The government will implement special traffic measures from September 23 to 27 to address congestion during the Chuseok holiday. An estimated 30.93 million people are expected to travel during this period.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced that it will operate a joint special traffic headquarters with relevant agencies to manage the holiday traffic.
According to the Korea Transport Institute and the Korea Expressway Corporation, the total number of travelers this Chuseok is projected to decrease by 3.5% compared to last year, totaling 30.93 million. However, due to the shorter holiday period, the average daily travel volume is expected to increase by 56% to 11.82 million.
Passenger cars are expected to account for 88.4% of the travel mode. The average daily traffic volume on highways is anticipated to rise by 11.8% to 6.05 million vehicles, compared to 5.41 million last year. On Chuseok day, September 25, the daily traffic volume could reach 6.84 million vehicles.
The busiest travel times are expected to be the morning of September 24 for outbound trips and the afternoon of September 25 for return trips. Estimated travel times include 10 hours and 30 minutes from Seoul to Busan and 10 hours and 45 minutes from Seoul to Mokpo for outbound trips, while return trips are expected to take 9 hours from Busan to Seoul and 7 hours and 40 minutes from Mokpo to Seoul.
To enhance traffic flow, the government has designated 299 sections of highways and national roads, covering 2,312 kilometers, as areas prone to congestion for focused management. Additionally, 64 highway sections, totaling 374 kilometers, will have shoulder lanes in operation.
From September 24 to 27, toll fees on highways will be waived, and fuel prices at 226 gas stations managed by the Korea Expressway Corporation will be reduced by 100 won per liter.
Public transportation will also see increased services, with bus and train operations expected to rise by 11.8% and seating capacity by 11.1%. In the case of rail services, an additional average of 34,000 seats will be provided compared to last year's Chuseok.
This year's Chuseok holiday is shorter, which may lead to concentrated travel demand during specific times. Therefore, spreading out departure times and checking real-time traffic information are expected to be key in reducing congestion.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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