Traffic Jams Continue on Highways During Chuseok Holiday Return... Seoul to Busan Takes 5 Hours 40 Minutes

534 Million Vehicle Movements Expected Today... "Traffic Congestion Likely to Persist Overnight"

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 night of the 8th, one day before the Chuseok holiday, heavy traffic continues on major expressways as vehicles head home.

According to the Korea Expressway Corporation, as of 9 PM that day, the Gyeongbu Expressway heading toward Busan is congested over a total distance of 66 km, including 4 km from Hannam to Seocho, 6 km near Jukjeon to Suwon, 21 km near Ipjang to Cheonan Junction, 22 km from Cheonan Rest Area to Namyi Junction, 3 km near Jukam Rest Area to Jukam, and 10 km from Hwadeok Junction to Biryong Junction.

The Seohaean Expressway heading toward Mokpo is experiencing slow traffic over 23 km, including 11 km from Seopyeongtaek Junction to Seohae Bridge, 5 km near Seosan to near Unsan Tunnel, 2 km near Hongseong to Hongseong, and 5 km near Dongseocheon Junction.

The Jungbu Expressway heading toward Namyi is moving at a turtle's pace over 8 km from Hobeop Junction to near Namicheon IC, and 30 km from near Jincheon to Namyi Junction.

Additionally, on the Capital Region 1st Circular Expressway heading toward Guri, congestion has appeared over sections including 1 km from Siheung Rest Area to Jonam Junction and 6 km from Hanam Junction to Gangil.

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 9 PM that day, the estimated travel times by passenger car from Seoul Tollgate to major cities nationwide are: Busan 5 hours 40 minutes, Ulsan 5 hours 20 minutes, Daegu 4 hours 40 minutes, Gwangju 5 hours 10 minutes, Gangneung 3 hours, and Daejeon 3 hours 40 minutes.

The Expressway Corporation stated, "Congestion in the direction of homebound traffic is severe and is expected to continue throughout the night," adding, "Due to the mix of commuters and homebound vehicles, traffic will be more congested than usual weekends."