In Korea, Seollal (Lunar New Year) and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) are not simply public holidays. They are periods of nationwide migration. During these days, millions of people travel to their hometowns, and highways and train booking systems become intensely crowded. It is widely considered the most congested time of the year for transportation.
If your travel dates overlap with this period, it is important not to assume it will be “slightly busy.” The scale is completely different from an ordinary weekend or even a typical three-day holiday. In this guide, I will explain what actually happens during these holidays and how travelers can realistically prepare.
How Severe Is Holiday Traffic?
Under normal conditions, driving from Seoul to Busan takes around four to five hours. However, around Seollal or Chuseok, especially near the main holiday day, the same trip can take seven to ten hours or even longer. Korean news channels provide continuous live traffic updates during this period, and many people plan their departure times around those broadcasts.
I once drove from Seoul to Gangneung during the holiday season. A trip that normally takes three hours ended up taking more than seven. At that time, the route required driving through mountain roads, and I remember spending nearly the entire day inside the car.
In recent years, more Koreans choose to travel abroad during long holidays, and road infrastructure has improved significantly. Instead of winding mountain roads, drivers now use long tunnels that shorten the journey. High-speed rail such as KTX has also become widely available. Even so, Seollal and Chuseok remain the most congested travel periods in Korea.
The movement pattern is very clear:
- First day of the holiday: Seoul → regional cities
- Last day of the holiday: regional cities → Seoul
Understanding this flow alone can make a meaningful difference when planning your schedule.
Is It Really That Difficult to Get KTX or SRT Tickets?
In short, yes.
During Seollal and Chuseok, KTX and SRT tickets are released through a special advance booking period announced on the official Korail website. Most seats sell out extremely quickly.
My in-laws live in Gwangju, so I participate in this booking process every year. The moment reservations open, the website displays waiting numbers ranging from several thousand to tens of thousands of users. Even being a fraction of a second late can mean losing your preferred time slot.
In addition, people rarely book just one seat. Families typically travel together, so one person often secures two or three tickets at once. If it is already difficult for Korean residents to obtain tickets, it is realistically very challenging for international travelers to secure high-speed rail seats that match fixed travel dates.
The most competitive routes are:
- Seoul → Busan
- Seoul → Gwangju
- Seoul → Daegu
And the reverse routes on the final day of the holiday.
Time of day makes little difference. Early morning, midday, and late evening trains all tend to sell out.
When Is the Best Time to Travel?
The key is not to move directly against the main migration flow.
Travel before the holiday begins
Departing one or two days before the official holiday period is generally easier.
Travel just before the final day
The last day itself is extremely crowded, but the day before, or the day immediately after the holiday ends, is usually less intense. However, traveling during the holiday period itself—unless you depart very early in the morning—still involves significant congestion.
On the main holiday day, Seoul can be quieter
On Seollal or Chuseok day itself, central Seoul can feel noticeably calmer. Many residents are visiting family outside the city, and traffic within Seoul is often lighter than usual.
If your itinerary focuses on Seoul, this timing can work in your favor.
What to Know If You Are Driving
During major holidays, highway toll fees are often waived under government policy. While details can vary each year, recent trends show that tolls are frequently suspended during Seollal and Chuseok. If you are renting a car, this can reduce costs.
However, free tolls do not mean empty roads. In fact, lower travel costs can increase traffic volume and worsen congestion.
Even if you choose an express bus instead of driving, not every section of highway has a dedicated bus lane. Bottlenecks can occur, and total travel time may exceed expectations.
Is Staying in Seoul a Good Option?
In the past, many businesses closed throughout the holiday period. Today, the situation is different. Major shopping malls and key attractions increasingly operate on reduced hours rather than closing entirely.
Economic factors play a role, but there is also a cultural element. During Seollal, younger family members traditionally receive “sebaetdon” (New Year’s gift money) from elders, which can stimulate spending during the holiday period. As a result, some businesses remain open to meet that demand.
Avoiding regional travel and staying in Seoul can offer certain advantages. Palaces and historic sites may feel less crowded, and walking through central neighborhoods can be more relaxed than usual.
In some years, royal palaces such as Gyeongbokgung offer free admission during Seollal and Chuseok, and traditional performances or cultural programs may take place on the palace grounds. The atmosphere is different from an ordinary day and can provide a distinct holiday experience.
For broader context on how transportation, closures, and cultural events intersect during these periods, you can refer to my main guide: Korea Holidays Travel Guide: Seollal & Chuseok Explained.
For these reasons, remaining in Seoul during Seollal or Chuseok can be a practical and rewarding choice.
Practical Summary for Travelers
- Avoid traveling on the first and last days of the holiday whenever possible.
- Assume that purchasing KTX or SRT tickets on the spot is highly unlikely.
- If you must travel outside Seoul, adjust your schedule to move before or after peak flow.
- If your itinerary is centered on Seoul, the main holiday day itself may offer unexpected advantages.
Seollal and Chuseok are among the most culturally significant times of the year in Korea, but they are also the most logistically complex. With careful timing and realistic expectations, you can reduce transportation stress while still experiencing the atmosphere of a traditional Korean holiday.
One final tip: during the holiday period, the Korail mobile application frequently shows tickets appearing and disappearing in real time as cancellations are released back into the system. If you are determined to take a high-speed train, refreshing the app repeatedly may occasionally secure a seat. You may not get your ideal time, but with patience, it is sometimes possible to obtain a single ticket.