Hundreds of flights grounded, power cut as record November snowfall hits Seoul

South Korea's capital was blanketed on Wednesday by the heaviest snowfall in Seoul during November on record, with bad weather snarling traffic, knocking out power and grounding hundreds of flights as authorities braced for more snow in coming days.

At least two people were reported killed in traffic accidents on highways east of the capital, while falling debris from buildings and construction sites due to strong winds injured some pedestrians in Seoul, media reports said.

Power was cut for thousands of households in several areas of Seoul and the central region as electricity lines were damaged by falling trees and snow-related causes, news reports said.

South Korea’s weather agency said 20 to 26 centimetres (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 centimetres (4.7 inches).

The storm blanketed much of the country, with the central, eastern and southwestern regions recording about 10 to 28 centimetres (3.9 to 11 inches) of cover. At least 317 flights were cancelled or delayed at airports nationwide, while authorities ordered around 90 ferries to remain at port. They also shut down hundreds of hiking trails.

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.

A Korean Air plane is parked on the tarmac during snowfall as seen through a window at Incheon international airport on Wednesday. AFP

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 mobilise all available relevant personnel and equipment to prevent traffic and other accidents.

Agencies