Korean Job Discussion Forums

happeningthang · Joined: 26 Apr 2003

Hey all,

I'm flying in in December, and I'm thinking about hiring a car to drive out to the job.

Anyone got any advice about driving in Korea? We can start simple like "what side of the road do they drive on?" and go from there....

But really any crazy road rules/drivers I should be looking out for?

Cheers

kimcheeking · Guest

don't drive until you've been here for a few months and learned how the anarchy works. I drive and I enjoy it, but it is not for the faint of heart or those new to the country.

happeningthang · Joined: 26 Apr 2003

Anarchy what anarchy?

Thanks Kim, but any chance you could go into details?

I'm a big boy who's been driving for a while now (including foriegn traffic nightmares like Bangkok) so I might be up for it.

Anyone?

Ta

dutchman · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Location: My backyard

We drive on the right (and correct) side of the road.

Envision yourself as a molecule of water surrounded by other such molecules of water seeking to fill any empty space. If that does not frighten you, you'll do fine on Korean roads.

Seriously, if you've driven in Bangkok you'll have no problem here.

BTM · Joined: 20 Jan 2003 Location: Back in the saddle.

The traffic nightmare depends on where you live, of course. Seoul, Busan? Yikes.

I'm out in the boonies now, happily, and I'll be buying a car soon. No traffic at all...sweeet, sweeet silence.

Mr. Kalgukshi · Posted: Mon Nov 17, 2003 4:22 pm Post subject: Adventure

Ryst Helmut · Posted: Mon Nov 17, 2003 6:39 pm Post subject:

Ilsanman · Joined: 15 Aug 2003 Location: Bucheon, Korea

Don't forget the unwritten laws of accidents. 90% likely in an accident, you will be found at fault.

happeningthang · Joined: 26 Apr 2003

Hey again,

Thanks for the advice all. I'm only looking to get from Seoul to Donghae on the Eastern coast as a one off trip. I'd like to arrive in style rather than being crammed from plane, to plane to bus. I realise that my experience of nightmarish traffic elsewhere on the globe may not be relevant in Korea, which... was why I was asking.

But thanks for the help people, based on your advice I'll be insuring myself to the hilt! Wink

Cheers.

Ryst Helmut · Posted: Tue Nov 18, 2003 7:07 am Post subject:

happeningthang · Joined: 26 Apr 2003

Hmm... It's all sounding more doom and gloom than I had thought.

What they don't have maps and big f**k off freeway signs in Korea? I'm up for an adventure, and getting lost could be a big part of it.

But... then again you're there with the experience and me here with a possibly ill concieved idea.

Ah well, it may all be moot anyway depends if Avis are going to let me drive off in one of their cars with only an Australian/International licence.

I'll give it a bash anyway and see how confident I am when the time comes. Either way I'll let you know. Wink

Cheers people.

kimcheeking · Guest

ratslash · Joined: 08 May 2003

korea i think has the highest?, second highest? road death toll in the world per capita. all the drivers are crazy and do not follow the most basic of road rules. just yesterday i saw a van jump a red light and knock down a cyclist who was innocently crossing.

Mr. Pink · Joined: 21 Oct 2003 Location: China

I've been driving in Korea for more than 3yrs now. I would say it all depends on WHEN you are driving and WHERE.

Also depends where you are coming from. Myself, I hail from Toronto and they have some pretty insane rush hour traffic, so I can sort of handle the Seoul area rush hour.

Driving here is a sport IMO. You have to be on your toes ALL the time. I think I am lucky I havent been in an accident yet. (Been VERY close at least once a week or so)

I would agree with KCK, wait at least a month or two before jumping into driving. If I was you (this is what I used to do) take taxis around your first month - they are cheap and pay attention to how things work, as well as how the taxi goes from point a to b.

So far my worst experience has been just sitting on one of the Seoul expressways for about 3hrs..that was going from one end to the other...was just so BORING.

bjonothan · Joined: 29 Apr 2003 Location: All over the place

Let me give you some advice..........
Compared to anywhere in Australia....
You are probably going to get worried.........
I am from Tasmania, but I have driven in all the major cities in Aus. and they don't even come close to Korea. If I were you, I would think about flying or getting a taxi. Koreans are the worst drivers and you are bound to have a problem after driving anywhere in Aus. I was a part-time taxi driver in a couple of cities in Aus. (Brisbane and in Tas.) and I get worried every time I am in a taxi here because they can't drive for shit and about 90% couldn't even pass a P plate test. Please don't drive!!!!!