Seoul recorded its heaviest snowfall in November since records began more than a century ago in 1907.
South Korea’s capital was covered in at least 16 centimeters of snow on Wednesday – beating the city’s previous record of 12.4 centimeters from November 1972.
It has caused significant disruption across the country, with local media reporting that flights have been grounded, roads closed and transport services delayed.
At least one person is believed to have died in a weather-related traffic accident near Seoul.
Youn Ki-han, head of the Seoul Meteorological Forecasting Office, told AFP news agency that the heavy snowfall was caused by strong westerly winds and “a significant temperature difference between the sea surface and the cold air”.
It is expected to continue through Wednesday evening and into Thursday morning.
The cold weather comes after the region experienced a period of mild fall temperatures.
Businessman Bae Joo-han said: “Just last week, I felt like November autumn was a bit warm, but in just one week, it felt like it turned into a winter wonderland, which is completely opposite. reverse”.
“So today I went out to enjoy the first snowfall of this winter.”
