### Seoul's Historic Snowfall Brings Joy and Tragedy

Seoul, South Korea—For some residents in the bustling capital, the recent heavy snowfall transformed the city into a picturesque winter wonderland straight out of a postcard. However, for others, it brought peril.

Many residents, wrapped in warm clothing and armed with umbrellas, ventured out to explore the snowy landscapes, including the ancient grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace. Among these brave souls, young women dressed in traditional hanbok attire could be seen taking selfies despite the biting cold.

According to the Yonhap news agency, this week's snowfall was the third-heaviest recorded in Seoul since 1907, with more than 16 inches accumulating. The unusual weather prompted significant disruptions, including dozens of flight cancellations, the suspension of ferry operations, and hazardous road conditions.

The icy roads led to a series of traffic accidents, one of which occurred on highways east of the capital, claiming at least two lives. In the central city of Wonju, a 53-vehicle pile-up resulted in 11 injuries on Wednesday evening, with authorities reporting a total of five fatalities due to the treacherous conditions.

The unexpected snowstorm also led to the closure of hundreds of schools, as the severe weather has been attributed to warmer-than-usual sea temperatures west of the Korean peninsula colliding with cold air currents. As Seoul grapples with both the beauty and danger of this rare snowfall, residents and authorities alike are reminded of nature's unpredictable power.