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South Korea’s weather agency said 20 to 26 centimeters (7.8 to
10 inches) of snow fell in northern areas of Seoul and nearby
areas. The agency said it was the heaviest snowstorm Seoul has
experienced in November in 52 years. A storm on Nov. 28, 1972,
dumped 12 centimeters (4.7 inches).
South Korea’s Yonhap news agency said one person died and four
others were injured in a five-vehicle accident in the eastern
town of Hongcheon.
In the town of Yangju, a tent-type garage collapsed and killed a
person who was removing snow, according to South Korea’s
Ministry of the Interior and Safety. The snow caused temporary
power outages at about 230 homes in the city of Gwangju, near
Seoul, according to the Gyeonggi provincial government.
The storm blanketed much of the country, with the central,
eastern and southwestern regions recording about 10 to 28
centimeters (3.9 to 11 inches) of cover.
At least 317 flights were canceled or delayed at airports
nationwide, while authorities ordered around 90 ferries to
remain at port. They also shut down hundreds of hiking trails.
Icy road conditions slowed down the morning commute in Seoul and
led to massive crowds at subways, causing delays. Emergency
workers across the country responded to fallen trees, road signs
and other safety risks.
Officials at the Safety Ministry said they couldn't confirm any
school closures as of Wednesday afternoon.
Visitors dressed in traditional hanbok garb were busy taking
photographs at Seoul’s snow-covered medieval palaces while
snowmen popped up in playgrounds and schoolyards across the
country.
The weather agency said snow will continue in most parts of the
country until noon Thursday.
President Yoon Suk Yeol instructed the safety and transport
ministries to mobilize all available relevant personnel and
equipment to prevent traffic and other accidents. ___
Associated Press writer Hyung-jin Kim in Seoul, South Korea,
contributed to this report.
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