Is South Korea Facing Highway Congestion During Chuseok Holiday?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
As South Korea celebrates Chuseok, major highways are experiencing significant congestion. With millions on the move, travel times have notably increased. President Lee Jae Myung also emphasized his commitment to improving citizens' lives amidst festive celebrations. Will the ongoing holiday continue to strain transportation networks?
Key Takeaways
- Major highways in South Korea faced congestion during Chuseok.
- Travel times increased significantly, with millions on the road.
- President Lee Jae Myung emphasized commitment to citizens' welfare.
- Chuseok celebrates family gatherings and traditional values.
- The government is addressing traffic issues amidst the holiday.
Seoul, Oct 8 (NationPress) Major highways and expressways experienced partial congestion across South Korea on Wednesday, marking the sixth day of the extended Chuseok holiday.
Chuseok, the Korean harvest festival, occurred on Monday, allowing South Koreans to enjoy an extended holiday from Friday through Thursday, as it coincides with National Foundation Day and Hangeul Day, which celebrates the creation of the Korean alphabet, as reported by Yonhap News Agency.
As of 8 am, travel durations were projected at 6 hours and 50 minutes from Seoul to the southeastern city of Busan, 4 hours and 40 minutes to Daegu, and 1 hour and 48 minutes to Daejeon, according to the Korea Expressway Corp. (KEC).
Inbound travel times were comparatively shorter, estimated at five hours from Busan to Seoul, 4 hours and 52 minutes from Daegu, and 1 hour and 40 minutes from Daejeon, the KEC noted.
A total of 5.46 million vehicles were predicted to be on the roads nationwide on Wednesday, including 320,000 departing from the Seoul metropolitan area and 330,000 heading towards Seoul from other regions.
On Tuesday, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing the well-being of the citizens, a day after the nation celebrated Chuseok. "With a humble heart, I promise again that I will more carefully look after the people's present and the future of their livelihoods," Lee posted on Instagram, sharing images of himself and first lady Kim Hea Kyung in traditional attire for the festival.
He mentioned his dedication to these efforts, even if it could mean risking important matters or facing criticism and misunderstandings.
Lee's remarks come amidst ongoing tariff negotiations between South Korea and the United States.
This follows criticism from the main opposition People Power Party regarding his appearance on JTBC's cooking show "Please Take Care of My Refrigerator", where he showcased Korean cuisine.
The recording of the episode with Lee and his wife occurred during an outage of online government services caused by a fire at a state data center late last month.
Point of View
The ongoing Chuseok holiday presents both cultural significance and challenges, particularly in transportation. The government's focus on improving citizens' lives amid travel congestion highlights the need for effective leadership during peak times. The balance between celebration and practicality is essential for national harmony.
NationPress
08/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chuseok?
Chuseok is a traditional Korean harvest festival celebrated by families across the country, often involving gatherings and feasting.
Why are highways congested during Chuseok?
Highways are congested due to a significant increase in travel as families reunite during the extended holiday period.
How long are travel times from Seoul to Busan?
Travel times from Seoul to Busan are estimated at approximately six hours and fifty minutes during this holiday.
What measures are being taken to address congestion?
The government is aware of the congestion issues and is working on improving infrastructure and providing real-time travel updates.
Who is President Lee Jae Myung?
President Lee Jae Myung is the current President of South Korea, committed to improving the livelihoods of citizens.
