Mount Seorak in Sokcho, some 160 kilometers northeast of Seoul, commands a splendid view amid snow on Jan. 25, 2025, the first day of the Lunar New Year holiday. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Jan. 27 (Korea Bizwire) – Heavy snow and rain are forecast to affect many parts of South Korea on Monday during the extended Lunar New Year holiday, prompting authorities to raise the weather alert and brace for possible disruptions.
This year’s Lunar New Year holiday, known as Seol, was extended to six days, lasting until Thursday, after the government designated Monday as a temporary national holiday.
The government reported that snowfall of 10 to 20 centimeters is expected in the greater Seoul area, parts of Gyeonggi Province and southern regions of the country to continue through Wednesday.
In some areas, such as Gangwon’s inland and mountainous regions, eastern North Jeolla Province and the southern island of Jeju, snowfall could exceed 30 centimeters.
A snowfall advisory is issued when 5 centimeters or more of snow is expected within a 24-hour period.
In response to the forecast, the Seoul metropolitan government has raised its alert to the second-highest level.
A total of 9,685 workers have been mobilized, along with 1,424 snow-clearing vehicles and pieces of equipment, to ensure public safety and reduce disruptions.
Authorities are urging drivers to maintain a safe distance on snowy roads and pedestrians to exercise caution while traveling in hazardous conditions, as millions of people head to their hometowns for one of the country’s two major traditional holidays.
(Yonhap)
