How is it to travel by bus during Chusok?

Question

I have heard from some of my Korean friends that travelling on the roads during Chusok can be a nightmare - travel that normally takes 4 hours can take 12 hours! Is this throughout all 4 days of Chusok? Are there days or times that are better to travel than others? If anyone has any advice, I would really appreciate it. I'm planning on travelling to Gyeongju over the holiday, but a 12 hour bus ride from Gwangju to Gyeongju does not sound appealing!
Thanks!

Answer 1

You don't really have to worry if you go from Gwangju to Gyeongju. The highways that are usually congested on Chusok holidays are those that start or end from Seoul. So, Seoul to Busan (Gyeongbu highway) or Seoul to Gwangju(Honam Highway). It's because many Seoulites are from elsewhere and have their families elsewhere. But, since many Gwangju people are not from Gyeongju, you don't really need to worry. Plus, there is something called 버스전용차로, which means during Chusok holidays or weekends, the first line of the highway is only reserved for bus, or van. So, bus and van, are much faster than usual cars. So, don't worry.

Answer 2

If you can, I would definitely advise going to Gyeongju at least two days before Chusok even starts. Or going to Gyeongju at least two days afterwards. I haven't been in Korea during Chusok honestly, but I've always seen on the Korean news the traffic backups and nightmares.

If you must travel, bus will be as same as the car, I can't really tell you if it'll be better. If you have to go, (I know that the 12h bus ride doesn't sound appealing), then what the heck, just go for it if you cant re-route your schedule.

Perhaps the 2nd day of chusok will be better since no one will be travelling.

Hope that helps~!