Heavy snow disrupts rush-hour traffic in Seoul

SEOUL — Heavy and unexpected snow hit Seoul and central regions early Tuesday morning, causing significant traffic delays. The Korea Meteorological Administration reported that Seoul received 11.9 centimeters of snow, while nearby areas saw more: Uijeongbu 13.8 cm and Goseong 19.9 cm. Traffic was heavily affected, with cars moving slowly on slippery roads. By 7 a.m., the average speed in central Seoul dropped to just 17.9 kilometers per hour. The snowfall resulted in several accidents, including a tragic incident in Ansan where a young man lost his life after his car slid and crashed. Air travel also faced disruptions. Four flights from Gimpo and other locations were canceled due to strong winds and the need for de-icing. At Incheon International Airport, five flights were delayed but none were canceled. To help ease the morning commute, Korea Railroad Corp. added 14 extra train services in the capital area. Many subway riders reported overcrowding as more people opted for trains due to the snowy conditions. The KMA indicated that the snowfall should end by Tuesday across the country.