Traffic Jam on Lunar New Year's Morning... Seoul to Busan Takes 6 Hours 10 Minutes

The view of the Gyeongbu Expressway near Jamwon IC, Seocho-gu, Seoul, northbound (left) and southbound lanes [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] On the morning of the Lunar New Year’s Day, the 22nd, the homecoming traffic continues, causing cars to crawl like turtles on major highways across the country.

According to Korea Expressway Corporation, as of 9 a.m. today, the estimated travel time by passenger car from Seoul Tollgate to major cities nationwide is 6 hours 10 minutes to Busan, 5 hours to Ulsan, 4 hours 20 minutes to Daegu, 4 hours 30 minutes to Gwangju, 2 hours 50 minutes to Gangneung, and 2 hours 20 minutes to Daejeon. As of 8 a.m., the Gyeongbu Expressway heading toward Busan is congested in the sections from Jamwon to Seocho (3 km), Osan to Namsa (6 km), and Cheonan to Mokcheon (10 km). In the Seoul direction, congestion occurs between Yangjae and Banpo (6 km). On the Yeongdong Expressway toward Gangneung, vehicles are unable to speed up in the 9 km section between Maseong Tunnel and Yangji Tunnel.

The Jungbu Expressway toward Namyi is congested in the 2 km section from Moga to Namicheon. Traffic toward Hanam is flowing smoothly. On the Seohaean Expressway toward Mokpo, traffic crawls in the 6 km section from Seopyeongtaek to Seohaedaegyo Bridge, and in the Seoul direction, slow movement occurs in the 3 km section from Iljik Junction to Geumcheon. Additionally, on the Jungbu Naeryuk Line toward Changwon, vehicles are moving slowly in the 10 km section near Yeoju Junction to Gamgok. The Honam Line is generally flowing smoothly.

The Expressway Corporation stated, "Severe congestion is expected in both directions due to the mixture of homecoming and return traffic." The homecoming direction is expected to start congestion between 6 and 7 a.m., peak between 1 and 2 p.m., and clear by 8 to 9 p.m. The return direction is expected to begin congestion between 9 and 10 a.m., peak between 3 and 4 p.m., and clear by 2 to 3 a.m. on the 23rd.