"Toll-Free for 4 Days During Seol Holiday and 71 Emergency Shoulders Opened... Safety First"

Minister Park Sang-woo Inspects Special Traffic Measures for Lunar New Year Holiday

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced on the 8th that it will actively implement special traffic measures to support safe and convenient travel for the public during the Lunar New Year holiday.

On the day before the Lunar New Year holiday, Minister Park Sang-woo of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport received reports on the special traffic measures from major affiliated organizations during a preparation status inspection meeting held at the National Transportation Information Center.

On the 8th, one day before the Lunar New Year holiday, the full-scale homecoming battle began as vehicles crowded the southbound lanes toward Busan on the Seoul Gyeongbu Expressway, causing traffic congestion. / Photo by Jo Yongjun jun21@

According to the special traffic measures, to facilitate smooth road traffic flow during the Lunar New Year holiday, 71 shoulder lanes will be opened and operated, and 134 sections of highways and national roads have been selected as expected congestion zones to provide detour route information and be intensively managed. To minimize road congestion and diversify transportation options, the capacity of public transportation such as rail, bus, and air will also be increased. The total number of bus, rail, and air operations will be increased from 106,807 to 118,489, and the number of available seats will be increased from 7.81 million to 8.649 million.

Additionally, from the first day of the Lunar New Year holiday on the 9th through the substitute holiday on the 12th, highway tolls will be fully waived for four days, and rail fares will be discounted by up to 30% for return travelers using the railway and passengers in four-person family companion seats. A luggage delivery service will also be provided to transport baggage from railway stations or airports to destinations. Early operation of the Incheon Airport departure hall and smart air ticket services will be implemented to enhance travel convenience for those traveling home, returning, or on trips.

The quality and price management of food at highway rest areas will be monitored, and sales of budget snacks priced under 3,500 won (more than 10 types) and discounted snack packages (up to 33% off) will be promoted. Mobile electric vehicle chargers will be operated at 11 rest areas.

Minister Park said, "During the holiday period, traffic accidents caused by drowsy driving and inattentiveness increase, so please thoroughly provide related guidance to help prevent traffic accidents," and added, "In case of emergencies such as traffic accidents, safety measures must be strictly enforced to prioritize public safety."