The annual migration of residents back to their hometowns for week-long Lunar New Year celebrations has caused travel disruptions with crowded planes and highway congestion in South Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, China and other parts of Asia. .
In Taiwan, the Year of the Dragon festival was attended by newly elected President Lai Ching-de and Legislative Chairman Han Kuo-yu. President Tsai emphasized Taiwan's continuing struggle between “freedom and democracy versus authoritarianism,” highlighting geopolitical tensions and Taiwan's economic relations, but said political relations with China are strained. emphasized.
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Freeways were clogged and planes were full in places like Taiwan and China as individuals headed out for the holidays to reunite with family or travel abroad.
Traditional Lunar New Year customs such as setting off fireworks and handing out red envelopes containing money were observed across Asia. Long lines of cars formed on highways in South Korea as millions of people left the bustling Seoul metropolitan area to visit relatives across the country. Tourist attractions such as the Grand Palace attracted large numbers of tourists wearing traditional “Hanbok” costumes.
Meanwhile, South Korean President Yoon Seok-yeol expressed his gratitude to South Korean soldiers for protecting the border during the holiday season as tensions with North Korea escalate.
Vietnam celebrated Tet, its version of Lunar New Year, with similar fervor, while Asian communities abroad, especially in cities such as New York and San Francisco, organized parades and festivals to mark the day.
(Information provided by agency)
(Editor: Jerome Anthony)
