Expect delays: Chuseok journey prompts highway restrictions | Article

CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea — U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys will implement off-post highway situation restrictions Oct. 4–9 to guard Soldiers, households and civilians throughout Chuseok, one of many busiest journey durations of the 12 months in Korea.

Chuseok, usually referred to as Korean Thanksgiving, runs Oct. 6–8, 2025, and is among the nation’s most necessary holidays. Millions of individuals journey to their hometowns to honor ancestors, share conventional meals equivalent to songpyeon rice desserts, and rejoice the harvest below the 12 months’s largest full moon. The vacation journey surge additionally creates important security dangers on the roads.

“Chuseok is a time of joy and family gatherings, but it also brings unique challenges for our community,” stated Col. Kristin E. Steinbrecher, commander, U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys. “We want everyone to enjoy the holiday responsibly while remembering that safety must remain the top priority.”

Expressways in Area III shall be designated “Amber” Oct. 4 and Oct. 7–9, and “Red” Oct. 5–6, when congestion is predicted to peak. Road situation ranges are usually utilized solely on base throughout hazardous climate, however throughout Chuseok they’re prolonged off put up to account for excessive site visitors congestion and to make sure vacationers stay protected.

Travelers ought to count on their journeys to take two or 3 times longer than typical through the vacation interval, stated Dennis Stockwell, director of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security. He famous the drive from Seoul to Busan, usually about 5 hours, can stretch to 10 hours or extra.

Under “Amber” circumstances, heavy site visitors or different uncommon elements are anticipated to trigger lengthy delays. Military automobiles could also be restricted to important missions solely, and drivers are inspired to hunt alternate routes or use public transportation. Under “Red” circumstances, congestion reaches hazardous ranges, and each navy and civilian journey is proscribed to important missions solely, with emergency automobiles prioritized.

“Major intersections and highways will be extremely congested, and travelers should expect long delays,” Steinbrecher stated. “Plan ahead, perform preventive maintenance checks on your vehicle, and consider public transportation as a safer alternative.”

The garrison’s security workplace additionally recommends carrying an emergency first support equipment, monitoring highway circumstances carefully, and leaving early to keep away from peak congestion.

“Enjoy the holiday, but do so responsibly,” Steinbrecher stated. “Have fun with your loved ones, but remember that your choices on the road affect not only you, but the entire community.”

For further data, neighborhood members might contact the USAG-H Safety Office at 050-3355-2660.

“As we celebrate this joyous occasion, I extend warm wishes on behalf of the entire Humphreys team,” Steinbrecher stated. “Thank you for all that you do in support of this great community, and please have a safe and responsible holiday.”