February 12, 2010
SEOUL (AFP) - Millions of South Koreans, braving snow-covered and slippery roads in some regions, began travelling to home towns nationwide Friday as the annual Lunar New Year exodus got under way.
More than 25 million people, just over half the total population, are expected to be on the move during the holiday period and many of them will be driving, the transport ministry said.
It predicted that nearly 300,000 vehicles would leave Seoul on Friday alone, a day before the three-day holiday begins.
Jams are expected on major roads because of icy conditions and the shorter than usual break, with the first two days of the holiday falling on a regular weekend.
As in China, Koreans gather in home towns or ancestral villages during the Lunar New Year to pay respects to ancestors.
Outbound traffic will peak early Saturday and returning traffic from late Sunday, the Korea Expressway Corporation said.
Weather officials have urged drivers to take care, saying snow is expected to continue till Saturday morning.
