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.

Following earlier warnings, heavy snow accumulated Thursday morning along the Sea of Japan side from northern Japan to Chugoku, with advisories for Ishikawa and Shiga prefectures. The winter pressure pattern is set to continue until Sunday, per the Japan Meteorological Agency.

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Freezing rain and ice has led to numerous traffic accidents in Schleswig-Holstein and Hamburg. Several motorways were temporarily closed, and hospitals report high strain from injuries. The German Weather Service continues to warn of black ice risks.

Following initial alerts and school closures in western France, the polar cold wave intensified on January 5, 2026, blanketing the west and Paris basin with heavy snow. Twenty-six departments on orange alert faced massive road, rail, and air disruptions, with authorities warning of slippery roads persisting into Tuesday.

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SMHI has issued two yellow warnings for sudden black ice in northern Svealand and southern Norrland following recent snowstorms that have caused multiple traffic accidents. Meteorologist Toni Fuentes warns that rain can freeze quickly on cold roads despite rising temperatures. Police urge drivers to adjust speed and keep distance.

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