Photo : YONHAP News
Traffic congestion begins in earnest across the country as the four-day Chuseok holiday kicks off.
Heavy traffic has been reported on expressways nationwide since early Thursday morning as travelers head to their hometowns for the holiday.
According to the Korea Expressway Corporation, an estimated six-point-16 million vehicles will hit the roads throughout the day.
Around 510-thousand vehicles are projected to leave greater Seoul, while 380-thousand travel toward the capital region.
As of noon on Thursday, estimated travel times from Seoul reached eight hours and 20 minutes to Busan, seven hours and 20 minutes to Daegu, seven hours and 30 minutes to Gwangju, four hours and 20 minutes to Daejeon, and six hours and 40 minutes to Gangneung.
Expressway tolls across the country will be waived through Sunday.
Throughout the holiday period, a diverse lineup of cultural events is available to both local residents and international visitors.
Major royal palaces in Seoul, including Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung and Deoksugung, as well as Jongmyo Shrine and the royal tombs of the Joseon Dynasty, will be open free to the public.
The National Folk Museum of Korea and local governments are also offering hands-on programs for visitors to experience traditional Korean holiday customs, including making songpyeon rice cakes and trying on hanbok.
This year’s Chuseok harvest moon will reach peak fullness at 1:49 a.m. on Sunday.