Commuters battled freezing temperatures in Jung-gu, Seoul, on Friday morning, as heavy snow and cold wave advisories remained in effect nationwide.

The cold wave is expected to last through the end of the weekend. On Friday morning the lowest temperatures ranged from minus 15 degrees Celsius to zero, with daytime highs expected to range from minus 8 to 3 degrees Celsius, which is 3 to 10 degrees lower than typical.

Overnight snowfall and icy roads led to severe traffic congestion, making the morning commute particularly challenging in Seoul and across the country. As of 6 a.m. Friday, 20 roads nationwide were reported closed due to heavy snow.

According to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, as of 5 a.m. heavy snow advisories had been issued in various regions, including Gyeonggi and Gangwon provinces.

Commuters confront freezing temperatures and icy sidewalks in front of the Korea Press Center in Jung-gu, Seoul, Friday morning. (Newsis)
Commuters confront freezing temperatures and icy sidewalks in front of the Korea Press Center in Jung-gu, Seoul, Friday morning. (Newsis)
Commuters wearing padded jackets wait at a traffic light in Jongno, Seoul, Friday. (Newsis)
Commuters wearing padded jackets wait at a traffic light in Jongno, Seoul, Friday. (Newsis)
Commuters precariously hurry across an icy crosswalk on their way to work in Jongno, Seoul, Friday. (Newsis)
Commuters precariously hurry across an icy crosswalk on their way to work in Jongno, Seoul, Friday. (Newsis)
A man shields his ears from the chill in Jongno, Seoul, Friday. (Newsis)
A man shields his ears from the chill in Jongno, Seoul, Friday. (Newsis)

ssh@heraldcorp.com