Seoul issues freeze alert, warns of hypothermia risk

People wearing heavy coats walk through Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul, Dec. 12, as a cold wave warning was issued for parts of the metropolitan area. Yonhap

Seoul will issue its first water meter “freeze warning” of the winter starting at 9 a.m. Friday, as temperatures are forecast to plunge to as low as minus 12 degrees Celsius, while city officials also warned of a heightened risk of hypothermia and frostbite during the sudden cold snap.

The freeze warning corresponds to the third-highest level in the city’s four-stage water meter freeze forecasting system, which ranges from “attention” and “caution” to “warning” and “serious,” the Seoul Metropolitan Government said Wednesday.

The city will operate a 24-hour emergency response situation room and activate an urgent repair system in coordination with its eight waterworks offices and the Seoul Facilities Corp.

As of Tuesday, Seoul had recorded 242 cases of frozen water meters this winter. Apartments accounted for the majority with 199 cases, followed by 24 cases at construction sites and 15 single-family and low-rise multiunit homes.

City officials warned that corridor-style apartment buildings without windbreak windows and construction sites are especially vulnerable, as water meter boxes in those locations are often directly exposed to cold air.

To prevent freezing, residents were advised to insulate water meter boxes and leave faucets slightly open when away from home. When daily low temperatures fall below minus 10 degrees Celsius, officials recommend letting water run gently at a rate that would fill a disposable paper cup in about two minutes.

Cracked or swollen meter displays may indicate freezing, which can lead to leaks or other damage if not addressed promptly. Suspected cases should be reported to the 120 Dasan Call Center, the city said.

At the same time, city officials warned that the cold spell has increased the risk of cold-related illnesses, particularly among elderly people, individuals with chronic health conditions and those experiencing homelessness.

Since Dec. 1, Seoul has recorded eight cases of hypothermia and one case of frostbite. Three of the hypothermia cases were associated with alcohol consumption, resulting in paramedics transporting the patients to local hospitals, officials said.

Cold-related illnesses occur when the body fails to maintain a normal core temperature after prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures. Hypothermia can cause confusion, loss of consciousness and even death, while frostbite typically affects extremities such as the fingers, toes, ears and nose.

To reduce health risks, officials urged residents to limit outdoor activity during periods of severe cold, wear layered and insulated clothing, and protect areas prone to heat loss such as the neck, hands and feet. Maintaining indoor temperatures of at least 18 degrees Celsius was also recommended.