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“Squeak~”

With a harsh cold spell persisting every day, safety alert messages from local authorities continue to constantly pop up on mobile phones. As per the Korea Meteorological Administration, last month was noted as the coldest January in the past 8 years. The national average temperature was 0.7°C below normal, with rainfall and humidity also nearing record lows. Although this unexpected cold period has limited people’s everyday activities, it has also led to distinctive winter scenes in different areas.

Under continued cold wave alerts, Chopung Reservoir in Jinchun County, North Chungcheong Province, is entirely frozen. With temperatures staying near minus 10°C for several days, the reservoir’s surface has turned into solid ice, and fishing platforms set up in various locations look like specks spread across the ice.

A drone’s perspective of Chopung Reservoir showcases a winter landscape that looks like an old-style ink painting: black ice holes and signs of fishermen’s activity form a web-like pattern across the white ice. The cherry blossom island located in the middle of the reservoir, encircled by thick ice, merges with adjacent platforms to create a peaceful ambiance, while areas of water that remain unfrozen show deep blue tones, offering a striking contrast against the surrounding white scenery. The icy reservoir and the snow-covered nearby mountains make it seem as though a cold wave has halted the entire natural world.

The Chopung Reservoir is a popular destination where visitors gather each winter to engage in ice fishing. Nevertheless, because of the recent prolonged cold periods that have sped up the freezing process, Jinchun County has advised the public to take additional precautions to avoid incidents during winter activities like ice fishing.