Han River freezes early this winter amid cold wave

The Han River in Seoul has been declared frozen for the first time this winter due to an ongoing cold snap. According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, this is seven days earlier than in previous years. Thick ice formed in a 100-meter area between the second and fourth piers of the Han River Bridge.

On January 3, weather authorities declared the Han River in Seoul frozen for the first time this winter, amid a cold snap that has persisted for days. The freezing was observed along the river running through the capital. The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) states that the river is officially frozen when thick ice covers a 100-meter-long area between the second and fourth piers of the Han River Bridge, which connects Yongsan Ward and Dongjak Ward.

In previous winters, the first freeze was typically declared around January 10, but this year it occurred seven days earlier. Last winter, it was recorded on February 9. This early freezing highlights the intensity of the current cold wave, though the KMA has not linked it to broader climate trends in the report. The event marks a familiar winter milestone for Seoul residents.

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Illustration of Seoul residents enduring a severe cold snap with -11°C temperatures, light snow, and frosty streets.
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South Korea hit by blistering cold snap after Christmas

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Morning temperatures in Seoul plunged to minus 11 degrees Celsius on Friday, December 26, as a severe cold snap gripped South Korea the day after Christmas. The Korea Meteorological Administration reported this as the season's lowest, with cold wave alerts issued across Gangwon Province. Daytime highs are expected to reach minus 7 to 2 degrees Celsius, with light snow or rain forecast for Jeolla provinces and Jeju Island.

A severe cold wave gripped South Korea on Friday, January 2, 2026, with temperatures plunging and heavy snow falling in southern regions including South and North Jeolla provinces and Jeju Island, according to the weather agency. As of 8 a.m., Seoul recorded minus 11.2 degrees Celsius, while some areas saw near minus 15 degrees Celsius.

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The season's first heavy snowfall struck Seoul and surrounding areas on Thursday, December 4, prompting authorities to issue an emergency disaster alert. With accumulation exceeding 5 centimeters per hour, traffic disruptions were anticipated, including the postponement of a football match. On Friday, December 5, subway and bus services were increased to manage the fallout.

Heavy snowfall over the weekend caused major disruptions to public transport and numerous car accidents in northern Germany. Buses were halted in cities like Hannover, Oldenburg, and Lüneburg, while trains were canceled or severely delayed. Experts debate whether the north is less equipped for winter weather due to less experience compared to the south.

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South Korea's Army Special Warfare Command is conducting intensive winter drills to boost special operations capabilities in extreme weather. The 12-day exercise is taking place near Daegwallyeong Pass in eastern South Korea and will continue until February. This annual training features veteran officers acting as opponents for more realistic scenarios.

Sweden's Maritime Administration has deployed all its icebreakers to keep ports open as cold weather freezes waters across the country. SMHI forecasts continued cold for ten days, and the fuel budget may run out within three weeks. Operational chief Amund Lindberg voices concern over resource shortages.

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South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that North Korea fired around 10 artillery rockets toward the northern waters of the Yellow Sea on Tuesday, appearing to be part of its regular winter military drills. The launches, detected around 3 p.m., were presumed to originate from a 240mm multiple rocket launcher capable of targeting Seoul and surrounding areas. South Korean forces are closely monitoring North Korea's activities under a firm South Korea-U.S. combined defense posture, ready to respond overwhelmingly to any provocation.

 

 

 

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