The First Snow Turned into a Heavy Snowfall, Subway Delays... Commuters in 'Confusion' on Their Way to Work

Heavy Snow Warning Across Seoul
Some Subway Lines Experiencing Delays

"I didn't expect the snow to accumulate, I almost ended up being late."

As a heavy snow warning was issued across Seoul, the combination of overnight snowfall and delays on some subway lines caused confusion for commuters on their way to work.

Around 7:30 a.m. that day, snow removal work was in full swing on streets throughout the city. Kim (40), whom we met at Yeouido Station in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, said, "It usually takes 30 minutes to get from Sillim to Yeouido, but today I couldn't get a taxi at all. I ended up taking a bus and it took about an hour. The roads didn't seem congested, but the drivers were driving slowly, so it took longer."

Around 8 a.m. on the 27th, in front of Exit 5 of Yeouido Station, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. While citizens carefully walk to avoid the snow piled on the ground, a walking assistant is watching over their safety. Photo by Shim Seong-ah

Kim Heeyeon (39), who commutes from Nowon-gu to Jonggak Station in Jongno-gu, said, "I hurried out after hearing about the snow and left around 6:20 a.m., but it was still snowing heavily then, so it seemed like snow removal hadn't been done yet. Since many people came out early, the bus was so crowded that I had to let one bus go before I could get on."

Office worker Kim Sangmin (35), who commutes on Line 1, also said, "With the railway strike and the snow, I left 20 minutes earlier than usual. Fortunately, there were no significant delays until I arrived, but I heard that delays started afterward."

Moreover, some commuters were frustrated as certain subway lines experienced delays throughout their commute. Lee Eunji (30), who commutes from Sillim-dong, Gwanak-gu to near Samseong Station in Gangnam-gu, said, "I took the subway around 7:20 a.m., and there were twice as many passengers as usual. Also, the train stopped longer at each station than usual. I usually arrive by 7:45 a.m., but today I didn't get out of the station until after 7:55."

Kim (31), who took Line 2 from Seoul National University Station in Gwanak-gu and got off at Samseong Station in Gangnam-gu, said, "I had to let two trains pass before I could get on. When I arrived at the station, there was a long line in front of the screen doors."

Around 8 a.m. on the 27th, citizens are walking to work on the frozen road of Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Photo by Lee Ji-eun

Meanwhile, the government and local governments took preparedness measures as the first snow turned into heavy snowfall. When heavy snow warnings were issued for the Seoul metropolitan area and Gangwon region, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety activated Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters Level 1 from 3 a.m. and raised the heavy snow crisis alert level from 'interest' to 'caution.'

Seoul City also began emergency snow removal operations from the previous day and escalated the emergency snow removal work to Level 2 from 7 a.m. that day with local districts and related organizations, deploying 9,685 personnel and 1,424 pieces of equipment. Snow removal materials and equipment were also stocked in snow removal boxes placed in alleys and steep slopes for public use.

With heavy snowfall, traffic controls were also implemented continuously. As of 8 a.m., four roads in Seoul, including the underground Mun-samgeori to Bukak Golf Course in both directions and Samcheong Tunnel, were closed. Additionally, 96 passenger ships on 74 routes, including Mokpo-Hongdo and Pohang-Ulleung, and seven national parks were also closed.