Visitors stroll along the paths through the silver grass fields of the Haneul Park in Sangam-dong, northwestern Seoul, on Nov. 24, as a cold wave is issued across the nation.
A cold snap on Nov. 24 saw temperatures across the country plummet to lows of minus 9 degrees Celsius.
A biting wind blasted across Seoul, ringing in the winter. Commuters bundled up with the thickest jackets they could find, deep in their closets, alongside with scarves, fur hats and gloves. Thusly dressed, many commuters could only walk with short penguin-like steps through the cutting wind as they made their way to the office.
The Haneul Park in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu District, northwestern Seoul, is one of the capital region’s most popular parks, and it was transitioning from autumn fade to winter glory as the mercury fell.
The rippling ocean of silver grass that had been recently dancing in the autumn breeze has receded, while a chimney towering over one corner of the park puffed out steam and vapor into the blue sky, making it clear just how cold it was. The paths through the silver grass, normally bustling with visitors, were quiet with only one or two brave souls venturing forth, armored in warm clothes.
Seoul’s Haneul Park is sparsely visited in the winter, as a cold snap sent the mercury plunging to lows of minus 9 degrees early on the morning of Nov. 24. An observation platform, which offers some of the best views of the fields of silver grass, is now quiet, as the grass recedes with the onset of winter weather.
The Korea Meteorological Administration forecasts that temperatures this winter will be average or lower than average, experiencing a great range of temperature variance.
Mid-December and early next year will see lower temperatures, alongside a spell of clear and dry weather due to a continental anticyclone, the state weather forecaster predicts. Temporary expansions of the continental anticyclone can send the mercury plummeting sharply with a series of cold waves predicted to hit the Korean Peninsula this season.
By Jeon Han, Sohn JiAe
Photos: Jeon Han
Korea.net Staff Writers
hanjeon@korea.kr
Despite a cold snap and an accompanying biting wind, the silver grass shines under a cloudless blue sky at the Haneul Park on Nov. 24, soothing visitors who feel sorry for the passing of the beautiful autumn season.
A cold snap washes across Seoul on Nov. 24, sending the mercury plummeting to below zero. Looking out from an observation platform at the Haneul Park, the vastness of the capital unfolds at your feet with high rises and the Hangang River in the distance.
