The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said on the 10th that 27.8 million people are expected to travel nationwide during the Lunar New Year holiday. The government will implement special transportation measures for six days from the 13th to the 18th to ease traffic congestion and ensure safety.
According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT), the number of travelers during the holiday is expected to decrease by 13.3% from last year, but because the holiday is shorter, the average daily number of travelers is projected to increase by 9.3%.
The government will waive tolls on all expressways nationwide for the four days from the 15th to the 18th around the Lunar New Year. Homebound traffic is expected to peak on the morning of the 15th, and return traffic on the afternoon of the 17th.
Passenger cars are expected to account for 86.1% of transportation during the Lunar New Year holiday. Average daily traffic on expressways is forecast to reach 5.25 million vehicles, up 14.1% from last year. On Lunar New Year's Day, the 17th, traffic is projected to increase to 6.15 million vehicles.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) will intensively manage 242 sections of expressways and general national highways where congestion is expected. Shoulder lanes will be operated on 69 sections of expressways. The operating hours of the bus-only lane on the Gyeongbu Line between Yangjae and Sintanjin will be extended.
Public transportation will also be increased. Bus, rail, air and passenger ship services will rise by 12.7% compared with normal periods, and the number of seats will expand by 9.7%. KTX and SRT will offer discounted fares for reverse homebound travelers and visitors to regions with declining populations.
The government will also strengthen traffic safety management. Special safety inspections of road, rail, air and maritime facilities and vehicles are underway. Management of accident-prone sections using artificial intelligence (AI) and crackdowns on vehicles violating laws will be expanded.
A response system to prepare for worsening weather will also be activated. Snow removal will be strengthened to prepare for heavy snow and icy roads, and speed limits will be lowered when road icing is a concern. Depending on weather conditions, reduced train speeds and route diversions will be considered.
Jeong Chae-gyo, director general for comprehensive transportation policy at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT), said, "Because traffic congestion is expected due to the shorter holiday than last year, please check traffic information in advance before departure," adding, "Long hours of driving increase the risk of drowsy driving, so sufficient rest is necessary."