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South Korea has been hit by heavy snowfall for the second consecutive day, causing severe disruptions to travel and daily life. The snowstorm, which has been described as one of the worst in recent history, has resulted in at least four deaths and widespread travel chaos, including cancelled flights and suspended ferry services. However, weather conditions have started to improve as the snowfall eases.
The snowstorm, which began on Wednesday, was the third-heaviest snowfall recorded in Seoul, the capital since records started in 1907. By Thursday morning, parts of the city saw more than 40 cm (16 inches) of snow. This led to the cancellation of over 140 flights and a major impact on other forms of transport.
Weather officials lifted heavy snow warnings for Seoul and the surrounding metropolitan area by 10 a.m. on Thursday, but the damage had already been done. Incheon International Airport, South Korea’s busiest airport, was severely affected, with many flights delayed or cancelled. About 14% of flights were delayed, and 15% were cancelled on Thursday, according to data from flight tracking websites. Passengers faced delays of up to two hours.
The snowstorm also had a major impact on ferry services, with 99 ferry routes and 142 flights being cancelled by Thursday. Media reports also mentioned delays in train services. Schools in the province of Gyeonggi, which borders Seoul, were allowed to close if needed due to the weather.
The unusually heavy snow in November has been caused by warmer-than-usual seawater temperatures west of the Korean peninsula meeting cold air currents. This phenomenon created the perfect conditions for the snowstorm. In neighbouring North Korea, more than 10 cm (4 inches) of snow fell in some areas between Tuesday and Wednesday.
While the snowfall has now begun to ease, the effects are still being felt across the country, and authorities are continuing to monitor the situation.
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