South Korea is witnessing heavy outbound traffic as millions of citizens travel to their hometowns ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday, locally known as Seol. The peak congestion is expected on Sunday, the second day of the long holiday period, which runs from the weekend through Wednesday.

According to the Korea Expressway Corporation, traffic will be heaviest between noon and 1 p.m., gradually easing around 8–9 p.m. Early estimates suggest a drive from Seoul to Busan, 330 km away, could take over six hours, while the 240 km journey to Daegu may require slightly more than five hours. Trips heading toward Seoul are comparatively faster, taking 5 hours from Busan and 4 hours from Daegu.

The agency projects that around 5 million vehicles will travel nationwide on Sunday, including approximately 450,000 cars leaving the greater Seoul area and 380,000 heading back. Authorities have urged motorists to plan travel in advance and avoid peak hours to minimize delays.

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Meanwhile, North Korea will observe a three-day Lunar New Year holiday, combining the traditional festival with the national holiday marking the late leader Kim Jong-il’s birthday. Unlike South Korea’s extravagant celebrations, travel in the North is restricted and regulated, with most citizens observing the holiday locally.

Traditionally, North Koreans visit the Kumsusan mausoleum in Pyongyang or statues of late leaders Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il to pay respects. While the holiday has roots in family reunions and ancestor worship, it is now also used to reinforce state loyalty and celebrate achievements of the leadership.

Restaurants in North Korea remain operational during the festive period, catering to diners who are unable to travel far. In contrast, South Korea’s major cities and highways experience a massive outflow of citizens, highlighting the cultural and logistical significance of the Lunar New Year across the peninsula.

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