On 27th, the returning vehicles are crawling along the southbound lane near Jamwon IC on the Gyeongbu Expressway in Seocho-gu, Seoul. /Courtesy of News1

On the 28th, a day before the Lunar New Year, heavy snow has fallen nationwide, resulting in traffic congestion on various highways.

According to the Korea Expressway Corporation, as of 8 a.m. that day, it takes 7 hours and 20 minutes to travel from the Seoul tollgate to Busan by car. Additionally, it takes 6 hours and 50 minutes to Ulsan, 6 hours and 40 minutes to Mokpo, and 6 hours and 20 minutes to Gwangju and Daegu.

It is expected to take 3 hours and 50 minutes to Gangneung and 3 hours and 30 minutes to Daejeon.

Due to the heavy snowfall overnight and the influx of cars, vehicles are struggling to maintain speed on the highways.

On the Gyeongbu Expressway toward Busan, congestion is observed for 3 kilometers between Suwon and Giheung rest area and 12 kilometers near Dongtan Junction to Nam-sa. On the West Coast Expressway toward Mokpo, there is a 2-kilometer backup around Bibong, while the Jungbu Expressway toward Nami is also experiencing a 2-kilometer congestion around Hobop Junction to Moga.

The Korea Expressway Corporation requested drivers to be cautious of slippery roads on the Gyeongbu Expressway, specifically 62 kilometers from Hannam to Anseong, 146.5 kilometers from Anseong to Chupungnyeong rest area, 100 kilometers from Chupungnyeong to Gyeongsan, and around the Gwanggyo Tunnel on the Yeongdong Expressway and 182 kilometers from Yongin to Gangneung Junction.

That day, 500,000 vehicles are expected to travel from the metropolitan area to local areas, while 530,000 vehicles will move from local areas to the metropolitan area, totaling 4.93 million nationwide. Traffic congestion in the direction of return is projected to start around 5 to 6 a.m., peaking around noon to 1 p.m. It is expected to ease around 8 to 9 p.m.