Worst November snowstorm in half century hits Seoul and grounds hundreds of airplane flights

The worst November snowstorm in half century has hit Seoul, grounding hundreds of lights countrywide and disrupting commuter traffic in the capital
Visitors enjoy in snow at the Gyeongbok Palace, one of South Korea's well-known landmarks, in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

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Visitors enjoy in snow at the Gyeongbok Palace, one of South Korea's well-known landmarks, in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — The most severe November snowstorm to hit South Korea's capital in more than a half century blanketed the capital on Wednesday, grounding hundreds of airplane flights and disrupting commuter traffic.

South Korea’s weather agency said 20 centimeters (7.8 inches) of snow fell in northern areas of Seoul and nearby areas. The agency said it was the heaviest snowstorm Seoul has experienced in 52 years. A storm on Nov. 28, 1972 dumped 12 centimeters (4.7) inches of snow on the capital.

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.

The storm blanketed much of the country, with the country’s central, eastern and southwestern regions seeing about 10 to 23 centimeters (3.9 to 9 inches) of snow.

At least 220 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, while emergency workers across the country responded to fallen trees, signs, and other safety risks.

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 accidents and other snow-related incidents. Yoon also asked officials to convey weather and traffic information to the public swiftly to help ensure they avoid snow-related damages and inconveniences, according to the presidential office.

Workers clean snow in front of the statue of King Sejong at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

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Gwanghwamun Square and Gyeongbok Palace are blanketed with snow in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

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Visitors walk in snow at the Gyeongbok Palace, one of South Korea's well-known landmarks, in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

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Snow-covered bicycles are parked near a subway station in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

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Visitors enjoy in snow at the Gyeongbok Palace, one of South Korea's well-known landmarks, in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

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People pass by snow-covered a Christmas tree in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

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Mary Joy Morcisa from Philippines, right, gestures in snow at the Gyeongbok Palace, one of South Korea's well-known landmarks, in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

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A volunteer man wearing a costume of a Salvation Army pot stands near a snow-covered Christmas tree in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

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Chan Yian from Taiwan holds her smartphone in snow at the Gyeongbok Palace, one of South Korea's well-known landmarks, in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

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A pedestrian stops to take photo the snow-covered Gwanghwamun, the main gate of the 14th-century Gyeongbok Palace, one of South Korea's well known landmarks, in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

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