18 Million South Koreans Hit the Road for Chuseok Despite Recent Earthquake

There can’t be a worse traffic jam on the planet every year than what happens during Chuseok in South Korea:

More than 18 million people are expected to travel across the country to return to their hometowns for the Chuseok long weekend, traffic authorities said Tuesday.

According to the Korea Expressway Corp. and Korea Transport Institute, 500,000 vehicles had departed Seoul using expressways on Tuesday alone.

Monday’s 5.8 magnitude earthquake has not affected the annual holiday migration, as no major damage was reported on expressways nationwide, according to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

On the return trip after Chuseok ceremonies are finished Thursday morning, less congestion is expected as travelers have three days to choose from for the return trip, from Friday to Sunday. [Korea Times]

You can read more at the link, but here is a power tip for those new to Korea.  The Chuseok timeframe is the best time to go and visit Seoul.  There will be absolutely no crowds at all the various sites.