Slow Traffic Across Seoul as Temperatures Drop to -6°C: Beware of Icy Roads During Morning Commute

[Financial News] On Friday the 5th, morning temperatures are expected to plunge, bringing cold conditions. Due to rain or snow that fell the previous day, icy patches may form on the roads, requiring extra caution.
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), morning lows will range from -11°C to 2°C, and daytime highs are forecast between 1°C and 9°C.
Most regions nationwide will see morning temperatures around -5°C (with parts of northern and eastern Gyeonggi, inland and mountainous Gangwon, and northeastern mountainous North Gyeongsang dropping below -10°C), resulting in frigid conditions. Strong winds will make it feel even colder.
Meanwhile, after the season's first snowfall the previous day, traffic congestion worsened throughout Seoul in the evening as vehicles moved at a crawl. Heavy snow fell at a rate of 1–3 cm per hour, quickly turning roads into sheets of ice. Major arterial roads were closed or became gridlocked, effectively paralyzing the city’s transportation.
Nineteen sections of urban expressways and five city roads in central Seoul were closed. Restrictions on the Naebu Expressway and Gangbyeonbuk-ro, which had been in place since last night, began to be lifted sequentially from early this morning.
Routes leading out of the city, such as Bundangsuseo-ro and Second Jayu-ro, were also closed.
City roads including Dongmangsan-gil, Samcheong-ro, Naksanseonggwakseo-gil, Waryonggongwon-gil, and Yangjaecheon Underpass were also restricted.
Accidents and vehicle breakdowns caused by icy roads continued to occur.
Although the heavy snow advisory for Seoul was lifted at 8 p.m., collisions continued in various areas due to lingering snow on the roads.
At around 7:15 p.m., a chain-reaction collision involving six vehicles occurred inside Hoam Tunnel 1 (toward Sillim) in Siheung-dong, Geumcheon District, causing severe congestion. Some village bus routes in Gwanak District were suspended due to heavy snow. In Jahamun Tunnel in Jongno District, prolonged traffic jams forced bus passengers to get off and walk through the tunnel.
A Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) official warned, "Back roads, alleys, and slopes where snow removal is insufficient are highly likely to become icy. Please refrain from using private vehicles and use public transportation whenever possible to prevent accidents."


moon@fnnews.com Moon Young-jin Reporter