First Snow Observed This Winter in Seoul, Incheon, and Others... 12 Days Earlier Than Last Year

On the 17th, the first snow of this winter was observed in the Seoul metropolitan area, including Seoul, Incheon, and Suwon in Gyeonggi Province.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, the first snow was observed in some parts of the metropolitan area at 11:20 a.m. that day.

As temperatures dropped below freezing, the first snow fell on the afternoon of the 17th, and citizens were walking while catching snowflakes at Gwanghwamun Square in Jongno, Seoul. Photo by Jo Yongjun jun21@

This year's first snow in Seoul came 12 days earlier than last year and 3 days earlier than the average. Incheon also experienced the first snow 12 days earlier than last year and 6 days earlier than the average, while Suwon saw it 16 days earlier than last year and 4 days earlier than the average.

Currently, a precipitation cloud band developed over the West Sea is moving in, bringing rain or snow mainly to the western regions. As the cloud band moves eastward at about 40 km per hour, rain or snow is expected to gradually spread nationwide, with some areas likely to see accumulating snow.

In particular, heavy snow is expected to accumulate along the western coast of Chungnam, and in the afternoon, strong snow may fall in the inland areas of Chungcheong and Jeonbuk provinces. Earlier, a heavy snow warning was issued for Jeju Island, and at 10:30 a.m. that day, a heavy snow advisory was issued for Boryeong in Chungnam.

A Korea Meteorological Administration official said, "Many places will have icy roads due to rain or snow freezing, so it is advised to reduce the use of private vehicles, use public transportation, or drive at low speeds and maintain a safe distance when operating vehicles."