Traffic jams continue on highways during Chuseok holiday homecoming and return trips... Expected to clear late at night

Departure at 5 PM: Busan to Seoul 5 hours 20 minutes, Seoul to Busan 5 hours 30 minutes

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] On the afternoon of Chuseok day, the 1st, vehicles heading home and returning are crowding the highways, causing two-way traffic congestion in many areas.

According to the Korea Expressway Corporation, as of 5 PM today, vehicles are traveling at less than 40 km/h over a total of 30 km on the Gyeongbu Expressway Seoul-bound direction, including a 9 km section near Anseong Junction to Namsa, a 9 km section near Dallaenae to Banpo, and a 5 km section near Oksan Junction to Cheongju Rest Area.

On the Gyeongbu Expressway Busan-bound direction, vehicles are also moving slowly over a total of 27 km, including a 10 km section near Nami Junction to Jukam Rest Area, a 6 km section near Jukjeon to Suwon, and a 4 km section near Hannam to Seocho.

On the Seohaean Expressway Seoul-bound direction, congestion is occurring over a total of 24 km, including Dangjin to Seohae Bridge, Balan to Hwaseong Rest Area, and Iljik Junction to Geumcheon. In the Mokpo-bound direction, congestion is occurring over a total of 10 km, including Seopyeongtaek Junction to Seohae Bridge and near Sunsan Tunnel.

On the Capital Region 1st Ring Expressway (Seoul Outer Ring Expressway) toward Ilsan, vehicles are moving slowly over a 35 km section including Tongil-ro to Uijeongbu, Namyangju to Sangil, and Seongnam to Pangyo Junction.

In the direction of Guri, traffic flow is not smooth over a total of 17 km, including Gwangam Tunnel to Sangil, Seowoon Junction to Songnae, and Jayuro to Gimpo Tollgate.

A Korea Expressway Corporation official stated, "It is expected that the highest number of vehicles will use the highways today during this holiday," and added, "Severe congestion is expected in both directions until late at night."

It is forecasted that congestion in the homebound direction will ease around 9 to 10 PM, and congestion in the return direction will clear around 2 to 3 AM on the 2nd.

If departing from Seoul Tollgate by passenger car at 5 PM, the estimated travel times to major cities nationwide are 5 hours 30 minutes to Busan, 3 hours 50 minutes to Gwangju, and 4 hours 50 minutes to Ulsan.

From Busan to Seoul, it is expected to take 5 hours 20 minutes, and from Ulsan and Gwangju to Seoul, approximately 5 hours 20 minutes and 4 hours 40 minutes respectively.

The Korea Expressway Corporation expects the total traffic volume nationwide to reach 5.81 million vehicles today. It is anticipated that 470,000 vehicles will leave the metropolitan area for local regions, while 450,000 vehicles will move from local regions to the metropolitan area.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.