Millions of South Koreans took to the roads Tuesday for the peak of Lunar New Year holiday travel. This massive holiday travel surge created standstill conditions on major expressways nationwide. Consequently, drivers faced multi-hour delays reaching their hometown destinations.
The nation celebrates Seollal, the Lunar New Year holiday, on Tuesday. The official holiday period began over the weekend and continues through Wednesday. Therefore, Tuesday represents the peak travel day for family gatherings. The Korea Expressway Corporation provided detailed traffic forecasts and real-time conditions.
Approximately 6.15 million vehicles were expected on roads nationwide this day. Outbound traffic from the greater Seoul area totaled an estimated 440,000 cars. Meanwhile, 470,000 vehicles headed toward Seoul from other regions. This bidirectional flow created congestion in both directions simultaneously.
The Gyeongbu Expressway, linking Seoul to Busan through major cities, experienced particularly severe delays. Vehicles on many sections stood at a complete standstill. This major artery carries the heaviest holiday travel volume annually. Consequently, conditions there reflect the broader traffic pattern.
Morning travel times from Seoul to key destinations remained substantial. As of 8 a.m., the trip to Busan required approximately five hours. Travel to the southeastern city of Daegu took four hours. The journey to central Daejeon required two hours and ten minutes. These times significantly exceed normal driving duration.
Outbound traffic from Seoul was projected to intensify further. The Korea Expressway Corporation predicted peak congestion between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Conditions should begin easing around 8 p.m. Therefore, afternoon travelers faced even longer delays than morning departures.
Return trips to Seoul presented even greater challenges. Estimated travel times from Busan to Seoul reached six hours and forty minutes. The journey from Daegu required five hours and forty minutes. Travelers from Daejeon faced two-hour return trips. This inbound holiday travel will peak between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Inbound congestion is expected to continue late into the night. The Korea Expressway Corporation projected conditions easing around 3 a.m. Wednesday. Therefore, many travelers face overnight drives after family celebrations. This pattern repeats annually during major Korean holidays.
The scale of holiday travel reflects deep cultural traditions. Seollal remains the most important family gathering period in Korea. Millions prioritize visiting ancestral hometowns regardless of distance. Consequently, transportation infrastructure faces immense periodic stress.
Highway rest areas and service stations experience corresponding demand surges. Food vendors, fuel stations, and convenience stores operate at maximum capacity. Travelers seek breaks during extended journeys. Therefore, holiday travel creates ripple effects throughout the service economy.
Public transportation alternatives also face heavy demand. Train tickets sell out weeks in advance. Intercity buses operate at full capacity with waiting lists. Air travel to Jeju Island and other destinations sees similar pressure. Consequently, road congestion reflects broader transportation system strain.
The Korea Expressway Corporation deploys additional personnel during holiday periods. Traffic management centers monitor conditions continuously. Electronic signage provides real-time alternative route recommendations. Therefore, authorities actively work to mitigate holiday travel disruptions.
Economic implications extend beyond personal inconvenience. Holiday travel represents massive consumer spending on transportation, food, and accommodation. Retailers in destination communities benefit from visiting populations. Consequently, the travel surge stimulates regional economies.
Safety concerns accompany the heavy traffic volumes. Extended driving hours increase fatigue-related accident risks. Emergency services maintain heightened alert during holiday periods. Authorities urge frequent breaks and cautious driving. Therefore, holiday travel involves significant public safety components.
Looking ahead, return traffic will dominate Wednesday’s patterns. Many workers return home to prepare for post-holiday schedules. Thursday morning commuters will face residual congestion. Consequently, the holiday travel impact extends beyond the official holiday.
Weather conditions add another variable to travel planning. February temperatures can create hazardous road conditions. Snow or ice would compound existing congestion challenges. Therefore, travelers monitor forecasts alongside traffic reports.
In conclusion, South Korea’s Seollal holiday travel created massive Tuesday congestion. Over six million vehicles filled highways connecting major population centers. Travel times stretched to five hours or more between key cities. This annual ritual reflects enduring cultural priorities despite modern infrastructure constraints.
