South Korea Experiences Heaviest Snowfall In 32 Years; Jeju Airport Ceases Its Operations Due To Snow

by Dalal Nasif / Jan 28, 2016 08:16 AM EST

South Korea's Central Meteorological has issued an alert against snowfall across affected regions. (Photo by Chung Sung Jun/Getty Images)

South Korea is experiencing the coldest season it has been in for the past 15 years and the heaviest snowfall it has recorded in 32 years. The winter in the country at present proved to be threatening to both the economy and the health of the citizens.

Illnesses caused by the cold weather skyrocketed according to the Ministry of Health and Welfare. The number of patients seeking medical attention due to hypothermia or subnormal body temperature and frostbites or freezing of body tissues has reached a total of 55. Such conditions were being treated at some 530 medical facilities all over the country, Korea Herald wrote.

Authorities have also reported an increase in accidents due to frozen water pipelines. The out-of-order pipelines also resulted in shortage of water distribution in various households and blackouts extending to some hotels.

The blizzard paralyzed many business establishments. Stores had to close down while the temperature remained low at negative 18 degrees Celsius on Sunday.

The snowstorm also took its toll on tourism, particularly in Jeju Island.

"I don't think my passengers (who are tourists) can visit any tourist sites today," confessed Moon Young Gi, a bus driver for a travel agency in Jeju. "I'm thinking of taking them to a Korean dry sauna after lunch."

Meanwhile, an estimated 6,000 passengers were stranded in airports and were seen sprawled in lounges wrapped in thick jackets and blankets. Korea Airports Corp revealed that a total of 296 flights was initially cancelled on Saturday. The following day all 517 flights were cancelled, according to Daily Mail.

Girls' Generation member Im Yoona and other celebrities were among those stranded in airports. Fans expressed their worry for the idol and advised her to stay home like many South Koreans. "There's no time to be attending schedules right now. Just rest, [Yoona.] Jeju Island is a mess right now," a fan said.

The government of South Korea warned that citizens should stay indoors and wear thick protective clothing even at home until the extremely cold temperature resolves and the 11 centimeters-thick snowfall gets cleared.