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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