Heavy snow forced a Jeju airport shutdown, leaving roughly 11,000 travellers stranded after 163 flights were cancelled and five diverted during the storm.
Summary: Heavy snow caused a Jeju airport shutdown on Sunday, grounding operations until 11 a.m. and leaving about 11,000 travellers stranded after 163 of 461 scheduled flights were cancelled and five diverted.
A powerful snowstorm prompted a Jeju airport shutdown on Sunday, halting runway operations at Jeju International Airport and disrupting travel for roughly 11,000 tourists on the popular island destination.
Storm forces airport operations to stop
The winter storm brought heavy snow and strong winds to Jeju Island, leading airport authorities to suspend all runway activity until 11 a.m. As the blizzard conditions continued, 163 of 461 scheduled flights were cancelled and five flights were redirected to alternate airports, producing severe congestion inside the terminal as travellers waited for updates.
Some areas around Mount Halla recorded significant snowfall during the 24 hours up to noon, with measurements reaching as much as 21.5 centimetres, making this one of the most intense snow events of the season on the island.
Flight impact and ongoing instability
- Total travellers affected: about 11,000
- Scheduled flights affected: 163 cancelled out of 461
- Flights diverted: 5
- Airport operations halted until: 11 a.m.
- Maximum 24-hour snowfall near Mount Halla: 21.5 cm
Snow-clearing crews were deployed to reopen runways, but officials warned that flight timetables would remain unstable while the storm persisted, and further cancellations or delays were expected as conditions evolved.
Airport and government response to stranded travellers
To support those left waiting in the crowded terminal, the Jeju provincial government coordinated with airport officials to distribute emergency supplies. Authorities supplied blankets, mattresses and bottled water to ensure stranded passengers had basic necessities while delays continued.
- Blankets made available at the airport: about 2,700
- Mattresses made available at the airport: about 1,500
- Additional provincial reserves: 2,158 blankets and mattresses
Winter travel realities for Jeju visitors
Jeju is a sought-after destination year-round, with highlights such as Mount Halla, volcanic landscapes and coastal scenery. However, the island’s winter season—December through February—can bring unpredictable weather. January is typically the coldest and snowiest month, and adverse conditions can disrupt travel plans even for well-prepared visitors.
- Check weather forecasts regularly before and during travel
- Book flexible tickets when possible to allow changes
- Pack essentials for delays: warm clothing, snacks and entertainment
- Focus on indoor attractions if outdoor plans are curtailed
Resilience of Jeju’s tourism sector
Although this storm temporarily disrupted thousands of itineraries, Jeju’s tourism industry has a history of coping with seasonal weather extremes. Local businesses and attractions routinely adapt to winter conditions, and many visitors continue to enjoy indoor cultural sites and local cuisine even when outdoor activities are limited.
So what? For travellers, the incident underscores the importance of checking forecasts, choosing flexible travel options and preparing for delays when visiting Jeju in winter. For the industry, the episode highlights ongoing operational challenges for airports and local authorities during severe weather—and the value of coordinated emergency response to protect passenger welfare.
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