South Korean highways brace for Memorial Day travel surge, expect long delays

South Korea anticipates significant highway congestion on June 6 as millions travel for the Memorial Day holiday. An estimated 5.71 million vehicles are expected to use the nation's expressways, marking an increase compared to the previous week due to clear weather conditions.

The Korea Expressway Corporation predicts heavy traffic in both directions. Approximately 460,000 vehicles are expected to travel from the Seoul metropolitan area to provincial regions, while 470,000 are forecast to move towards the capital. The most congested routes are anticipated to be the Yeongdong and Seohaean expressways, particularly for those heading out of Seoul.

Traffic jams heading towards provincial areas are expected to begin between 6-7 a.m., peak around 11 a.m. to noon, and largely resolve by 6-7 p.m. Conversely, traffic heading towards Seoul is predicted to start building between 9-10 a.m., reach its maximum by 4-5 p.m., and ease by 8-9 p.m.

As of 10 a.m. on June 6, estimated travel times from Seoul to major cities include Busan (5 hours 30 minutes), Ulsan (5 hours 10 minutes), and Gwangju (4 hours 10 minutes). Return journeys to Seoul from these cities are expected to take slightly less time, with Busan to Seoul estimated at 5 hours.