ALL-TIME RECORD SNOWFALL IN SEOUL

The 2024 South Korean snowstorm, which took place from November 26 to 28, was a historic weather event, bringing the country’s heaviest November snowfall in 52 years.

In Seoul, it marked the most significant snowfall since record-keeping began in 1907. Below, you will see photos captured on the streets of Seoul during those days.

Here is Seoul, the day before the snowstorm. Not a single snowflake in sight.

A dense cityscape od Seoul with high-rise buildings in varying shades of grey and white, set against a mountain backdrop. "ILE" sign visible.

People walk under autumn trees with orange leaves. Sunlight casts shadows on a urban street with parked bicycles and a modern building. Streets of Seoul

Next morning, the first snowflakes started falling lightly, melting as they touched the warm pavement.

Two people with umbrellas walk on a snowy city street, surrounded by snow-covered cars and falling snowflakes. Gray, wintry atmosphere. Streets of Seoul

Within hours, the streets turned white, and the city fell into a quiet, eerie stillness

We got lucky to be in Bongeunsa Temple at that time.

Snow-covered traditional Asian rooftops with ornate patterns in a serene winter scene; trees and buildings in the snowy background. Bongeunsa Temple Seoul

Bongeunsa Temple turned out to be an amazing place to observe the snowfall. This temple dates back to 794. It is a massive complex with gardens, temples, and statues.

Snowy traditional buildings with a person holding an umbrella. The scene is serene, with snow-covered roofs and trees in a winter landscape. Bongeunsa Temple Seoul

The towering statue below, known as Maitreya Buddha, is one of the tallest stone Buddha statues in South Korea, standing at 23 meters (75 feet) high.

Snowy landscape with a Buddha statue surrounded by snow-covered trees. Traditional temple architecture visible. Calm and serene mood. Bongeunsa Temple Seoul

As we walked the streets, it felt like two seasons were frozen in time - autumn’s last breath captured beneath winter’s heaviest snowfall

Snow-covered autumn leaves in vibrant reds and yellows on tree branches, creating a striking contrast. Snow blankets the ground below.

Close-up of tall bamboo stalks with green leaves, covered in light snow. The setting is serene, with a natural green backdrop.

Observation from an outsider: In Asia, people often use umbrellas not only in the rain but also on sunny days and even in the snow. I never understood why this practice has not been adopted in Europe.

People walk with umbrellas in a snowy forest. Autumn leaves and snow-covered branches create a vibrant contrast. Moody winter scene.

Woman in red sweater and jeans shovels snow with green umbrella in hand, near a tent in heavy snowfall. Signs with text visible.

Here is how Seoul looked just a few hours after the start of the snowfall. There is something really special in seeing how quickly a place can change within just a few hours.

Snow-covered cityscape with tall buildings, snowy trees, and mountains in the background under a cloudy sky. Urban winter scene. Seoul

By nightfall, the snow started melting

Two people walk under an umbrella on a snowy night, with a scooter passing by. Streetlights reflect on wet pavement, creating a serene mood. Seoul

A day later, the snow is gone. Only reflections remain.

Man using phone in a brightly lit booth with rain-streaked glass. Another person holds an umbrella on a wet street, flanked by large trees. Seoul

MARIA SAHAI

Photography

ALL-TIME RECORD SNOWFALL IN SEOUL

The 2024 South Korean snowstorm, which took place from November 26 to 28, was a historic weather event, bringing the country’s heaviest November snowfall in 52 years.

In Seoul, it marked the most significant snowfall since record-keeping began in 1907. Below, you will see photos captured on the streets of Seoul during those days.

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