Heavy, Wet Snowfall Expected Across South Korea, Raising Safety Concerns
Table of Contents
A importent snowfall event is forecast for South Korea, with particularly heavy accumulations expected in Gangwon-do province and mountainous regions. This snowfall is notable not just for its volume, but also for its composition: “wet snow,” which poses a greater risk of infrastructure damage and accidents due to its weight. Alongside the snow, rainfall is also predicted for several regions.
Snowfall Forecast by Region
Here’s a breakdown of the expected snowfall amounts as of December 12, 2025:
* Heavy Snowfall (10cm+):
* Gangwon-do: Up to 15cm in some areas, especially mountainous regions.
* Gyeonggi Province: Up to 10cm in the northern inland and southeastern parts.
* Moderate Snowfall (1-5cm):
* Incheon: 1-5cm
* Southwestern Gyeonggi Province: 1-5cm
* Chungcheong Region: 1-5cm
* Southeastern Jeollabuk-do: 1-5cm
* Inland Northern Gyeongbuk: 1-5cm
* Mountainous Areas in Northeastern Gyeongbuk: 1-5cm
* Jeju Island: 1-5cm
* Light Snowfall (Around 1cm):
* Daegu: Around 1cm
* Inland Gyeongbuk: Around 1cm
The Danger of Wet Snow
The current snowfall is classified as “wet snow,” a type of snow with a high moisture content. this makes it substantially heavier – approximately three times heavier – than “construction snow,” which is light and fluffy source: While a direct source linking the 3x weight comparison is difficult to find without a specific meteorological study,this is a commonly cited ratio in weather reporting regarding wet vs.dry snow. See,for example,discussions on weather forums and explanations from meteorologists like this one:[https://wwwweathergov/ama/snowfaq[https://wwwweathergov/ama/snowfaq].
Wet snow’s cohesive nature means it packs together tightly and doesn’t scatter easily,leading to rapid accumulation. This increased weight creates several hazards:
* Facility Collapse: The weight of wet snow can overwhelm the structural capacity of roofs, leading to collapses.
* Falling Trees & Power Lines: Branches and trees become weighed down and are more likely to break and fall, possibly damaging property and disrupting power supply.
* Travel Disruptions: The heavy snow can make roads slippery and difficult to navigate.
Abnormal Sea Levels and Increased Moisture
Experts attribute the prevalence of wet snow to unusually high global sea levels. Increased evaporation from warmer waters results in a greater amount of water vapor in the atmosphere, contributing to the higher moisture content in the snow source: This connection between sea surface temperatures, atmospheric moisture, and precipitation patterns is a well-established area of climate science.See, for example, the IPCC reports on climate change:[https://wwwipccch/[https://wwwipccch/].
Rainfall Forecast
In addition to the snowfall, rain is also expected in several regions:
* Jeju island: 5 to 20 mm
* Chungcheong Region & Gangwon Inland/Mountainous Regions: 5 to 15 mm
* Metropolitan Area, jeolla Region, Daegu, & Gyeongbuk: 5 to 10 mm
Key Takeaways
* Heavy, wet snow is expected across South korea, with the most significant accumulations in Gangwon-do and parts of gyeonggi Province.
* Wet snow is significantly heavier than typical snow and poses a risk of infrastructure damage and accidents.
* Increased global sea levels are contributing to the higher moisture content in the snow.
* Rainfall is also forecast for several regions alongside the snow.
It is indeed crucial for residents in affected areas to take precautions, including clearing snow from roofs, securing outdoor objects, and avoiding unnecessary travel. Staying informed about the latest weather updates from the korea meteorological Administration (https://www.weather.go.kr/) is highly recommended.