Seoul: More than 20 centimeters of snow blanketed parts of the capital city overnight, with a heavy snow alert issued in the greater Seoul area and Gangwon Province, the state weather agency said Wednesday. A heavy snow warning was issued in parts of the northeastern districts of Seoul, including Nowon, Seongbuk, and Dobong, shortly after the city received its first snow of the season.According to Yonhap News Agency, the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) and the Seoul metropolitan government outlined that an advisory is issued when snowfall is expected to reach 5 cm or more within 24 hours, and a warning when it reaches over 20 cm in 24 hours. Much of the country, including the greater Seoul area, parts of North Chungcheong Province, eastern North Jeolla Province, and some mountainous regions of North Gyeongsang Province, will receive 1 to 3 cm of snow per hour in the morning, while the snowfall is expected to continue into the night in Gangwon Province.The interior ministry activated Level 1 oper ations of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters and raised the heavy snow warning to "caution." The disaster control tower warned of traffic congestion during the morning and evening rush hours, pile-up accidents on icy roads, and safety issues for pedestrians due to the heavy snow.Starting at 7 a.m., the Seoul metropolitan government began removing snow in cooperation with district governments and relevant agencies. It also made roads leading up to Mount Inwang and Mount Bugak, as well as roads in Samcheong-dong, near Gyeongbok Palace, and Waryong Park off limits to visitors. Interior Minister Lee Sang-min instructed officials to thoroughly conduct snow removal operations.
- October 12, 2026
