North Korea is set to have an extended Lunar New Year holiday this year due to its proximity to the national holiday commemorating the late former leader Kim Jong-il’s birthday. While North Korea traditionally observes a one-day Lunar New Year holiday, this year, it coincides with Kim Jong-il’s birthday, granting North Koreans a three-day break. In contrast, South Korea celebrates a three-day Lunar New Year holiday.
The Lunar New Year in North Korea, falling on the day after Kim Jong-il’s birthday, is a time when North Koreans pay tribute to their ancestors and honor the legacies of past leaders, including Kim Il-sung. This traditional holiday, initially rejected by North Korea as a feudal remnant, was reinstated in 1989 under the Kim Jong-il regime. The occasion is also used to reinforce loyalty to the current leader, Kim Jong-un.
During the Lunar New Year, North Koreans typically visit the Kumsusan mausoleum in Pyongyang to pay respects to the late leaders or visit their statues nationwide to offer flowers. Despite the festivities, travel within the country is restricted during this period, with permission required for trips to other regions or hometowns. Meanwhile, in South Korea, heavy outbound traffic congestion is expected as people travel to their hometowns for the Lunar New Year holiday.
State-run Korea Expressway Corp. predicts that traffic congestion will peak between noon and 1 p.m. on Sunday, with easing expected later in the evening. Travel times from Seoul to cities like Busan and Daegu are estimated to be around six hours and 10 minutes and five hours and 10 minutes, respectively. The agency anticipates approximately 5 million vehicles traveling nationwide on Sunday, with a significant number leaving and entering the greater Seoul area.
