As the Lunar New Year, known as 설날, approaches in South Korea, the nation finds itself in the throes of one of its busiest travel periods. On February 16, 2026, the day before the holiday, highways across the country began to swell with families eager to reunite and celebrate, while weather conditions offered a chilly but manageable backdrop for the journey ahead.
According to YTN, the final wave of outbound holiday traffic started in the early hours, with vehicle numbers increasing on major highways from around 6 a.m. By noon, congestion was expected to reach its peak, a familiar sight for those who have braved the annual holiday exodus in years past. The Korea Expressway Corporation projected a total nationwide traffic volume of approximately 5.05 million vehicles for the day, with a staggering 410,000 cars estimated to leave the Seoul metropolitan area alone. (That’s quite a caravan—just imagine the sea of headlights stretching for miles!)
For many, the journey southward was already proving to be a test of patience. As YTN’s on-the-ground coverage illustrated, the Gyeongbu Expressway near Cheonan Junction quickly became a bottleneck, with traffic toward Busan heavily congested, while the Seoul-bound lanes remained relatively clear. Meanwhile, on the Seohaean Expressway near Seopyeongtaek Junction, vehicles heading toward Mokpo were moving at a crawl, with a 3-kilometer stretch between Seopyeongtaek and Poseung Junction experiencing significant delays. The sight of cars inching forward, brake lights blinking in the cold morning air, was a testament to the enduring tradition of family reunions during 설날.
Travelers were advised to brace for lengthy journeys. According to estimates provided by the Korea Expressway Corporation and reported by YTN, those departing from the Seoul toll gate could expect to spend about 5 hours and 50 minutes on the road to reach Busan, 4 hours and 50 minutes to Daegu, 4 hours and 10 minutes to Gwangju, and 2 hours and 50 minutes to Gangneung. For those making the reverse trip—from Busan to Seoul—the journey would be only slightly shorter, clocking in at about 5 hours and 10 minutes. Daegu to Seoul would take around 4 hours and 10 minutes, Gwangju 3 hours and 40 minutes, and Gangneung 2 hours and 40 minutes. These projections, of course, depended on the ever-shifting tides of holiday traffic, and drivers were reminded to check real-time updates and consider alternate routes to avoid the worst of the jams.
But what about the weather? According to News1, the forecast for 설날 itself, February 17, 2026, called for chilly morning temperatures, with lows dipping to minus 5 degrees Celsius in some areas. Across the country, morning lows were expected to range from minus 7 to 4 degrees Celsius, with daytime highs climbing to a more comfortable 4 to 13 degrees Celsius. Notably, inland areas of Gyeongsang Province were set to experience a dramatic temperature swing, with differences of over 15 degrees Celsius between day and night—a reminder for travelers to pack accordingly and prepare for brisk evenings after the family feasts.
Despite the cold, there was some good news for those on the move (and for anyone hoping to snap a clear family photo at a scenic rest stop): fine dust levels, often a concern during winter months, were forecast to remain in the ‘good’ to ‘moderate’ range across all regions. That meant clearer skies and cleaner air, a welcome development for both health and holiday spirits.
The nation’s highways, of course, were not the only places abuzz with activity. In central Seoul, areas like Gyeongbokgung Palace were already bustling with tourists and locals alike, as captured by News1’s photojournalists. The festive atmosphere was palpable, with families donning traditional hanbok and children darting between food stalls, eager for a taste of holiday treats. The blend of old and new—historic palaces set against the backdrop of modern city life—served as a vivid reminder of the enduring significance of 설날 in Korean culture.
Yet, for all the excitement, the challenges of travel were never far from mind. As YTN advised, “Travelers are advised to check real-time traffic updates and consider alternate routes to avoid congestion.” With the Korea Expressway Corporation’s website and smartphone apps offering up-to-the-minute information, many drivers found themselves glued to their screens, plotting the quickest path to their hometowns. Some even opted to delay their departures until the anticipated easing of congestion between 5 and 6 p.m., hoping to shave precious minutes off their journey and arrive in time for the first round of holiday greetings.
For those venturing into the heart of the holiday rush, patience was more than a virtue—it was a necessity. The annual 설날 migration is a logistical feat, one that tests the limits of the nation’s infrastructure and the endurance of its people. Yet, year after year, millions undertake the journey, driven by the promise of family, tradition, and the shared joy of ringing in the new year together. (Is there anything quite like the first bite of tteokguk surrounded by loved ones?)
As the sun set on February 16, the worst of the traffic was expected to subside, giving way to quieter roads and the anticipation of the celebrations to come. For many, the long hours behind the wheel faded into memory as soon as the front door swung open and familiar faces came into view. The hardships of the journey, whether measured in kilometers or hours, were quickly replaced by laughter, stories, and the warmth of reunion.
In the end, the story of 설날 2026 was one of movement—of people crisscrossing the country, braving cold mornings and crowded highways, all in pursuit of something timeless. With favorable weather, manageable air quality, and the promise of family gatherings, this year’s holiday exodus stood as a testament to the enduring bonds that tie South Korea together, one journey at a time.