Korean Job Discussion Forums

[curiousaboutkorea]

[Moldy Rutabaga]

I look forward to the thrill of the open road and the wind in my face with the throb of the engine... as soon as convertibles are common here.

Until then, I wouldn't take a scooter on any more than a back road in the countryside in the daytime. Even then you need to be watchful.

Something obvious I've forgotten -- my condolences to the OP.

[RufusW]

[pkang0202]

[quote="RufusW"]I've been commuting in Busan on my 125cc motorbike for a month now. quote]

Busan has got to be dangerous. i've seen some of those blind turns on the cliffs. You dodge a car the wrong way, you are over the railing falling to your death at the rocky coastline below.

[wormholes101]

Learning to ride bike in a busy Korean city isn't a good idea.

If you live in a quiet-ish suburb or are experienced, go for it. It takes a unique blend of defensive and aggressive riding to be safe here.

[karoly]

With experience you're one step away from toast at ALL times.

You need b*lls/large ov*ries and this:

http://www.stebel.it/stebel2009/products.asp?IDserie=6&uso=&tipologia=ELECTROPNEUMATICS

or something very similar, and a penchant for using it. But, get the smaller, circular one for bikes. This one was ripped off my ride by some beeps.

Otherwise you're fresh meat, waiting to be picked up for the 고기 식당

[Zulethe]

I've been riding legally since I was 14 and I squeam when I hear about new riders wanting to learn to ride in Korea.

This is insanity folks. I've taken the advanced motorcycle safety course in America and yet the dangers lurking around every corner here are daunting.

The most dangerous part for me is not only do you have to watch your front and periphery, you constantly have to watch your back for those jerks who would be more than happy to run you over to save a second.

Having to pay attention to all three simultaneously is impossible. I've almost been killed three times this year and I've had some serious road rage incidents.

My goal with, six months left, is not to be killed and not to kill the next friggin a hole who puts my life at risk.

[D.D.]

[southernman]

I'd also like to offer my condolences to the OP

In my case there isn't any other way to travel, I live in the sticks and if I want to catch a bus to one of my schools I'd have to get on it at 6.30 am and thats not an option

But I've got a beautiful ride to work over some hills through forests. Where I'm at now is riders heaven. I've also been riding most of my life because I grew up on a farm.

Also, spring and summer are coming up and the beaches and mountains are too good to miss. Let's be honest, In Asia you can get run over crossing a street when the lights are green and in your favor so I'll just continue enjoying my ride to work and the calmness and relaxation I get from it

P.S. I also used to ride in Ulsan, that was crazy, but damn how often can you get an adrenaline rush just going for your groceries

[Faunaki]

I rode in Taiwan and was going to in Seoul too until I came here and realized that it was way too dangerous. Had a close call in Taiwan but kept on riding cause it was just too much fun, my lungs suffered greatly from it tho.

Sorry to hear about the guy who died, that's just crappy.

[Cerberus]

I was considering getting a bike as a means of more conveniently getting around, but this thread has definitely put the kaibosh in that thinking!!!!

I remember JongnoGuru - some fine contributions to this Forum. My deep condolensces.

[Bibbitybop]

Cerberus and any other who are on the edge, come on over to the motorcycle sticky in general discussion to get real advice from the adrenaline filled riders in Korea.

Don't ride a scooter, I agree with that. Get a full frame, manual shift motorcycle and tour the country. Except for riding my girlfriend, it's the best and longest lasting thrill I've had in Korea. Sure there's risk on wheels, but it's better than dying of old age in a bed.

[VanIslander]