Gangwon Province Mobilizes All Resources to Minimize Snowstorm Damage... Activates Emergency Level 1 at Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters

Governor Kim Jin-tae Orders Proactive Activation of Emergency Level 1
Heavy Snow Preliminary Advisory Issued for 15 Cities and Counties in the Province
Up to 15cm of Snow Forecast, Centered on the Yeongseo Region of Gangwon

Governor Kim Jin-tae of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province ordered the proactive activation of Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters at Emergency Level 1 from 9:00 a.m. on December 13, in anticipation of heavy snowfall expected across the Yeongseo region of Gangwon from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The measure aims to minimize damage from the snowstorm.

Exterior view of Gangwon Provincial Government Building. Provided by Gangwon Provincial Government

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, this snowfall is likely to continue for a relatively long period rather than being concentrated in a short time. Snow accumulation of 5 to 10 centimeters is expected in the inland and mountainous areas of Gangwon, with some areas possibly seeing more than 15 centimeters. Currently, a heavy snow preliminary advisory is in effect for 12 cities and counties in the Yeongseo region, including Chuncheon, Wonju, Taebaek, Hongcheon, Hoengseong, Yeongwol, Pyeongchang, Jeongseon, Cheorwon, Hwacheon, Yanggu, and Inje.

The provincial government is currently working with city and county authorities to deploy snow removal vehicles, spreaders, and other equipment and personnel early to major roads, mountain passes, and accident-prone areas. Brine and snow-melting agents are being preemptively applied to prevent slipping accidents. In particular, as the risk of road icing increases due to falling temperatures, the authorities are strengthening their response by sharing real-time road conditions in cooperation with relevant agencies.

Additionally, since this snowfall consists of heavy, wet snow, special attention is required for the management of facilities vulnerable to snow accumulation. The authorities are conducting prior inspections and repeated monitoring of vulnerable structures such as traditional market arcades, PEB structures, and greenhouses, as well as areas at risk of isolation. They are maintaining a state of readiness to enable swift control and evacuation should any signs of danger be detected.

Governor Kim Jin-tae emphasized, "Mobilize all available snow removal equipment and personnel to ensure that damage is minimized," and instructed, "In particular, strengthen cooperation and communication systems among road management agencies to ensure that snow removal is not overlooked at boundary sections where expressways, national highways, and local roads intersect."