Sun Mar 02 04:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Government Prepares for Heavy Snow and Rain During 3.1 Movement Holiday

**Seoul, South Korea** – The South Korean government is implementing emergency measures in anticipation of heavy snowfall and rainfall across the country during the upcoming 3.1 Movement holiday (March 1-3). A meeting chaired by the head of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety’s (MOIS) Disaster and Safety Management Headquarters, Lee Han-kyung, was held on February 28th, bringing together central government ministries, including the MOIS, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, Ministry of Environment, Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), and the National Police Agency, along with representatives from all 17 provinces.

The KMA forecasts widespread rain beginning March 1st, transitioning to snow in the Gangwon region and central inland areas as temperatures drop later that night. Heavy snowfall, potentially exceeding 70cm in some areas of Gangwon, is expected to continue through March 5th. Significant snowfall is also anticipated across other central regions.

The meeting reviewed preparedness plans from local governments and relevant agencies, sharing past incidents, such as the 2021 incident where 700 vehicles were stranded on the Donghae Expressway for eight hours. The MOIS is urging road management agencies to enhance patrols, particularly during peak traffic hours, provide timely traffic information, and ensure smooth traffic flow. Measures are also being put in place to monitor drainage systems, preemptively inspect vulnerable structures like greenhouses, and ensure timely de-icing efforts, including preemptive spreading of de-icing agents even without weather alerts. Proactive control of vulnerable facilities and potential evacuations are planned.

Lee Han-kyung emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing the complex weather situation, urging citizens to prepare winter equipment for travel, drive cautiously on icy roads, and maintain safe following distances.

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