Rainstorm bombards Jeju, canceling flights

A resident uses an umbrella on Jeju Island, Monday, as heavy rain bombarded the resort island. / Yonhap

By Kim Jae-heun

Severe rain hit Jeju Island, Monday, forcing mass cancellations of domestic flights connecting the resort island with the mainland.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), the storm dumped more than 400 millimeters of rain on some parts of Mount Halla, reaching a maximum of 442 millimeters.

The KMA issued heavy rain warnings for northern and southern Jeju as well as mountainous regions, while heavy rain watches were put in place in the remaining areas. Due to inclement weather conditions people were banned from climbing the mountain.

With strong wind and wind shear warnings being issued for Jeju International Airport, 35 flights, in and out of Jeju, were canceled and 128 were delayed.

A high seas watch was also issued for all coastal areas of the island, so operations of cruise ships and ferries were also suspended as the weather agency forecasted over 20 millimeters of rain per hour until 6 p.m. there.

“We expect travelers on planes and cruises will be inconvenienced due to the strong rain. Please check your travel information in advance,” a KMA official said. “Cars on the road and ships at sea should also pay extra attention as thick fog is expected around Jeju, as well.”

Meanwhile, 40 flights were canceled and 16 delayed at Gimhae International Airport in South Gyeongsang Province due to the strong wind and heavy rain in the region.