Winter Natural Disaster Response Period D-2... 24 Ministries and Local Governments Review All-Out Preparations

Proactive Response to Hazardous Weather Ahead of CSAT... Eliminate Snow-Removal Blind Spots Before the First Snowfall

The government, together with relevant agencies, has begun a final review of its preparations to minimize casualties and public inconvenience caused by heavy snow and cold waves this winter.

An official spreads calcium chloride on the sidewalk near Gwanghwamun Intersection in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the 9th, when a heavy snow advisory was issued across the city. Photo by Jo Yongjun jun21@

On November 13, two days before the winter natural disaster response period begins, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety held a “Winter Natural Disaster Preparedness Review Meeting,” chaired by Kim Gwang-yong, head of the Disaster and Safety Management Headquarters. The response period runs from November 15 through March 15, 2027.

The meeting was attended by 24 central government agencies, including the Office for Government Policy Coordination, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, the Korea Meteorological Administration, the National Police Agency and the National Fire Agency; 16 local governments; and major public institutions, including Korea Electric Power Corporation and Korea Expressway Corporation. They shared the weather outlook for this winter and discussed each organization’s preparations and key measures.

With the 2027 College Scholastic Ability Test scheduled for November 19, Kim asked the Ministry of Education and other relevant agencies to activate proactive response systems in the event of hazardous weather and ensure the safety of test-takers.

Regarding heavy snow, he stressed the need to ensure that snow-removal personnel and equipment are fully prepared for the first snowfall, and for agencies to work closely together to prevent gaps in snow removal during vulnerable periods, such as early morning and commuting hours, and at road junctions and boundary areas.

He also called for repeated inspections of structures vulnerable to snow accumulation, such as aging homes and residential greenhouses; areas where snow removal is difficult; facilities vulnerable to strong winds, such as outdoor advertisements; and snow-removal equipment boxes. He urged agencies to stockpile sufficient essential supplies in advance, including de-icing agents, snow-removal equipment and heating supplies.

On cold-wave measures, he asked officials to carefully review plans to ease heating-cost burdens for vulnerable groups and provide them with cold-weather supplies. He also called for stronger public awareness campaigns on how to respond to cold waves and cooperation to ensure the public receives accurate information, including the locations and operating hours of cold-wave shelters.

Meanwhile, on October 30, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety provided 20 billion won in special disaster and safety grants ahead of schedule to support local governments in stockpiling snow-removal resources and installing facilities to mitigate the effects of cold waves.

“The government will activate emergency response systems ahead of hazardous weather and focus on tailored protective measures for each vulnerable group to minimize casualties and public inconvenience,” Kim said. “I urge the public to check weather information regularly and follow safety guidelines.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.