Chuseok Return Traffic Congestion Intensifies on Highways... Seoul to Busan Takes 6 Hours 10 Minutes

Daily total traffic volume 5.34 million vehicles... "Peak between 6 and 7 PM"

On the 8th, one day before the Chuseok holiday, traffic congestion continues on the southbound lanes (right side) of the Gyeongbu Expressway as seen from Jamwon IC in Seocho-gu, Seoul. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] On the afternoon of the 8th, a day before the Chuseok holiday, traffic congestion on highways is worsening as vehicles heading home are increasing.

According to the Korea Expressway Corporation, as of 4 p.m. that day, the Gyeongbu Expressway towards Busan is congested in sections including Hannam to Seocho for 4 km, Seoul Tollgate to Suwon for 10 km, Osan to near Namsa for 7 km, Anseong to Namyi Junction for 60 km, Jukam to Sintanjin for 4 km, and near Daejeon Tunnel to Biryong Junction for 3 km.

On the Seohaean Expressway towards Mokpo, vehicles are moving slowly over a 27 km stretch including Seopyeongtaek Junction to Seohaedaegyo Bridge for 12 km and Dongseocheon Junction to near Daemyeong Tunnel for 7 km. On the Yeongdong Expressway towards Gangneung, congestion has occurred in sections such as near Banwol Tunnel for 7 km, from Maseong Tunnel to near Yangji Tunnel for 9 km, and near Yeoju to Yeoju Junction for 5 km.

On the Jungbu Expressway towards Namyi, 'turtle-speed driving' continues over a 37 km stretch including Hanam to near Dongseoul Tollgate for 2 km, Hobup Junction to Namicheon IC for 6 km, near Jincheon to near Jincheon Tunnel for 11 km, and Ochang Rest Area to Namyi Junction for 18 km.

Also, on the Capital Region 1st Circular Expressway towards Guri, congestion is occurring over a 35 km stretch including Pyeongchon to Suritunnel, Jonam Junction to Siheung Rest Area, Siheung Tollgate to Jungdong, near Gimpo to Jayuro, Goyang Junction to Nogosan 1 Tunnel, and Toegyewon to near Sangil.

The expected nationwide traffic volume for the day is 5.34 million vehicles, with 500,000 vehicles moving from the metropolitan area to local regions and 440,000 vehicles moving from local regions to the metropolitan area.

As of 5 p.m. that day, the estimated travel time by passenger car from Seoul Tollgate to major cities nationwide is 6 hours 10 minutes to Busan, 5 hours 50 minutes to Ulsan, 5 hours 10 minutes to Daegu, 6 hours to Gwangju, 3 hours to Gangneung, and 4 hours 10 minutes to Daejeon.

The Expressway Corporation stated, "Traffic congestion on the homecoming route will peak between 6 and 7 p.m. and continue until the next day," adding, "Due to the mix of commuters and homebound vehicles, it is expected to be more congested than usual weekends."

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