Korea is currently facing a bizarre climate split—within the same province. In Gangwon-do, the west has been pounded with up to 144mm of torrential rain, while Gangneung, on the province’s eastern side, has been hit so hard by drought that it’s been declared a disaster zone. In stark contrast to flooded cities like Hwacheon and Chuncheon, Gangneung’s reservoir storage has plunged below 15%, exposing the bare ground. With water levels at critical lows, the city began stricter water restrictions on August 27, throttling water meters by 50–75%. Gangwon-do is no stranger to extreme conditions—this is a region that, season by season, faces droughts, downpours, wildfires, and heavy snow. Blaming it solely on abnormal weather patterns misses the bigger picture: it’s a wake-up call for a shift from reactive disaster response to proactive, well-planned prevention. #SouthKorea #LifeinKorea #Gangwon #eyop_news