Key facts
- Heavy downpours and strong winds caused flooding and damage nationwide.
- Gangbuk Ward in Seoul recorded peak hourly rainfall of 53.5 millimeters.
- Seoul fire authorities received 129 emergency calls by 5:00 p.m.
- Access was restricted to 16 major urban streams.
- Three people were rescued from a flooded vehicle in Incheon.
- 40 flights were canceled at Incheon International Airport.
Heavy downpours accompanied by strong gusts battered Seoul and other parts of South Korea on Sunday, October 18, 2026, causing urban flooding and safety hazards. Fallen leaves, swept by gale-force winds, clogged drainage systems in Seoul, leading to localized flooding. Gangbuk Ward recorded the highest hourly rainfall intensity nationwide at 53.5 millimeters. By 5:00 p.m., Seoul fire authorities had received 129 emergency calls related to drainage, fallen trees, and safety inspections. The city issued an emergency alert and restricted access to 16 urban streams. Roads were blocked due to flooding, and a tree fell in Gangnam Ward. Incheon and Gyeonggi Province also reported significant damage from the severe weather. Three people were rescued from a flooded vehicle in Incheon. Incheon International Airport canceled 40 flights due to the weather conditions.