Korean Job Discussion Forums

[teretere]

Anyone have a car in Seoul? If so, where do you live, how has it affected your life (for better or worse), and what do you mostly use it for?

I rented a car this weekend and have to admit, it made life really convenient by:

1. Allowing me to avoid the subway which drains me
2. Allowing me to explore little side streets throughout Seoul as I search for a new apartment to buy/move to
3. Allowing me to escape Seoul entirely to Gangwon-do, where I discovered a small mountain village deep in a lush green valley with absolutely no concrete ugliness and pure nature as far as the eye can see

[red_devil]

I live in Gangnam near Gangnam station. I use a car to run errands, shopping, appointments, late night drives, and dates.

[PRagic]

1. I don't pay for gas, so I save money.
2. I don't pay for parking, so I save money.
3. I don't pay for insurance, so I save money.
4. I don't get stuck in traffic, so I'm on time.
5. I don't have to drive, so I can read on the subway.
6. I don't wound or kill people on the road, so I save money.
7. I pollute less, so I help out if only in this little way.

Almost 20 years living here, and I still wouldn't consider even considering getting a car. Cars in Seoul are totally a waste of time, coin, and peace of mind.

[PRagic]

And to boot...

How many times have I been ticked off at someone squeezing down the pleasant little alley in a car that my wife and I have found on foot?

How many times have we biked to out-of-the-way places in and around Seoul, or in other areas?

LOL...sorry O.P. but I couldn't resist.

[OiGirl]

I have never/would never drive in Seoul, but having a car in Korea has opened up new opportunities, social and professional, that would have been impossible otherwise.

[Hardy Boy]

[teretere]

I like biking too but having driven throughout Seoul today (via Korean GPS), I actually found it pretty easy.

Granted, it was in the middle of the day and not in rush hour.

[BringTheRain]

I'd get a nice import if the tax wasn't so high.
Girls drop their ... quick here if you got an expensive car.

[OiGirl]

I had a life-changing volunteer experience at a school outside of the city. I wouldn't have done it without a car, as it would have taken 2+ hours by bus.

[Quack Addict]

I've had a car for the 5 of the 7 years i've been here. It's a total life saver. Driving to work takes 5 minutes. Taking the subway takes 30-40. Roundtrip to the store takes 40 minutes. Taking the subway (which includes lugging around my groceries) takes up to 2 hours.

If you know where and when to drive its a breeze. I have a wife and toddler. It is so nice to throw them in the car and go. The time I save is worth the 30,000 per week in gas and 100,000 every 3 months in insurance.

[IS-F]

[Bibbitybop]

Motorcycles are the way to travel in Seoul.

[rowdie3]

I live in Itaewon and have a car. I've had it for about three months, so just getting into the swing of it. So far have used it for some really fun weekend trips, costco and emart runs, and for driving to my friends houses on the weekends.

I have no plans to start driving it to work during the week. I would rather have time to read while on transport and also not have to worry about parking when I get there.

Both the car and the insurance were cheap (800,000W for the car and 550,000W for the year's insurance), so I don't feel like I need to drive it all the time to get my money's worth.

GPS is a life saver. Did a weekend trip to Gyeonju last weekend. No maps. Just phone numbers and the GPS. No problems at all.

Highly recommend getting a car if you're going to be here for awhile.

[v88]

Seoul + Car = pointless

I own a car because I have a little one and refuse to use taxis or buses (I'll take the tube). However, I can't say I totally like having a car...and I live in Gyeonggi.

The costs out-way the benefits, no matter how nice the car.

Using buses, taxis and the subway is far cheaper than running a car. Although, with a full car you can save money on long trips compared to the bus and you have the freedom to go where you want. With a car I see much more of Korea. So in many respects I really enjoy it. I like being able to got grocery shopping at the store of my choosing and gets lots of stuff without worrying about carrying it home. I like going to out of the way beaches where no body goes. I like heading off to a near by mountain for a hike whenever I please. Seoul is awesome without a car, but a car can take you many places mass transit does not.

In and around Seoul, a car is a headache. I use the tube as much as possible. Get to places on time, no parking, I can read a book or study. The flip side is that with the car I can head out after the tube has closed...but weighing in the cost of taxis vs the cost of a car...that's not much.

With a car you also get loads of road rage....I get upset so often while being behind the wheel. I have a hard time resisting the urge to drive like a Korean as well. Korea is not really a fun place to drive in and road trips aren't as pleasing. Eventually some bus driver will attempt to run you off the road and kill you for no other reason than because he knows he is bigger and won't get hurt...I have a secret desire to capture such a bus driver and torture him.

[danpaesan]