Seoul’s Lunar New Year Traffic Plan: Extended Bus Lanes and Late-Night Transit Options

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Seoul activates Lunar New Year traffic measures…

Bus-only lanes enforced until 1 a.m.

Subway and city-bus last runs extended to 1 a.m.

Highway example – Source: DakiPost

Seoul will put special traffic measures in place for the Lunar New Year holiday (the 14th–18th) to ease travel for people going home and returning to the city.

During the holiday, bus-only lane hours on the Gyeongbu Expressway — from the south end of Hannam Bridge to the Sintanjin interchange — will be extended from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. the following day. The extension runs from the 14th through the 18th; on the 18th the lanes will be in effect until 1 a.m. on the 19th.

Only passenger cars and vans with nine seats or more may use the bus-only lanes. Vehicles with nine to 12 seats must carry at least six passengers to qualify.

Violators face a 40,000 KRW fine (approximately $30) and 10 demerit points on regular roads; on expressways the penalty rises to a 60,000 KRW fine (approximately $45) and 30 demerit points. Enforcement will be stepped up during the holiday, so drivers should confirm operating hours and occupancy rules before they travel.

Subway and city-bus last runs extended…

Until 1 a.m. on the 17th and 18th

Bus example – Source: DakiPost

On the holiday itself (the 17th) and the following day (the 18th), Seoul will extend subway and city-bus service until 1 a.m.

Seoul Subway lines 1–9, the Ui-Sinseol Line and the Sillim Line will run 128 additional services across the two days, with trains scheduled to reach their terminal stations by 1 a.m. Korail-operated sections may follow separate plans, so passengers should check timetables in advance.

City buses on 121 routes that serve Seoul Express Bus Terminal, Central City, Dongseoul and Nambu Terminals, Seoul Station, Yongsan Station, Yeongdeungpo Station, Cheongnyangni Station and Suseo Station will extend service. Fourteen late-night \”owl\” bus routes will operate as usual during the holiday.

Crackdown on illegal parking near terminals and stations

Tightened taxi enforcement

Highway example – Source: DakiPost

Authorities will intensify enforcement against illegal parking around airports, train stations and bus terminals.

They will also target illegal taxi operations at night, including refusals to pick up passengers and unfair fare charges. The measures aim to minimize traffic congestion and public inconvenience over the holiday.

Support buses for disabled grave visitors…

Increased service on Manguri routes

Bus example – Source: DakiPost

Seoul will run reservation-only support buses for families visiting graves, including people who use wheelchairs. Residents can apply through the Seoul public reservation system up to three days before their intended travel date.

City bus routes 201, 262 and 270, which serve Manguri Municipal Cemetery, will add a total of 76 extra trips on the holiday and the following day.

Lunar New Year traffic updates are available on Seoul’s official website, the Traffic Information System (TOPIS), and via the 120 Dasan Call Center. The city urged drivers to check real-time traffic information and avoid peak travel times for safer trips.