The Joy of Homecoming Seollal Road Trip Guide
☰ Table of Contents ▼
🛣️ Current Highway Status: Is it Time to Leave Yet?
Today, Monday, February 16, 2026, marks the beginning of the great migration for Seollal (the Lunar New Year). The major expressways connecting Seoul to the southern provinces are already seeing significant congestion.
Drivers are facing long hours behind the wheel as families head back to their hometowns. While the excitement of seeing loved ones is high, the reality of the road requires patience and careful planning.
| Route (From Seoul) | Estimated Time | Status |
|---|---|---|
| To Busan | 7 hours 30 mins | Heavy Congestion |
| To Daejeon | 3 hours 50 mins | Moderate Congestion |
| To Gwangju | 6 hours 10 mins | Heavy Congestion |
📸 Heartwarming Scenes: Finding Joy in the Traffic Jam
The homecoming journey isn't just about the destination; it's about the shared experience. Inside the cars, the air is thick with laughter and stories that haven't been told in months.
Families often find small ways to make the time pass, such as playing games or sharing a secret stash of holiday snacks. Even a simple nod of acknowledgment to the driver in the next lane creates a sense of community.
🍢 The Highlight of the Trip: Top 3 Rest Area Snacks
No Seollal road trip is complete without a stop at a highway rest area. These bustling hubs offer more than just fuel; they are the culinary highlights of the entire journey.
From the classic favorites to new trendy bites, here are the must-eat snacks for 2026. Make sure to try them while they are hot and fresh!
- Sotteok-Sotteok (소떡소떡): The perfect harmony of chewy rice cakes and savory sausages, glazed with a sweet and spicy sauce.
- Walnut Cakes (호두과자, Hodu-gwaja): A timeless staple, these warm, walnut-shaped pastries filled with sweet red bean paste are the soul of the highway.
- Roasted Potatoes (알감자 구이): Simple, salted, and perfectly browned, these are the ultimate comfort food for a weary traveler.
🛡️ Driving Safety: Essential Tips for a Smooth Journey
Safety should always come first during the holiday rush. Drowsiness is a major concern when driving for extended periods in heavy traffic.
Take frequent breaks at rest areas or designated "Sleep Shelters" (졸음쉼터, Gjol-eum Swim-teo) to stretch your legs and refresh your mind. A short 15-minute nap can save lives.
- ✔ Expect heavy traffic today; travel times to southern cities are nearly doubled.
- ✔ Don't miss out on Sotteok-Sotteok and Walnut Cakes at the highway rest areas.
- ✔ Use real-time traffic apps like 'Highway Traffic Information' for the latest updates.
- ✔ Prioritize safety by taking regular breaks to prevent drowsy driving.
🙋 Frequently Asked Questions
We hope you have a safe and warm journey back to your hometown. May your Seollal be filled with happiness and the warmth of family.
Safe travels and Happy New Year!
새해 복 많이 받으세요. 🙇♀️🙇♂️
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