Heavy snowfall
Snow is heavier than it looks. Roofs collapse and cars slide.
When travelling
- Use public transport where possible. The subway is safest.
- If you must drive, carry snow chains and cut your speed sharply. No sudden braking or steering.
- On slippery ground, take shorter steps and keep your hands out of your pockets.
- Take particular care on stairs and slopes. Fall fractures are common.
- Don't walk under snow-laden roofs or awnings. Falling snow is dangerous too.
Home and workplace
- Clear snow from roofs, greenhouses and sheds. The weight collapses them.
- Clearing the snow in front of your own property is the norm. Someone slipping there leads to disputes.
- Check gas pipes and boiler flues are not blocked by snow. Blockages risk carbon monoxide poisoning.
For outdoor work
- Clearing snow from roofs is extremely dangerous — falls are common. Never go up without a harness.
- You have the right to refuse dangerous work. See refuse-dangerous-work.
- If an accident happens, process it as an industrial accident. 1588-0075.
If you are stranded
- Call 119 and give your location. See my-location.
- In a car, check the exhaust is not blocked by snow. Running the engine with a blocked exhaust causes carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Keep warm and wait for rescue.
Where to go
- 119 rescue and emergency · 112 danger
- National Disaster Safety Portal www.safekorea.go.kr
- 123 KEPCO (outages)
- Your local community service centre
- 1577-1366 · 1345 interpretation
Questions people ask
I have to get to work. Use public transport and allow plenty of time. If travel is unsafe, tell your employer and keep a record.
My car is stuck in snow. Clear the exhaust first. Then call 119 or your insurer's roadside assistance.
There's a lot of snow on my roof. Don't climb up alone. Ask the management office or local government, and call 119 if collapse looks likely.
I fell and was injured. If a fracture is suspected, don't force movement — call 119. See the fracture first aid guidance.
Take care
Wrist and hip fractures from falls on icy ground are extremely common, and especially dangerous for older people. Avoid smooth-soled shoes, keep your hands out of your pockets, and don't hurry.
Related
cold-wave · winter-support · fall-injury · first-aid-basics · call-119
Source
Ministry of the Interior and Safety, National Disaster Safety Portal www.safekorea.go.kr / As of 2026-08