South Korea implements holiday safety and medical measures

Chuseok holiday emergency medical services toll waivers public transportation South Korea

South Korean authorities have implemented comprehensive measures for the Chuseok holiday period to ensure public safety, medical accessibility, and travel convenience.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare has activated an emergency medical system, with 416 institutions providing 24-hour care and an average of 8,294 medical facilities and pharmacies remaining open daily. To prevent gaps in care, the emergency patient transfer system pilot program from the Gwangju and Honam regions is being expanded nationwide. Specialized centers, including pediatric emergency centers and cardiovascular disease centers, will also maintain 24-hour operations.

Transportation and travel measures include toll waivers for several major roads and tunnels in regions such as Incheon and Gyeongsangnam-do. Gyeonggi Province is increasing intercity bus capacity and extending subway hours to accommodate travelers. Additionally, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries is increasing coastal passenger ship operations to 135 vessels to support maritime travel.

Local governments are also active, with cities like Daegu conducting safety inspections at food and construction sites, and Suncheon and Gyeongju offering various cultural programs and tourism benefits. In Gangnam, welfare networks are being deployed to support vulnerable populations, including low-income households and the elderly, through financial aid and wellness checks.

Entities

Busan · Daegu Police Agency · Gangnam-gu · Gimhae City · Gwangju · Gyeonggi Province · Gyeonggi-do · Incheon · Incheon City · Incheon Metropolitan City · Incheon Metropolitan City · Korea Airports Corporation

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[DISPUTED] Highway tolls will be waived for four days from September 24 to 27. cunews.net · www.mbn.co.kr
[● 4 SOURCES] The daily average highway traffic volume is expected to increase by 11.8% to 6.05 million vehicles. www.mbn.co.kr
[● 3 SOURCES] The total number of travelers during the Chuseok holiday period is estimated at 30.93 million people.
[● 4 SOURCES] Fuel prices at 226 highway service area gas stations will be reduced by 100 won per liter. www.mbn.co.kr
[● 3 SOURCES] Bus and rail operations and seat availability will increase by 11.8% and 11.1% respectively.
[DISPUTED] The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport designated September 23 to 27 as a special transportation measures period. www.bjynews.com · www.kgnews.co.kr
[● 3 SOURCES] KTX fares will be reduced by an average of 10%, and reverse homecoming discounts will be up to 50%.
[● 5 SOURCES] The most congested time for travelers returning home is predicted to be the afternoon of September 25. www.mbn.co.kr · www.shippingvoice.kr
[○ 1 SOURCE] Jeonnam-Gwangju will have 1,085 medical facilities and pharmacies operating during the Chuseok holiday.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Seventy medical institutions in the Jeonnam-Gwangju area will provide 24-hour emergency services.
[○ 1 SOURCE] The waived roads include Geoga Bridge, Machang Bridge, the road between Changwon and Busan (Bulmosan Tunnel), Palyong Tunnel, and the Jige-Namsan road.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Approximately 22,670 pharmacies nationwide are participating in Doctor Now’s non-face-to-face prescription dispensing system. www.venturesquare.net