South Korea’s Urban Flood: A Sudden Monsoon Misfire
Seoul, the glittering capital, got caught with its back against a deluge that turned streets into rivers and homes into sinks.
Monday‑Tuesday Shockwave & The Aftermath
- Fatalities: Nine souls lost – five in Seoul, three in Gyeonggi, one in Gangwon.
- Injuries: 17 people hurt and seven still missing.
- Property damage: Roughly 2,800 structures hit; 1,100 families displaced.
- Roads & Subways: Most highways cleared by Wednesday, but gangnam’s artery still frowning over blocked roads.
The Puddle Play
While the week’s first two days took the heavy hitters, Wednesday’s showers were a slimmer but still stubborn drip, leaving lingering pockets in Gangnam’s bright skyline.
Even the Metro wasn’t spared; subway stations and major arteries buzzed with commuters stranded in puddle‑filled halls.
Rainfall Rundown
Seoul soaked up a staggering 525 mm of rain since dawn Monday—add even more to the forecast. The neighboring Yangpyeong County swelled to 532.5 mm.
Weather Watchers
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, the downpour will keep its presence in most of the country, with a special spotlight on Chungcheong Province’s heavier rains. The rain is expected to ease gradually over Seoul’s perimeter and Gangwon.
Government Action
President Yoon Suk‑yeol is kicking off a damage‑and‑countermeasure tables at
10:00 am Wednesday – a full‑scale round‑table. Meanwhile, the ruling People Power Party will convene an emergency meeting to hammer out state‑level fiscal help for those hit.
While the floods have split the city, they’ve also united the nation in toil, hope, and a mutter of “when can we get back to normal?” – as the rains finally start to calm down.
