Heavy Snowfall Causes Nationwide Traffic Chaos During Lunar New Year Return Rush
On January 28, heavy snowfall blanketed South Korea, leading too severe traffic congestion across the country. According to the Korea Expressway Corporation, the estimated travel times from the Seoul tollgate to major cities were significantly extended. As a notable example, reaching Busan took 7 hours adn 20 minutes, while Daegu and Ulsan required 6 hours and 20 minutes and 6 hours and 50 minutes, respectively.
The return journey to Seoul was equally challenging, with travel times of 5 hours and 50 minutes from Busan, 4 hours and 50 minutes from Daegu, and 5 hours and 20 minutes from Ulsan. Key highways, such as the Gyeongbu Expressway and Yeongdong expressway, experienced significant bottlenecks.Areas like the Suwon-Giheung Rest Area and Dongtan Junction were notably affected, with traffic stagnating for kilometers.
The Korea national Oil Corporation (KNOC) predicted that 4.93 million vehicles would be on the move nationwide, including 500,000 in the metropolitan area and 530,000 traveling from non-capital regions to the capital. Congestion peaked between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM,with delays expected to persist until 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM.Traffic accidents during the Lunar New Year holiday have been a recurring issue. Data submitted to the Democratic Party’s House of Representatives revealed that 42 accidents occurred on highways between 2022 and 2024, with 28 attributed to driver negligence. Drowsiness and failure to maintain a safe distance were also significant contributors.
the Korea Expressway Corporation urged drivers to exercise caution, stating, “There is a concern about car sliding accidents due to heavy snowfall, so please pay attention to safe driving by taking care of the wintering and reducing speed.”
Key Travel Times and Congestion Areas
Table of Contents
| Route | Travel Time | Congestion Hotspots |
|————————–|—————–|———————————————|
| Seoul to Busan | 7h 20m | Suwon-giheung Rest Area, Dongtan junction |
| Seoul to Daegu | 6h 20m | Hannam-Anseong, Chupung Rest Area |
| Seoul to Ulsan | 6h 50m | Yeongdong Expressway, Gwanggyo Tunnel |
| busan to Seoul | 5h 50m | Gyeongsan, Yongin-Gangneung junction |
As the nation grapples with the aftermath of heavy snowfall, drivers are advised to stay informed about real-time traffic conditions and prioritize safety during their journeys.
Heavy Snowfall Causes nationwide Traffic Chaos During Lunar New Year Return Rush: An Expert Interview
In late January, South korea experienced severe traffic congestion due to heavy snowfall, particularly during the Lunar New Year return rush. The Korea Expressway Corporation reported extended travel times and significant bottlenecks on major highways. To shed light on the situation, we spoke with Dr. Min-Ji Kim, a transportation and urban planning expert, to understand the causes, impacts, and safety measures drivers should consider during such extreme weather events.
Impact of Heavy Snowfall on National Traffic
Senior Editor: Dr. Kim, what were the primary factors that led to such widespread traffic disruptions during the Lunar New year return rush?
Dr.min-ji Kim: The combination of heavy snowfall and the high volume of vehicles on the road created a perfect storm for congestion.the Korea National Oil Corporation (KNOC) estimated that nearly 5 million vehicles were on the move nationwide, with over 500,000 in the metropolitan area alone.Snowy conditions reduced road traction, slowed traffic, and caused several accidents, particularly on critical routes like the Gyeongbu Expressway and Yeongdong Expressway. Areas such as the Suwon-Giheung Rest Area and Dongtan Junction became major bottlenecks, with vehicles stagnating for kilometers.
Safety Concerns and Accidents During the Holiday Rush
Senior Editor: Were there specific safety concerns or trends in accidents during this period?
Dr. Min-Ji Kim: Absolutely. Data from the Democratic Party’s House of Representatives highlighted that 42 accidents occurred on highways between 2022 and 2024, with 28 of them attributed to driver negligence. Drowsiness and failure to maintain a safe distance were significant contributors. Additionally,the Korea Expressway Corporation warned about car sliding accidents due to icy roads. They emphasized the importance of winterizing vehicles, reducing speed, and staying informed about real-time traffic conditions to mitigate risks.
Key Congestion Hotspots and Travel Times
Senior Editor: Can you elaborate on the most affected routes and the extended travel times drivers experienced?
Dr.Min-Ji Kim: Certainly. On January 28, travel from Seoul to Busan took approximately 7 hours and 20 minutes, with major delays at the Suwon-Giheung Rest Area and Dongtan Junction. Similarly, the journey to Daegu lasted 6 hours and 20 minutes, with congestion hotspots at Hannam-Anseong and Chupung Rest Area. Routes to Ulsan and the return trips to Seoul were equally challenging, with significant delays on the Yeongdong expressway and Gwanggyo Tunnel. These extended travel times underscore the need for better planning and infrastructure to handle peak traffic periods.
Recommendations for Drivers During Extreme Weather
Senior Editor: What advice would you give to drivers navigating such extreme weather conditions in the future?
Dr. Min-Ji Kim: First and foremost, drivers must prioritize safety. Ensure your vehicle is winter-ready, with proper tires and antifreeze. Reduce speed and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles to account for slippery roads. Stay updated on real-time traffic conditions through platforms like the Korea Expressway Corporation’s updates. Most importantly, plan your journey to avoid peak congestion times, and if possible, consider choice routes or public transportation.
Conclusion
Heavy snowfall and the Lunar Year return rush created a challenging scenario for South Korea’s roadways, leading to severe congestion and safety concerns. Dr.Min-Ji Kim emphasizes the need for cautious driving, proper vehicle maintenance, and staying informed about traffic conditions to ensure safety during extreme weather events. As the nation continues to address these challenges, drivers must remain vigilant and proactive in their travel planning.
