Why Are Highways in South Korea Jammed After Chuseok?
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Synopsis
As South Koreans return home after celebrating the long Chuseok holiday, highways are heavily congested, causing long travel times. President Lee Jae Myung reaffirms his commitment to improving citizens' livelihoods amid ongoing tariff negotiations with the United States. Explore the impact of this holiday on travel and government initiatives.
Key Takeaways
- Traffic congestion is a significant issue during holiday travel periods in South Korea.
- The Chuseok holiday is pivotal for family gatherings and cultural observance.
- President Lee Jae Myung is actively addressing public welfare issues.
- Travel times can stretch to over six hours from major cities.
- Ongoing negotiations with the United States may impact future economic policies.
Seoul, Oct 9 (NationPress) Major expressways throughout South Korea experienced significant congestion on Thursday as individuals made their way home on the concluding day of the extended Chuseok holiday.
This year's weeklong holiday extends until Thursday, linking Chuseok, which occurred on Monday, with two national observances -- National Foundation Day on October 3 and Hangeul Day on October 9, commemorating the creation of the Korean alphabet, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
As of 9 a.m., travel times to Seoul were projected at 6 hours and 40 minutes from the southeastern city of Busan, 4 hours and 10 minutes from the southwestern city of Gwangju, and 3 hours from the eastern coastal city of Gangneung, according to the Korea Expressway Corp. (KEC).
On Thursday, an estimated total of 5.13 million vehicles were expected to travel across the nation, which includes 400,000 departing from the Seoul metropolitan area to other provinces and 390,000 making their way to Seoul from various regions.
On Tuesday, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung reiterated his commitment to enhancing the quality of life for citizens, a day after the celebration of the Chuseok holiday.
"With a humble heart, I once again assure you that I will diligently care for the people's present and future well-being," Lee stated on Instagram while sharing images of himself and First Lady Kim Hea Kyung dressed in traditional Korean garb to commemorate the country's fall harvest festival.
He expressed his dedication to these goals, even if it requires sacrificing significant matters or facing criticism and misunderstandings.
Lee's remarks come as South Korea and the United States are engaged in ongoing tariff discussions.
These comments followed criticism from the main opposition People Power Party regarding his recent appearance on JTBC's cooking show "Please Take Care of My Refrigerator," where he showcased Korean cuisine.
The episode featuring Lee and his wife was recorded during a disruption of online government services due to a fire at a state data center late last month.
Point of View
It is crucial to highlight the ongoing challenges faced by the government in balancing holiday festivities with infrastructure demands. The recent congestion indicates a need for improved transportation planning and public services to better serve the population during peak travel times.
NationPress
09/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chuseok?
Chuseok is a major harvest festival celebrated in South Korea, where families gather to honor ancestors and enjoy traditional foods.
When is Hangeul Day celebrated?
Hangeul Day is celebrated on October 9, marking the creation of the Korean alphabet.
How many vehicles are expected to travel during Chuseok?
Approximately 5.13 million vehicles were forecasted to be on the roads during the Chuseok holiday.
What is the significance of National Foundation Day?
National Foundation Day, observed on October 3, commemorates the founding of the Korean nation.
Who is Lee Jae Myung?
Lee Jae Myung is the President of South Korea, known for his focus on improving citizens' livelihoods and addressing public concerns.
