▲ Access to high-altitude trails in Seoraksan National Park restricted
As heavy rain warnings remain in effect, Misiryeong in Gangwon Province has been hit with up to 149.5mm of rainfall, leading to the full closure of hiking trails in Seoraksan National Park and causing cancellations and schedule changes for the Gangneung Danoje Festival.
According to the Gangwon Regional Meteorological Administration as of 10:00 a.m. today, heavy rain warnings are currently in place for the lowlands of Sokcho, the mountainous areas of Goseong, and the lowlands of Gangneung. The east coast of Gangwon Province is experiencing significant rainfall accompanied by strong wind and high sea warnings.
As of 10:00 a.m. today, rainfall totals included 149.5mm in Misiryeong, 136.0mm in Myeonokchi (Yangyang), 131.5mm in Hyangrobong, 71.0mm in Hoengseong, 68.9mm in Jeongseon, 122.0mm in Daepo (Sokcho), 107.5mm in Joyang (Sokcho), 101.4mm in Donghae, 99.0mm in Hajodae (Yangyang), and 98.5mm in Yangyang.
The Seoraksan National Park Office of the Korea National Park Service restricted access to high-altitude trails at 5:00 a.m. today when a heavy rain advisory was issued. By approximately 9:30 a.m., when the advisory was upgraded to a heavy rain warning, all hiking trails were fully closed.
The Seoraksan National Park Office plans to reopen the trails once the weather warnings are lifted and safety inspections confirm that conditions are stable.
Additionally, the heavy rain in Gangneung has forced changes to the schedule of the Gangneung Danoje Festival, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage event that began on the 15th.
The Gangneung Danoje Festival Committee completely canceled the Gangwon Youth Activity Festival (D.Y.F) and the swing competition that were scheduled for today. Other events, such as the writing and drawing contests, have been moved to indoor venues due to the rain.
The Gangwon State Fire Headquarters also reported receiving calls regarding three incidents of fallen trees and three reports of sewer backups as of 9:00 a.m.
Meanwhile, local governments across the province, including Gangneung City, are broadcasting safety warnings to villages and operating the first stage of their disaster and safety countermeasures headquarters to monitor the weather situation.
(Photo: Courtesy of Seoraksan National Park Office, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.