Traffic Accidents Up 45% on the Day Before Chuseok Holiday... "Caution Advised on Homecoming Drive on the 23rd"

With the Chuseok holiday approaching, the risk of traffic accidents is expected to increase, and drivers are being urged to exercise extra caution. Data shows that, over the past five years, the number of motor insurance bodily injury claims has risen by more than 45% on the day before the Chuseok holiday compared to regular days.

On September 20, the Korea Insurance Development Institute and the General Insurance Association of Korea analyzed motor insurance bodily injury accident data from the past five years (2021~2025) and found that accidents spiked by 45.3% on the day before the Chuseok holiday compared with usual days. This increase is attributed to heavier traffic volumes due to homecoming vehicles coinciding with those commuting home from work.

Experts warn that accident risks may be elevated again this year, especially on September 23, when the mass homecoming is expected to begin in earnest ahead of Chuseok. As long-distance driving increases, it is important for drivers to get enough rest and maintain a safe distance between vehicles to ensure safe driving.

On the day of Chuseok itself, the average number of people injured per accident is the highest. This is because there are more vehicles carrying families or relatives, thus increasing the likelihood of multiple injuries resulting from a single accident.

The Korea Insurance Development Institute and the General Insurance Association of Korea recommend that, if you plan to take turns driving with family or friends during the holidays, you should check in advance the driver coverage of your auto insurance policy. You may be able to temporarily expand the scope of drivers covered through a “driver expansion rider,” or use “one-day auto insurance” for short-term coverage. In particular, before allowing another person to take the wheel, it is important to confirm whether coverage is in place and what the policy covers in order to prevent situations where claims cannot be paid in case of an accident.

Yoo Jaehoon, President of the Korea Insurance Development Institute, said, “During Chuseok, traffic volume surges and many people travel with their families, so even minor carelessness can result in injury to multiple people.” He emphasized the need for extra caution when driving safely during the holidays.

Lee Byungrae, Chairman of the General Insurance Association of Korea, said, “Please check the details of your car insurance coverage before you travel, and if necessary, use options such as expanding the coverage for permitted drivers, so that you can enjoy a safe holiday season.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.