The Chusok holiday in South Korea is a major harvest festival celebrated around the Autumn Equinox involving visiting family and sharing traditional foods. During this three-day holiday, approximately 32 million people travel the roads, leading USFK to declare road conditions as "RED" due to extremely heavy traffic that is nearly gridlocked. While no accidents involving US personnel have been directly recorded during Chusok, the elevated traffic significantly increases safety risks. Accident statistics from the Korean National Police Agency show over 1,400 accidents annually during Chusok resulting in dozens of deaths and thousands of injuries among South Koreans from 2012-2015. Safety tips are provided to mitigate risks, including taking breaks, wearing seatbelts, avoiding hazards

1. USAG RED CLOUD AND AREA I
SAFETY GRAM
Chusok Holiday History/Risks/Statistics
South Korea’s Chusok holiday, originally known as hangawi (한가위, from archaic Korean for "the great middle (of
autumn)"), is a major harvest festival and a three-day holiday in Korea, and is one of South Korea’s major holidays. Like
many other harvest festivals, it is held around the Autumn Equinox. As a celebration of the good harvest, Koreans visit
their ancestral hometowns and share a feast of Korean traditional food such as songpyeon and rice wines such as sindoju
and Dongdongju. This year the holiday is from September 14 to September 18. During the Chusok holiday period USFK
normally declares road conditions RED due to all Korean major and secondary roads being heavily congested. Traffic can
be expected to be near or at gridlock. With approximately 32 million people on the roads, the resulting traffic increases the
vehicular risk for Service Members, DoD Civilians and Family Members as they travel during this period. Koreans will travel
using all modes of transportation.
Accident Statistics:
Garrison Safety Office has no record of any personal injury or privately owned vehicles incidents or accidents recorded
during any Chusok Holiday. However, there is an elevated risk to personnel during this time period despite that fact.
Current statistics below are from the Road Traffic Authority (ROTA) and were provided by the Korean National Police
Agency for South Korean personnel statistics through 2015.
Safety Tips:
Leaders ensure safety briefings are conducted during this holiday weekend to include seasonal risk mitigation and Under
the Oak Tree Counseling. Other areas for Chusok that are normally discussed are:
1. Ensure Soldiers are aware of the traffic hazards during this time period. Risks of fatigue due to long travel times are
likely. Recommend all drivers take stretch breaks every two hours.
2. Enforce seatbelts for all occupants.
3. Identify and avoid hazards. Spread the word of hazards to others.
4. Be a responsible drinker and make a good plan to stay safe prior to departure. Review the Alcohol SMART card and
maintain in Soldier wallets.
5. Be aware of possible drunk drivers during this holiday. Alcohol consumption by holiday revelers increases the likelihood
of encountering a drunk or impaired driver.
6. Encourage guests to leave their cars at home and use public transportation or a designated driver. Ask guests how they
will be going home from the party and be prepared to take away car keys if necessary. Have cash and phone numbers
ready for taxi companies.
7. Serve food with drinks and provide non-alcoholic beverages. Stop serving alcohol at least one hour prior to events end.
8. Minimize all Government Owned Vehicle movement during the holiday period.
9. Advise Supervisors to implement Risk Assessments Via the TRiPS system at https://safety.army.mil
Safety Do’s
POC is Safety Office, USAG Red Cloud and Area I, 732-8528
Chusok Holiday Traffic Statistics
YEAR ACCIDENTS PERSONS KILLED PERSONS INJURIED
2012 1433 34 2680
2013 2219 59 4020
2014 2016 45 3701
2015 2046 39 3760
Driving
Only drive if you have to.
1. Be patient
2. Look over your shoulder before you change lanes
3. Keep your cell phone charged
4. Carry a safety break down kit
a. Break down emergency lights
b. Extra food and water
c. Medicine bag
d . Have a charged fire extinguisher ready
e. Turn off all appliances before leaving your home
Walking
1. Look carefully before crossing intersections
2. Use crosswalks
Fire Safety
1. Keep candles away from children
2. Use gloves when frying foods
3. Check fire alarms in your home