Minjok Dae Idong: Surviving the 40 Million People Migration in Korea

As Seollal approaches, Koreans prepare for a massive journey back to their hometowns by rail, car, or express bus. This phenomenon is called Minjok Dae Idong, where nearly 40 million out of 51 million people are on the move. Having traveled from Seongnam and Suwon to Busan many times, I have experienced this firsthand. A trip that usually takes 4 to 5 hours can stretch to 7 hours or even a grueling 12 hours during the peak holiday period.

💡 Key Summary

Nearly 40 million Koreans travel during Seollal, turning short trips into hours-long journeys.

KTX/SRT train tickets sell out in under a minute, making them nearly impossible to secure for foreigners.

Korean highway rest areas offer world-class amenities and snacks, providing relief during traffic jams.

The 0.1 Second Ticket Tussle 🚆

Securing a train ticket is like catching a star in the sky. While Suwon has KTX services, the number of trains is not sufficient for the holiday demand. To secure a ticket, I often take a day of leave before the Seollal holiday officially starts. If you do not do this, it is practically impossible to get a seat. Train reservations usually open a month in advance, and major routes sell out in 0.1 seconds according to 2025 reports.

💡 Pro tip! If you're in Korea and need to travel by train during Seollal, consider booking a ticket via an express bus that uses dedicated highway lanes. They are often more accessible for foreign travelers than the fiercely competitive train tickets.

Hyugeso: Your Oasis in the Traffic Jam 🛣️

When highways transform into massive parking lots, Korean highway rest areas, known as Hyugeso, become lifesavers. These are clean, well-managed facilities that offer much more than just restrooms—which are remarkably clean and free to use. Each area has unique features: Gapyeong Rest Area is famous for its menus using local pine nuts, while Geumgang Rest Area offers stunning river views. You can find everything from baseball batting cages to scenic walking trails. Crucially, delicious snacks like Sotteok Sotteok, walnut cakes, and hot dogs are an essential part of making a long drive bearable. In 2025, snack sales at these rest areas saw a surge of over 200 percent during the holiday period.

The Government's Gift: Free Highway Tolls 💸

To ease the burden of the massive migration, the Korean government waives all highway tolls nationwide during the Seollal break. Vehicles equipped with Hi-pass can simply drive through the dedicated lanes without stopping. If you don't have Hi-pass, you'll collect a ticket at the entry and submit it at the exit without making a payment. This policy is expected to continue through 2026, significantly helping to manage the flow of traffic and supporting millions of travelers.

The Game of Wits: Timing Your Departure ⏳

To navigate the Minjok Dae Idong successfully, strategic timing is key. Many Koreans aim to depart either in the very early morning (before dawn) or late at night. When I was pregnant, I decided to depart at 4 AM to avoid the long hours of sitting in traffic. It was a complete success with no traffic at all. I took my time, stopping at rest areas for meals and naps, and still arrived at 11 AM—a very leisurely and pleasant journey compared to the usual holiday struggle. Interestingly, the trend of 'reverse migration' has now surpassed 20 percent.

💡 Pro tip! Consider traveling on the days immediately before or after the main holiday period. While still busy, the extreme congestion might be slightly mitigated compared to the peak travel days.

City Gridlock: Grave Visits and Beolcho Wisdom 🌳

Congestion isn't limited to highways. On Seollal day itself, roads leading to public cemeteries and memorial parks within the city become incredibly crowded. The entire city can feel paralyzed with cars visiting ancestors. To avoid this intense gridlock, many locals practice Beolcho, the act of tidying up ancestral graves, or visit them a week before the holiday. This 'wisdom' is highly valued by those who wish to avoid the city's paralysis on the actual holiday.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can foreigners book Seollal train tickets easily?

It is extremely difficult. KTX and SRT tickets for the holiday are usually reserved through a separate system about a month in advance. It is better to use express buses or take a day of leave early like I do.

Q. Why is the road near cemeteries so crowded on Seollal?

On Seollal day, most Koreans visit ancestral graves for memorial rites. To avoid this gridlock, many locals perform Beolcho and grave maintenance about a week before the holiday starts.

Q. Are highways free for everyone during Seollal?

Yes, for the duration of the Seollal break, all highway tolls are waived. If you have a Hi pass terminal, just drive through. If not, take a ticket and hand it over at the exit without paying.