Suwon City has established its 2026-2027 winter road snow removal comprehensive plan to prevent a recurrence of the sudden late-November snowstorms that paralyzed South Korea in 2025. The municipality is overhauling equipment, designating pre-salting golden times, and reinforcing cooperation with neighboring local governments ahead of the approaching winter.
Upgrading Defenses After the 2025 Snow Disaster
Memory of the November 2025 snowstorms across the Korean Peninsula drives the current preparations in Suwon. To avoid repeating past transportation paralysis, the local government designed a proactive winter response system centered on early equipment readiness and continuous road monitoring.
The city is completely replacing and overhauling 17 aging snow removal machines while bringing in four new units. Crews are installing heating cables on the pavement of seven steep roads to prevent dangerous ice formation before major storms hit. These preparations cover snow removal vehicles, spreaders, and storage facilities, keeping them ready for immediate deployment.
Suwon Coordinates Pre-Salting and Joint Responses with Neighbors
Traffic congestion and safety accidents during heavy morning and evening commutes require targeted intervention. Suwon established a precise pre-salting golden time window to treat high-traffic roadways before gridlock occurs.
Municipal operations extend beyond city borders through joint response protocols with neighboring Yongin and Hwaseong cities. This coordination aims to eliminate blind spots on municipal boundaries and major arterial roads. Meanwhile, local officials are urging residents to clear snow immediately in front of their homes and stores to maintain safe pedestrian walkways.
| Action Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Equipment Overhaul | 17 aging units replaced/reconditioned; 4 new units added |
| Infrastructure Defense | Heating cables installed on 7 steep road sections |
| Operational Strategy | Pre-salting golden times during peak commute hours |
| Inter-City Cooperation | Joint snow removal corridors with Yongin and Hwaseong |
Kim Hyun-su, Suwon’s first deputy mayor, outlined the scope of the municipality’s preparation. “We will proactively respond to winter snowfall by thoroughly inspecting snow removal equipment, materials, and vulnerable area response systems in advance,” he stated.
Deputy Mayor Kim also asked for public participation in municipal safety efforts. “We ask that you actively participate in clearing snow in front of your homes and stores in the city to help contribute to a safe winter,” he added.
