong Peak in Okcheon-gun drew attention. This peninsula-shaped landform, which mirrors the actual Korean peninsula, is a local tourist attraction and, under snow, takes on a stunning resemblance to its real-life counterpart. The Korea Meteorological Administration noted that if the snow continued to accumulate along with persistently low temperatures, the region could maintain this winter wonderland for some time.

The terrain at Dumujibong Peak reveals a reflective mirror positioned to accentuate the landform’s similarity to the peninsula’s geographical shape. Spanning just 1.45 km, this emblematic feature, a small-scale replica, provides an intriguing visual metaphor for South Korea’s own environmental and political landscape during this turbulent time.

In the face of these weather-related challenges, many South Koreans looked ahead, hoping for the blossoming of spring flowers to come and the end of this unseasonably harsh winter. While some took to social media to express their experiences, others gathered to marvel at the striking snowy vistas, trying to find beauty amid the chaos.

This recent bout of snow, a reminder of nature's unpredictable patterns, has prompted citizens to reflect on the changing seasons and the climate. As conversations swirl concerning the effects of global warming and weather anomalies, the extraordinary scenes at Dumujibong Peak symbolize a deeper narrative about South Korea's evolving landscape and experiences.