Songjeong Station and Terminals Bustling with Travelers During the Ten-Day Holiday
Hands Full with Suitcases and Gift Sets
Visiting Hometowns, Planning for Rest and Trips
On the morning of the 4th, when the largest ethnic holiday Chuseok holiday officially began, travelers heading home were moving their steps at Gwangju Songjeong Station in Gwangsan District, Gwangju. Photo by Min Chanki
"This Chuseok holiday lasts for ten days. I plan to travel around actively, visiting my parents and going on trips with my family."
On the morning of October 4, when the largest ethnic holiday Chuseok officially began, Gwangju Songjeong Station in Gwangsan District, Gwangju was bustling.
The main entrance of the station was crowded with travelers heading to their hometowns, their hands full with suitcases and bundles. Dozens of cars were stopping and going on the road in front of the station, while model drivers directed traffic with hand signals. The waiting area inside Songjeong Station was so packed with homebound travelers that there were no empty seats. Some passengers who couldn't find a seat stood next to their suitcases, checking the electronic display board and their reserved train tickets alternately to keep track of the time.
On the morning of the 4th, travelers are checking train times in front of the electronic display board at Gwangju Songjeong Station in Gwangsan District, Gwangju. Photo by Min Chanki
On top of the travelers' suitcases were Chuseok gifts they had prepared, such as boxes of fruit and shopping bags. One group shared snacks and coffee while waiting for their train. A man video-calling his parents showed them his train ticket, saying, "I'll be there soon, so please wait just a little longer."
Mr. Kim (41), who was heading to Seoul with his two children to visit his parents, said, "My child is growing up so fast, so I try to show them to my parents as often as possible," adding, "After arriving in Seoul, we plan to visit tourist attractions together with my parents."
A foreign worker who came to Korea for work also visited the station to meet a hometown friend. Mr. A (35), who came from Vietnam a year ago for work, struggled to book a train ticket while video-calling his friend. Due to personal circumstances, Mr. A found it difficult to return to his hometown for this Chuseok, but with his friend's guidance, he managed to complete the reservation. Mr. A said, "My friend from my hometown is also working in Jeolla Province," and added, "I came to Songjeong Station during the holidays just to see my friend."
Around the same time, Gwangju Comprehensive Bus Terminal in Seo District, Gwangju.
The terminal was also packed with homebound travelers carrying bags, suitcases, and luggage in both hands. Some parents were traveling in the opposite direction to visit their children who had found jobs in Seoul and the metropolitan area. Kim Youngsook (57), who filled a Styrofoam box with side dishes, visited the terminal to see her son who had gotten a job in Seoul. Kim said, "My child says he's too busy to come down to Gwangju," and added, "I feel more comfortable going directly to Seoul myself, so I can see the city and check on how my child is living."
With the long holiday stretching up to ten days, some families were also setting off on trips together for the first time in a while. Mr. Park (48) said, "It's only the second day of the holiday, but we're planning to visit Gangwon Province with my family and then go see my parents," adding, "I plan to make the most of the holiday and spend quality time with my family after a long time."
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