"Commuting Nightmare Due to Heavy Snow... Vehicles Trapped on the Roads"

Severe Congestion Throughout Downtown... Like a Parking Lot

On the afternoon of the 9th, vehicles were congested due to heavy snowfall on Mujin-daero in Seo-gu, Gwangju. Photo by Yonhap News

Heavy snowfall across most areas of Gwangju and Jeonnam caused severe traffic congestion on roads throughout downtown Gwangju during the evening rush hour.

According to the Gwangju Meteorological Administration on the 9th, as of 7 p.m., the accumulated snowfall measured 9.8 cm at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology. In Jeonnam, Jangseong recorded 11.8 cm, Yeonggwang 11.3 cm, Hampyeong 11 cm, and Naju and Damyang 8.7 cm, among others.

Heavy snow advisories were issued for Gwangju and the Jeonnam regions of Naju, Damyang, Gokseong, Gurye, Jangseong, Hwasun, Boseong, Jangheung, Gangjin, Haenam, Yeongam, Muan, Mokpo, Shinan, and Jindo.

Snow began to accumulate on the roads even before sunset. Vehicles heading home had to repeatedly drive slowly with their hazard lights on, as the snow had covered the lanes to the point where they were barely visible.

In various parts of the city, such as Mujindaero in Gwangju, Shinan Intersection, and Gwangcheon Intersection, cars were unable to travel at normal speeds and only managed to move after waiting through several traffic signals.

During this process, vehicles with spinning wheels became entangled, causing severe congestion in multiple areas. As a result, routes that usually took 20 to 30 minutes often required over an hour and a half to travel.

Citizens using public transportation also faced significant inconvenience. Due to worsening road conditions from the heavy snow, buses were delayed, forcing people to wait in the snow for extended periods, with some stranded on the streets unable to go anywhere.

Snowfall is forecast to continue through the 10th, with an additional 5 to 15 cm expected, and more than 20 cm in some areas.

An official from the Meteorological Administration stated, "In areas experiencing heavy snowfall, visibility will be low and the accumulated snow may cause icy or slippery roads in many places. Please pay attention to traffic and pedestrian safety, as well as the risk of damage to facilities such as livestock barns, greenhouses, and other weak structures."