As South Korea celebrates Constitution Day, a significant increase in travelers is expected over the three-day holiday weekend. Major tourist destinations and highways across the country are anticipated to see a surge in activity.
According to the Korea Expressway Corporation and the tourism industry, this weekend marks the beginning of the summer vacation season, coinciding with holiday travel demand. Popular coastal destinations such as Gangneung, Sokcho, Yangyang, Busan, Yeosu, and Namhae, as well as flights to Jeju Island, are expected to see a notable rise in visitors.
Particularly, congestion is likely to begin early in the day on the Seoul-Yangyang Expressway, Yeongdong Expressway, Gyeongbu Expressway toward Busan, Seohaean Expressway, and certain sections of the Jungbu Expressway.
On Constitution Day, Friday, traffic is expected to start building up from 1 p.m., with significant delays anticipated. The period between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. is projected to be the busiest, with the longest travel times expected on highways leading to major vacation spots like Gangneung, Sokcho, and Busan. However, traffic flow may gradually improve after 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The travel time from Seoul to Gangneung, which typically takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes, could extend to 4 to 5 hours on Friday afternoon. The journey from Seoul to Busan is expected to increase from the usual 4 hours to 6 to 7 hours, while the trip from Seoul to Sokcho may take around 4 hours instead of the usual 2 hours and 20 minutes. The travel time from Seoul to Jeonju is projected to rise from 2 hours and 30 minutes to between 3 hours and 30 minutes to 4 hours, and the trip to Yeosu could take up to 6 hours instead of the usual 4 hours and 20 minutes.
Return traffic is expected to peak on Saturday afternoon and Sunday afternoon, with longer delays likely compared to a typical weekend due to the holiday season.
Popular destinations for travelers are expected to include: ▲ Anmok Beach in Gangneung ▲ Sokcho and Yangyang ▲ Haeundae in Busan ▲ Yeosu ▲ Namhae ▲ Jeonju Hanok Village ▲ Gyeongju ▲ Jeju Island. There is also an anticipated increase in visitors to valleys and campgrounds.
This summer, the extreme heat that persisted until last week is expected to ease, improving conditions for outdoor activities. The forecast indicates that high temperatures will be slightly lower than last week due to the weakening of the heat dome caused by a typhoon affecting the pressure system.
However, traffic around popular vacation spots is likely to increase rapidly after 9 a.m., and parking difficulties at popular beaches and tourist sites are expected to worsen in the afternoon. Experts advise travelers to adjust their departure times earlier or later and to check real-time traffic information to reduce congestion.
Netizens have reacted, saying, "This weekend is essentially the start of vacation," "As long as it doesn't rain, I'm heading to the beach," "As long as it's not as hot as last week, I'm good to go anywhere," "If you don't leave in the morning, you'll spend all your time on the highway," and "Leaving for Gangwon Province at dawn is the rule."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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