Intense rainfall surpassing 100mm hit the eastern coastal and mountainous areas of Gangwon from the 19th to the 20th, causing the shutdown of Seoraksan hiking paths and the cancellation of certain Gangneung Danoje activities. The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) issued a warning, predicting as much as 200mm more rain in mountainous regions by the 21st.
By 10 a.m. on the 20th, severe rainfall alerts were still active for the low-lying regions of Sokcho, Gangneung, and the mountainous zones of Goseong.
Total rainfall in key areas was as follows: Misiryeong 149.5mm, Yangyang Myeonokchi 136.0mm, Hyangnobong 131.5mm, Bukgangneung 132.0mm, Gangneung 125.0mm, Sokcho Daepo 122.0mm, and Donghae 101.4mm.
Because of the heavy rainfall, the Seoraksan National Park Office, part of the National Park Service, completely blocked entry to high-altitude trails from 9:30 a.m. onwards.
In Gangneung, the Gangneung Danoje—recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage—encountered interruptions following its launch on the 15th. The organizing team called off the Gangwon Youth Festival (D.Y.F) and the swing competition set for the 20th, while moving the essay and art competitions inside. Activities like the Dano Herb Water Festival, soccer game, and ssireum (Korean wrestling) event continued as originally planned.
By the morning of the 20th, the Gangwon Fire Department had been informed about three downed trees and three instances of sewage backup.
More heavy rain is expected in Gangwon. The KMA has forecasted 50–120mm of rainfall on the eastern coast and in mountainous regions, and 30–80mm in Yeongseo by the 21st. Areas in the northern mountains might receive more than 200mm, while central mountains and northern Yeongdong could see over 150mm.
With approximately 50mm of rain expected each hour, the Korea Forest Service upgraded the landslide warning for Gangwon from “caution” to “attention” at 8:30 a.m.
A representative from KMA cautioned, “Unpredictable increases in water levels in valleys and rivers could occur. Stay away from or setting up camp near water bodies, and be alert to flooding in areas that are low-lying, river breaches, and land degradation.”
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