Record snowfall paralyzes Jeju Airport

Severe cold and snowfall has virtually shut down Jeju Airport, Sunday. / Yonhap

A record snowfall paralyzed Jeju Airport, and much of the southern part of the island Sunday after the lowest temperatures in years were recorded there.

Meteorologists in Jeju said that the island accumulated 12 centimeters of snow as of 8 p.m. Saturday. This is the heaviest snowfall recorded in 32 years. The last time Jeju Island was blanketed with a comparative snowfall was on Jan. 18, 1984 when 13.9 centimeters was recorded.

All flights from the airport are suspended until 9 a.m. on Monday.

However the authorities on Sunday said that approximately 20,000 travelers may have to remain on the island until conditions improve.

Temperatures across the country have fallen to near record lows.

As of 5 a.m., the temperature in Seoul was minus 17 degrees Celsius, minus 23.8 degrees with the wind chill factor, according to meteorological officials.

Korea's eastern island of Ulleung is covered in white, as 100 centimeters of snow have fallen in the past six days. Forecasts have it that there will be more snow, about 15 centimeters, coming for Ulleung Island. / Yonhap