World · East Asia & Pacific · 13 hrs ago
Autumn foliage trips expected to push South Korea highway traffic higher
On Saturday, autumn foliage trips were expected to increase highway traffic across South Korea.
The Korea Expressway Corporation forecast 5.93 million vehicles on the roads, more than the previous weekend.
Traffic heading away from the capital was expected to build from 6–7 a.m., peak at 10–11 a.m.
and ease by 7–8 p.m.
The busiest routes were expected to include the Yeongdong Expressway toward Gangneung, as well as the West Coast and Jungbu expressways.
At 10 a.m., the Seoul-to-Busan drive was estimated at 6 hours 20 minutes, while Seoul-to-Gangneung was expected to take 3 hours 40 minutes.
These forecasts mean travelers heading out for autumn scenery should expect delays, especially on routes toward eastern and southern destinations.
South Korea’s highways were expected to carry 5.93 million vehicles on Saturday, October 24, as autumn foliage trips increased.
Traffic was forecast to be heavier than the previous week, with congestion concentrated on routes out of the Seoul metropolitan area and toward the Yeongdong region.
The West Coast and Jungbu expressways were expected to be among the most congested.
Travel from Seoul to Busan was estimated to take 6 hours and 20 minutes from tollgate to tollgate at 10 a.m.
Outbound congestion was expected to peak between 10 and 11 a.m. and ease between 7 and 8 p.m.
- Who
- Motorists travelling for autumn foliage trips and other outings.
- What
- Highway traffic was expected to rise, with 5.93 million vehicles forecast nationwide.
- When
- Saturday, October 24, 2026.
- Where
- South Korea’s national highways, especially routes toward the Yeongdong region and the West Coast and Jungbu expressways.
- Why
- The autumn foliage season was bringing more people out on trips.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Outbound highway congestion was expected to begin.
Outbound congestion was expected to reach its peak.
Outbound congestion was expected to ease.
Seoul-bound congestion was expected to begin.
Seoul-bound congestion was expected to peak.
Seoul-bound congestion was expected to clear.
- Forecast nationwide traffic
- 5.93 million vehicles
- Metropolitan area to regional areas
- 460,000 vehicles
- Regional areas to metropolitan area
- 480,000 vehicles
- Seoul to Busan
- 6 hours 20 minutes, estimated at 10 a.m.
- Outbound congestion peak
- 10–11 a.m.
- Seoul-bound congestion peak
- 6–7 p.m.