Seoul: South Korea is experiencing the coldest weather of the season, with temperatures in Seoul reaching a morning low of minus 12.4 C on Sunday, as reported by the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA).
The KMA forecasts that temperatures will drop even further on Monday, with morning lows in Seoul expected to be between minus 18 C to minus 3 C. The Daegwallyeong district in Gangwon Province experienced an even more severe drop, with morning lows of minus 16.8 C and a sensible temperature of nearly minus 29.7 C.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the cold snap has led to the cancellation of 14 flights at Jeju International Airport and delays of 97 others due to heavy snow and the cold wave. In Jeju, up to 22.6 centimeters of snow was recorded, affecting flight operations significantly. The KMA had previously issued heavy snow warnings for central and western areas of the country. Jeju police implemented traffic controls across the island, limiting road access to large vehicles equipped for winter conditions. Additionally, a cold wave advisory was issued in various areas including Seoul, Busan, Daejeon, and Daegu starting from 9 p.m. on Saturday. This advisory is in effect when the morning low remains below minus 12 C for over two consecutive days or when there is a drop of more than 10 C to below minus 3 C. In response, the Seoul metropolitan government has maintained the cold wave advisory and initiated measures to mitigate potential damage.