Heavy Snow Warnings Nationwide Including Jeongseon... National Parks in Gangwon Region Restricted

Heavy snowfall from last night until dawn, mainly in the mountainous and inland areas of Gangwon, is restricting hiking in major national parks in the Gangwon region.

As of 9 a.m. today, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province is controlling 39 national park trails, including 18 in Seoraksan, 7 in Odaesan, and 14 in Chiaksan.

On the 22nd, when a heavy snow warning was issued across Seoul, managers were clearing the snow accumulated at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul. The Korea Meteorological Administration forecasted rain or snow in most parts of the country that day. Photo by Jo Yongjun jun21@

From 7 p.m. the previous day to 9 a.m. today, snow accumulation was recorded as 11.4 cm in Daehwa (Pyeongchang), 10.3 cm in Myeonon (Pyeongchang), 10 cm in Sangseo (Hwacheon), 9.1 cm in Hwacheon, and 8.3 cm in Mahyeon (Cheorwon).

In the mountainous areas, snow depths were 10.8 cm in Jinbu (Pyeongchang), 10.1 cm at Guryongryeong, 9.8 cm in Pyeongchang Yongsan, and 8.6 cm in Daegwallyeong.

However, as of 8 a.m., heavy snow warnings for the plains of Hoengseong, Wonju, Cheorwon, Hwacheon, Hongcheon, the plains of Chuncheon, Yanggu, and Inje have been lifted.

Heavy snow warnings remain in effect for the plains of Pyeongchang, Yeongwol, Jeongseon, and the northern, central, and southern mountainous areas of Gangwon.

So far, no heavy snow damage has been reported in Gangwon Province.

Additionally, heavy snow warnings have been issued for the plains of Jinan and Jangsu in Jeonbuk, Gyeryong in Chungnam, Danyang in Chungbuk, and the plains and northeastern mountainous areas of Bonghwa County in Gyeongbuk.

A heavy snow warning is issued when snowfall is expected to accumulate 5 cm or more within 24 hours. Caution is advised for safe driving and walking on snowy roads.

Heavy snow warnings are also in effect for Muju, Cheongju, Chungju, Jecheon, Eumseong, Jincheon, and Goesan, as well as Yeongju, Sangju, and Mungyeong.

A Korea Meteorological Administration official said, "Although some heavy snow special warnings have been lifted, strong snowfall will continue in inland and mountainous areas until the morning," and urged, "Please take special care to prevent snow-related damage."