South Korea is grappling with its heaviest November snowfall on record, which has disrupted travel, caused structural collapses, and claimed at least five lives. The snowstorm, which blanketed much of the nation, is being described as one of the most severe weather events since records began in 1907.

According to Reuters, Seoul saw more than 40 cm of snow in some areas by Thursday morning. This marks the third-heaviest snowfall in the city’s recorded history. While snow warnings for the metropolitan area were lifted by midday Thursday, the aftermath of the storm continues to pose challenges.

The unusually heavy snowfall has been attributed to warmer-than-usual sea temperatures west of the Korean Peninsula colliding with cold air currents, leading to a surge in precipitation across the region.

A man takes a photograph of a snow-covered neighbourhood as he cleans up the rooftop of a building after a heavy snowfall in Seoul, South Korea, November 28, 2024. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji

The storm caused widespread disruption to transportation. At Incheon International Airport, South Korea’s busiest hub, passengers faced delays averaging two hours. Data from Flightradar24 revealed that 31% of flights were delayed, and 16% were canceled on Thursday. Across the nation, more than 140 flights were grounded, and 76 ferry routes were suspended due to unsafe conditions.

Traffic accidents have added to the chaos. Eleven people were injured in a 53-vehicle pile-up on a highway in Wonju, Gangwon province. In Gyeonggi province, which surrounds Seoul, four individuals lost their lives when structures collapsed under the snow’s weight, and one person died in a traffic accident.

The storm also left thousands without electricity in central and northern regions as snow and fallen trees damaged power lines. Authorities reported that 1,285 schools in Gyeonggi province, including kindergartens, were closed for safety reasons.

A man smokes an e-cigarette on the rooftop of a building after a heavy snowfall in Seoul, South Korea, November 28, 2024. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji

North Korea also experienced significant snowfall, with some areas recording more than 10 cm between Tuesday and Wednesday, according to state broadcaster Korean Central Television.

Despite the signs of easing snowfall, authorities remain vigilant. The Interior Ministry has upgraded its disaster response, warning of additional risks posed by the wet, heavy snow, which has a high moisture content and increases the likelihood of structural damage.