Navigating South Korea's Summer Vacation: Essential Tips for Renting a Car!
Navigating South Korea's Summer Vacation: Essential Tips for Renting a Car!
Hello, global travelers planning a trip to South Korea! If you're thinking of renting a car to explore the beautiful roads here, please pay close attention. Unexpected traffic jams on unfamiliar Korean roads can certainly put a damper on your exciting journey. South Korea is anticipating a significant increase in traffic during the summer vacation season, so knowing a few precautions is key for a safe and enjoyable trip.
Special Traffic Measures and Increased Congestion
From July 25th to August 10th, 2025, South Korea has designated a Special Traffic Measures Period for the summer vacation season. During this time, traffic volume is expected to rise sharply across national roads, including expressways. Specifically, on August 1st alone, approximately 5.92 million vehicles are predicted to use expressways, a 3.0% increase from last year. Many people plan their vacations during this period, with the highest number of departures between July 26th and August 1st. Most travelers prefer using their own cars, which can lead to even more severe traffic congestion. This surge in vehicles will significantly extend travel times for visitors.
Expected Traffic Jams and Travel Times
Travel times between major cities are likely to be much longer than usual. For instance, a trip from Seoul to Busan could take up to 6 hours and 10 minutes, and from Seoul to Gangneung, up to 5 hours and 5 minutes. Similarly, on your way back to your accommodation, a journey from Busan to Seoul might take 6 hours and 10 minutes, and from Mokpo to Seoul, around 5 hours and 10 minutes. Also, securing parking spots at popular tourist destinations can be challenging, so it's wise to check in advance.
Car Rental Driving Tips for Global Visitors
Check Traffic & Plan Ahead: Before you set off, check real-time traffic information and plan your route to use less congested times or avoid busy sections. Using Korean navigation apps like Kakao Navi or Naver Maps can be incredibly helpful.
Rest Up: Long drives can be tiring. To prevent drowsy driving, make sure to take regular breaks at rest stops.
Drive Safely: Follow Korean road rules, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, and always adhere to speed limits for a safe journey.
Consider Public Transportation: On days with extreme traffic congestion, consider taking public transport like trains or express buses. It might be a more relaxing option.
International Driving Permit: To drive a rental car in South Korea, having an International Driving Permit is essential! Make sure you prepare it beforehand.
While South Korea's summer is beautiful, vacation season traffic can be an unpredictable factor in your travels. Keep these tips in mind for a safe and enjoyable trip to Korea!
Have you driven a rental car in South Korea before? Share your tips in the comments below! And if you have any questions, feel free to ask!
