With typhoon warnings issued in most parts of the nation, South Korea's capital city of Seoul is also bracing for impact of Soulik.
Let's speak to our Kim Mok-yeon.. who's at the Jamsu Bridge, an ultra-low bridge which is considered a barometer for heavy rain in Seoul.
Mok-yeon,... are we seeing much rain at the moment?


Hi Mark, rain has been coming down sporadically here since before dawn, but cars and pedestrians are crossing the bridge… as the water level here is at around ____ meters, similar to the normal level of 3 meters. This bridge is normally closed as soon as the Han River swells.


The Korea Meteorological Administration announced that Typhoon Soulik is still on its way north, with the eye of the typhoon set to reach (Chungcheong-buk-do province) soon.
The agency initially reported that the storm could hit Seoul at 4 a.m., but since the course of the typhoon seems to have changed, the capital is not likely to face a direct hit.
However, Soulik will likely to get close to Seoul at around 9 a.m. which is the time people leave home for work, so extra precaution is advised.

So Mok-yeon, the entire nation has been and remains on alert and emergency countermeasures have been put in place. How are officials preparing for possible damage?

Well Mark, regional governments and related ministries have been on duty around the clock as of Thursday afternoon.


President Moon instructed them to do all they can to ensure the safety of the people.
He's also called on private firms to adjust their working hours.
Thousands of Kindergartens, elementary and middle schools will be closed today,... and many high schools are expected to follow suit.
Seoul's headquarters for natural disaster safety measures has advised people to use public transportation instead of driving, with related agencies already having finished safety check-ups on trains and subways.

Back to you Mark .