Heavy snow in Gangwon may spread to other areas

Social Affairs

Published: 09 Mar. 2010, 21:50

Heavy snow in Gangwon may spread to other areas

A used car dealer yesterday brushes snow off passenger cars in a parking lot in Gangneung, Gangwon. Residents in the eastern part of Gangwon complained of difficulties in running their businesses as the heavy snowfall continued for the third consecutive day, causing traffic problems in the region. [YONHAP]

Heavy snow falling throughout most of the month in the Yeongdong region of eastern Gangwon has caused problems for area businesses and made driving a most unpleasant experience.

But it doesn’t seem like the bad news, or the weather, will stop there, as the powder is forecast to spread to Seoul and Gyeonggi by this morning.

The Korean Meteorological Administration said up to 10 centimeters (3.9 inches) could fall as temperatures drop below freezing.

This week, things were bleak in Yeongdong. Snow closed roads to traffic in several areas.

According to the Gangwon Regional Meteorological Administration yesterday, the Yeongdong region has seen heavy snow almost every day in March, except for the 3rd and the 5th. The administration said that on Saturday Sokcho and Daegwallyeong saw 35.7 centimeters (14 inches) of snow.

As of yesterday Gangneung had more than 40 centimeters of snow while parts of Daegwallyeong experienced up to 60 centimeters of the white stuff, which has been slow to melt.

Police have been forced to close Misiryeong pass to traffic for more than 10 days.

Also, hiking trails on Mount Seorak in the Taebaek range of Gangwon, and the Odaesan National Park in Pyeongchang have been shut.

Hotels and shops in the region have suffered. Hotel Hyundai Gyeongpodae in Gangneung said it usually sees around a zero percent vacancy rate during March, but that this year only around 70 percent of its rooms have been occupied.

Restaurants have also suffered.

“This year, I have spent most of my time shoveling snow in front of my restaurant,” said Park, 38, who runs a fish restaurant in Sokcho.

“Due to the air current from the northeast and the dense clouds blowing across mountains in the region, the Yeongdong region is experiencing heavy snow,” said an official at the Gangwon Regional Meteorological Administration. “The snow this time will fall there [Yeongdong] until the 10th.”

By Cho Jae-eun, Kang Kap-saeng [jainnie@joongang.co.kr]

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