As South Korea gears up for the Lunar New Year holiday, known as Seollal, transportation authorities anticipate a record-breaking exodus of over 27 million people traveling nationwide from February 12 to 18. This surge, equivalent to more than half the country's population, underscores the holiday's enduring pull for family reunions, ancestral rites, and festive gatherings despite rising living costs and urban fatigue.
The Korea Expressway Corporation and Korea Railroad Corporation project daily averages of 4.5 million vehicle trips on highways, with expressways like the Gyeongbu and Honam lines expected to see peak congestion. High-speed KTX trains are forecasted to carry 2.8 million passengers, while intercity buses and domestic flights add another 1.2 million daily movers. Compared to last year's 25.6 million travelers, this year's figure marks a 5.5% increase, signaling a full rebound in holiday mobility post-pandemic restrictions.
Seollal, marking the Year of the Horse in 2026, holds deep cultural significance, with families traversing the nation to perform je-sa rituals honoring ancestors and share traditional foods like tteokguk rice cake soup. Rural hometowns swell with returnees, boosting local economies through spending on hanbok attire, markets, and feasts. However, the mass migration has long strained infrastructure, earning the nickname "super exodus" for its scale.
To mitigate gridlock and accidents, police plan to deploy 45,000 officers for traffic control, including helicopter patrols and AI-monitored speed cameras. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport urges staggered departures and use of public transit, while apps like Naver Maps provide real-time updates. Last year's holiday saw 1,200 traffic incidents, prompting enhanced safety drills this season.
Economically, the travel frenzy injects billions into provincial areas, with tourism hotspots like Jeju Island and Gangwon Province bracing for influxes. Hotel bookings are up 20%, and provincial governors tout special events to capitalize on the wave. Yet analysts warn of inflationary pressures on fuel and accommodations, testing household budgets amid ongoing economic headwinds.
As Koreans embrace this timeless tradition, the 27-million-strong journey reflects resilience and a yearning for connection in a fast-changing society. Whether by car caravan or bullet train, the nation's pulse quickens with anticipation of reunion and renewal under the lunar glow.
