"Hundreds Trapped at Gangwon National University Campus '800m Above Sea Level'... Higher Than Lotte Tower"

47.4cm of Heavy Snow Paralyzes Vehicle Operations
"Academic Schedule Should Have Been Adjusted Quickly"
"No One Responsible for Decisions Like School Closure... A Structural Issue"

On the 18th, heavy snow fell mainly in the mountainous areas of Gangwon Province, prompting a heavy snow warning, and students and staff at Gangwon National University Dokye Campus, located in a high-altitude area, became stranded on campus.

According to a report by Yonhap News on the 19th, around 4 p.m. the previous day, students and staff at Gangwon National University Dokye Campus were stranded inside buildings as vehicle operations on campus were suspended due to the heavy snowfall. Initially, the number of stranded people was reported to be around 300, but the university estimated that approximately 400 to 500 people were stranded.

On the 18th, students and faculty members at Gangwon National University Dogye Campus were stranded on campus due to heavy snowfall. Photo by Yonhap News (provided by a reader)

According to the Gangwon Regional Meteorological Administration, 47.4 cm of heavy snow fell in Dokye-eup, Samcheok on that day, paralyzing traffic. Although the university, together with related agencies, carried out snow removal operations, the snow continued relentlessly, and ultimately, the members were able to return home only late at night. However, due to safety concerns and other issues, it was difficult for everyone to go home at night, so about 120 people stayed in the dormitories on campus and left the next morning.

Gangwon National University Dokye Campus, located on Yookbaeksan Mountain in Dokye-eup, Samcheok City, is the educational institution at the highest altitude in South Korea (804m). Its altitude is higher than Lotte World Tower (555m), the tallest building in the country. Since the campus is situated on a steep mountain, academic operations are often disrupted whenever heavy snow falls. Some of those stranded due to this heavy snowfall expressed regret, saying, "The school should have quickly adjusted the academic schedule by closing the school or switching to remote classes in preparation for the snow."

A view of Gangwon National University Dogye Campus. Provided by Gangwon National University

Meanwhile, opinions have also emerged that the responsibility for the situation lies in the university's structural problems. Kang Jong-su, chairman of the Gangwon National University Samcheok Professors' Association, pointed out, "Currently, according to the organizational chart, there is no department or official at Dokye Campus who can make decisions such as school closure in the event of disasters like heavy snow," and added, "This issue must be resolved during the university integration process."