On icy pavement, slow down and choose a different route when you can. Korea's Meteorological Administration recommends shorter steps, low-heeled shoes with non-slip soles, keeping hands out of pockets, and avoiding phone use while walking. This is a practical checklist, not a guarantee against falls or a live report of sidewalk conditions.
Before you leave
- Choose shoes with a stable fit and tread suited to wet or icy surfaces. Avoid smooth soles, slippers and unstable heels on an icy walk.
- Keep both hands available for balance; use a small cross-body bag or backpack instead of carrying several bags.
- Check the forecast and allow extra time. If the destination requires a steep, shaded or untreated path and you cannot confirm a safer route, choose another stop.
- Keep the day's plan flexible. A short taxi or transit connection may be preferable to walking across an exposed slope, but check live service availability before relying on it.
On the pavement
| Situation | Safer choice |
|---|---|
| Flat pavement with visible ice | Avoid the icy section if possible. If you must cross, slow down and use short, careful steps. |
| Shaded path or steep slope | Prefer a level alternative. If a handrail is available, use it; do not rush or make a sharp turn. |
| You are carrying luggage or shopping | Stop somewhere stable and reorganize the load so your hands are free before moving again. |
| You need to check a map or message | Step completely out of the walking path and stop before looking at your phone. |
| An entrance, stair or path is blocked or unsafe | Do not climb barriers or improvise a shortcut. Ask staff for an accessible alternative or change the destination. |
KMA's cold-wave safety guidance specifically advises reducing stride length by 10–20%, avoiding shaded areas and sudden turns, and not walking with hands in pockets or while looking at a phone. The agency also says to avoid carrying items where possible. Conditions vary by block; follow barriers, signs and local staff instructions.
If you fall or feel unsafe
Move to a stable place away from other pedestrians and traffic before checking for injuries. Ask a nearby worker or companion for help if you cannot safely continue. For an immediate serious injury or emergency, call 119; the emergency contact guide explains the visitor help options. Do not attempt a steep or icy route to reach a photo spot.
For clothing and footwear to pack before the trip, use the Korea winter packing checklist. For a weather alert that affects a larger itinerary, use the snow-advisory travel plan. They cover preparation and weather decisions; this page focuses on the last few metres between stops.
Illustration note: The original cover depicts general walking choices. It is not a photograph, map or representation of a verified accessible route.
Sources checked 15 November 2026. A footwear recommendation cannot establish that a specific pavement is safe or accessible today.