As the summer vacation season approaches, a significant increase in travelers heading to resorts is expected. Major tourist destinations and expressways across the country are anticipated to see a surge in traffic.
According to the Korea Expressway Corporation and the tourism industry, this weekend marks the beginning of the summer vacation season, coinciding with holiday 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 substantial rise in visitors.
In particular, the Seoul-Yangyang Expressway, Yeongdong Expressway, Gyeongbu Expressway toward Busan, Seohaean Expressway, and certain sections of the Jungbu Expressway are likely to experience congestion starting in the morning, with peak traffic expected during the day.
On Friday, heavy traffic is expected to begin around 1 p.m., with significant congestion anticipated. The hours between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. are projected to be the busiest, with the longest travel times expected on expressways 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, is expected to extend to 4 to 5 hours on Friday afternoon. The journey from Seoul to Busan is projected to increase from the usual 4 hours to 6 to 7 hours, while the trip from Seoul to Sokcho may take 4 hours instead of the usual 2 hours and 20 minutes. The travel time from Seoul to Jeonju is expected to range from 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours and 30 minutes to 4 hours, and from Seoul to Yeosu, it may 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. Due to the nature of the holiday season, longer congestion times than typical weekends are anticipated.
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 experienced until last week is expected to ease, improving conditions for outdoor activities. The influence of a typhoon is expected to lower maximum temperatures compared to last week.
However, roads near popular vacation spots are likely to see a rapid increase in traffic 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 with comments such as, "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, anywhere is fine," "If you don't leave in the morning, you'll spend all your time on the expressway," and "Leaving for Gangwon Province at dawn is the rule."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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