"Check Traffic Information on 'Topis' During Seol Holiday Travel"

Highway, Traffic Speed, Unexpected Situations, and Public Transportation Information at a Glance

[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on the 13th that even during the Gyemyo Year Lunar New Year holiday, it will promptly provide real-time traffic information such as road traffic and public transportation operation information through TOPIS.

TOPIS is Seoul's representative intelligent transportation system, providing real-time traffic information 24 hours a day to help citizens' mobility convenience. The main information includes traffic flow information, incident information, public transportation information, and general traffic information, and it offers an integrated service so that citizens can conveniently check traffic conditions.

It is especially helpful during periods when road traffic volume sharply increases, such as the Lunar New Year holiday. By checking real-time road flow through surveillance camera (CCTV) footage, it is better to select travel points avoiding expected congestion sections.

When using the app, users can also receive alerts by selecting desired information through push services. Users can automatically check traffic flow, incident situations, etc., by selecting detailed items such as desired days and roads, and can quickly check planned control information related to rallies and events.

Photo by Asia Economy DB

This year's Lunar New Year holiday is expected to see more active regional movement as travel restrictions due to COVID-19 have been lifted, unlike previous years. From the afternoon of the first day of the Lunar New Year holiday on the 21st, some congestion is expected on the Gyeongbu Expressway between Seocho IC and Yangjae IC, Bundang-Suseo Road, the Seoul Metropolitan Area 1st Ring Expressway (inner and outer lanes), and the Seohaean Expressway, but most of Seoul is expected to have smooth traffic flow. On the day of the Lunar New Year holiday, congestion is expected in most metropolitan area entry sections from morning to afternoon due to early return traffic.

This year, since the Lunar New Year holiday is short, congestion is expected around 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the 22nd, the day of Seollal. Major sections include the Gyeongbu Expressway, Seoul Metropolitan Area 1st Ring Expressway, Seobu Ganseon-ro, Bundang-Suseo Road, Dongbu Ganseon-ro, Gangbyeonbuk-ro, and Olympic-daero. On the 23rd, some congestion is expected until around 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., but the congestion situation is expected to ease.

Meanwhile, Seoul's TOPIS traffic information can be checked on the website, app, and will also be announced on Twitter and Variable Message Signs (VMS).

Yoon Jong-jang, Director of the Seoul Metropolitan Government Urban Transportation Office, said, “We are implementing citizen guidance services such as information provision and road traffic monitoring to support a safe return trip,” and added, “We hope you check traffic information in advance to avoid congested times and ask you to drive safely.”