Traffic congestion on return trip peaks between 1 PM and 2 PM... Expected to clear late evening

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] As the main return traffic begins in earnest from the afternoon of the 2nd, congestion sections are increasing on highways nationwide. The Korea Expressway Corporation announced that the congestion is expected to clear late in the evening.

According to the Expressway Corporation, as of noon on the day, vehicles on the Seoul-bound Gyeongbu Expressway are traveling below 40 km/h over a total of 21 km sections including Yangjae to Banpo, near Suwon, near Cheongju Rest Area, Cheongju to Oksan, and Sintanjin Rest Area to Sintanjin. On the Seoul-bound Seohaean Expressway, the 20 km section from Dangjin Junction to Seohae Bridge is completely blocked, and congestion extends over 7 km sections including Geumcheon, Seo Seoul Tollgate to Jonam Junction, near Hwaseong Rest Area, Seopyeongtaek Junction, and near Hongseong.

The Hanam-bound Jungbu Expressway is congested over a total of 11 km sections near Iljuk, near Jincheon Tunnel, and near Seo Cheongju. On the Guri-bound Seoul Ring Expressway (Capital Region 1st Circular Road), congestion extends over 23 km sections including Siheung Rest Area to Jonam Junction, Seoun Junction to Songnae, Jayuro to Gimpo Tollgate, Gangil Exit, and Seongnam Tollgate to Gwangam Tunnel.

The Expressway Corporation estimated the total traffic volume for the day at 4.12 million vehicles. Among these, about 350,000 vehicles are expected to move from the capital region to local areas via expressways, and about 450,000 vehicles from local areas to the capital region. The return traffic congestion, which began around 9 to 10 a.m., is expected to be worst around 1 to 2 p.m. and to clear around 8 to 9 p.m.

As of 1 p.m. on the day, the estimated travel times by passenger car from major cities nationwide to Seoul Tollgate are: Busan 5 hours 40 minutes, Mokpo 4 hours 30 minutes, Ulsan 5 hours 10 minutes, Gwangju 4 hours 10 minutes, Daegu 4 hours 30 minutes, Gangneung 3 hours 20 minutes, and Daejeon 2 hours 10 minutes.

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