Homecoming Rush Begins... 6 Hours 40 Minutes from Seoul to Gwangju

Return Routes Remain Smooth

On the 3rd, the southbound lane near the Jamwon Interchange on the Gyeongbu Expressway in Seoul is experiencing congestion. Photo by Yonhap News

On October 5, the day before Chuseok, Korea's major traditional holiday, traffic congestion began early in the morning on highways heading toward Gwangju and South Jeolla Province as people traveled to their hometowns.

According to the Gwangju and South Jeolla Headquarters of Korea Expressway Corporation, as of 9 a.m. on this day, it is taking as long as 6 hours and 40 minutes to drive from the Seoul Tollgate to Gwangju by car. This is about 3 hours longer than usual. The route from West Seoul to Mokpo is experiencing similar delays, also taking 6 hours and 40 minutes. In the afternoon, approximately 470,000 vehicles are expected to enter the region, and severe congestion is anticipated.

In contrast, at the same time, the return routes from Gwangju to Seoul and from Mokpo to Seoul are relatively smooth, taking around 4 hours and 4 hours 10 minutes, respectively.

An official from the Korea Expressway Corporation stated, "We expect the traffic volume of vehicles heading to their hometowns to peak in the afternoon, and there is a very high possibility of prolonged congestion on major highway sections."

The official also urged, "Drivers should be sure to check real-time traffic information provided on the Korea Expressway Corporation website, smartphone apps, or traffic broadcasts before departure, and actively use alternative routes if necessary to ensure a safe and relaxed journey."