Gwangjin District Activates Snow Removal Response System for Heavy Snowfall

Snow Removal Measures in Place Until March 15 Next Year

Gwangjin District in Seoul (District Mayor Kim Kyungho) has designated the period until March 15 of next year as the snow removal response period to minimize damage to residents caused by heavy snowfall and icy roads during winter. The district has officially begun emergency snow removal operations.

Opening ceremony of the Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters in Gwangjin District. Provided by Gwangjin District.

On November 14, the district established the Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, with District Mayor Kim Kyungho serving as the head, and held an opening ceremony. The situation room, consisting of a total of 1,075 snow removal personnel and 13 task teams, will operate 24 hours a day and respond swiftly according to three levels based on the amount of snowfall.

The district is placing emphasis on proactive initial snow removal before snow accumulates. Using closed-circuit cameras (CCTV) installed along expected snowfall routes, the district monitors the movement of snow clouds in real time. If signs of snowfall are detected, the emergency response system is activated and initial snow removal operations begin immediately.

De-icing agents are pre-applied at 89 vulnerable locations, and 52 automatic remote liquid sprayers are operated on steep slopes to spray brine in advance, preventing road icing before snow accumulates or freezes. In major sections with a high risk of icing, road heating wires are installed and operated, and remote automatic brine spraying devices are also activated during snowfall.

Customized snow removal is also being carried out for each road type. On main roads, two Unimog vehicles and three 15-ton dump trucks are deployed to conduct step-by-step operations such as wet de-icing, spreading de-icing agents, and plowing snow with blades. On side roads, 1-ton and 2.5-ton vehicles are used to spray brine.

In areas with high pedestrian traffic, such as around subway stations and bus stops, environmental officers, local community center staff, and private snow removal service personnel will be intensively deployed to prioritize pedestrian safety. In addition, the district plans to recruit and manage volunteers in cooperation with the Autonomous Disaster Prevention Corps and Volunteer Fire Brigade, and install 101 community snow removal and tool boxes throughout the district to encourage residents to voluntarily clear snow in front of their homes and shops.

District Mayor Kim Kyungho stated, "With prompt and thorough snow removal measures, we will minimize inconvenience and safety accidents for residents caused by heavy snowfall and icy conditions during winter." He also urged, "I hope all residents will actively participate in snow removal efforts in their neighborhoods."