[Yonhap Photo]
An advanced free Wi-Fi network covers every corner of South Korea, but expressway service stations have been out of service, forcing visitors to rely on data plans and mobile hotspots.
From the end of this week, free wireless internet services will be available at all 191 expressway service stations throughout the country from Friday, ahead of a 10-day break that includes Chuseok, a three-day harvest festival.
Traditionally, millions of city dwellers visit their hometowns to spend time with relatives during Chuseok, one of South Korea's biggest holidays. This year, the transports ministry estimates some 37 million people will travel around for a family reunion or to pay homage to ancestors.
"Countless people will visit expressway service stations during the Chuseok season," a Korea Expressway Corporation official told Aju News on Wednesday. "Many travelers will be happy to be provided with free Wi-Fi service especially when they are taking a rest at service stations."
In a joint project involving three major mobile carriers -- KT, SKT and LG U+ -- Wi-Fi routers will be installed at all stop-overs and free internet will be available on Friday, the official said. Although many travelers use buses and trains, transport authorities speculate that about four million vehicles will pass through expressways every day.
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