Many regions in South Korea are experiencing a blast of Arctic cold, with temperatures dropping as low as -22 degrees Celsius.
A polar cold wave has swept across South Korea since December 21, causing temperatures in various areas to plummet rapidly.
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), the capital, Seoul, recorded temperatures dropping to -22 degrees Celsius during the coldest morning of the winter, with this cold snap expected to last at least until December 22.
Snow covering Yongbokgung in Jongno-gu, Seoul.
As of 5 AM, other major cities reported freezing temperatures, with -11.9 degrees Celsius in downtown Daejeon, -6.7 degrees Celsius in Gwangju, and -6.5 degrees Celsius in Busan. Meanwhile, temperatures fell to -24.7 degrees Celsius in Cheorwon, a district bordering North Korea, -20.6 degrees Celsius in the nearby Hwacheon district, and -18.4 degrees Celsius at Daegwallyeong Pass.
In response to the severe cold weather, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety raised the snowstorm crisis alert level from “caution” to “warning” starting at 8 PM (local time) on December 20.
Additionally, the Ministry elevated the emergency response level of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters to Level 2, a mid-level response in the three-tier warning system, and raised the snowstorm crisis alert from “attention” to “caution” at 10 AM that same day.
Snow covering Deoksu Palace in downtown Seoul.
Scene at Gwangnaru Hangang Park along the Han River in Seoul.
Heavy snowfall on the streets of Jeju City, Jeju Island.
Gongji Stream in Chuncheon, northeast of Seoul, completely frozen due to the cold.
Two children playing in the snow.
Snow-covered Hallasan Mountain on Jeju Island in southern South Korea.
Famous Jiri Mountain covered in a blanket of snow, with climbing activities banned for safety reasons.
A frozen and broken water meter due to the frigid weather in Jongno, Seoul.
A worker clearing snow in downtown Seoul.
Several people shoveling snow on a road in Gwangju to ensure safe travel.
A snowplow operating in Suwon, south of Seoul.
