The Korea Meteorological Administration forecasts 10-20 cm of snowfall in the Seoul metropolitan area, parts of Gyeonggi Province and southern regions of the country.
On January 27, the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) forecasted that heavy snowfall and rain could affect many areas of the country during the extended Lunar New Year holiday, forcing the government to raise weather warnings and prepare necessary response plans.
Unlike previous years, this year's Lunar New Year holiday in Korea (called Seol) lasts six days until January 30 after the government designated January 27 as a temporary national holiday.
According to the KMA, 10-20 cm of snow is forecast in the Seoul metropolitan area, some parts of Gyeonggi Province and southern regions of South Korea until January 29.
In some areas such as remote and mountainous areas of Gangwon, Jeolla Province in the East or Jeju Island in the South, snowfall could exceed 30 centimeters.
The Ministry of the Interior and Safety of South Korea said it has activated the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Committee.
Meanwhile, Acting Interior Minister Ko Ki Dong instructed relevant agencies to mobilize all personnel and equipment to minimize damage caused by heavy snowfall as well as take measures to reduce traffic congestion as millions of people return to their hometowns for Tet.
In response to the above forecast, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has also raised the snowfall warning to the second highest level.
A total of 9,685 workers were mobilized, along with 1,424 snow removal vehicles and specialized equipment, to ensure public safety and minimize disruption to daily life.
TH (according to VNA)