A freezing first day of work in 2026

By Yoo Na-hyun Posted : January 2, 2026, 13:50 Updated : January 2, 2026, 13:50
Commuters cross a crosswalk at Gwanghwamun Intersection in central Seoul on the first working day of the new year Jan 2
Commuters cross a crosswalk at Gwanghwamun Intersection in central Seoul on the first working day of the new year, Jan. 2, 2026. AJP/Yoo Na-hyun

SEOUL, January 02 (AJP) -The first working day of 2026 dawned in an Arctic freeze, sending Seoulites hurrying through Gwanghwamun not so much to resume work as to get out of the cold. Beneath a pale winter sky, commuters crossed the intersection in central Seoul, bundled in heavy coats as icy air settled over the city.

A surge of cold air from the northwest had pushed morning temperatures to around minus 12 degrees Celsius, forcing people into thick coats, scarves and gloves as they hurried to offices and subway entrances. The scene — brisk, muted and tightly choreographed — marked the return to routine after the holiday break, as the city eased back into motion under one of the coldest mornings of the season.
 
Commuters cross a crosswalk at Gwanghwamun Intersection in central Seoul on the first working day of the new year Jan 2
Commuters cross a crosswalk at Gwanghwamun Intersection in central Seoul on the first working day of the new year, Jan. 2.
 
Commuters cross a crosswalk at Gwanghwamun Intersection in central Seoul on the first working day of the new year Jan 2
Commuters cross a crosswalk at Gwanghwamun Intersection in central Seoul on the first working day of the new year, Jan. 2, 2025
 

 

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