Korean Job Discussion Forums

[christopherm]

This is primarily addressed to those that drive their own vehicles in Korea. I am often perplexed and often frustrated at the habits of Korean drivers. Now, granted, I am in their country, so I can't complain too vigorously, but maybe some of you have encountered the same things.

To wit: My observations:

1) It is permissable to make a right turn at any moment, regardless of traffic.

2) Traffic lights are only a suggestion, not a rule.

3) The lines on the road are meant to be traversed and shame on you if you ignore this rule.

4) Honking your horn will invariably solve any traffic problem. So, invest in a thunderous sound-barrier breaking horn.

5) On the highway, you are a turtle 교통 거북 if you are not going 140 kph.

6) Buy a new car and it will remain unscratched - unscathed for ... 30 minutes, at best.

7) The left-turn signals on traffic lights are just for fun. If you get a break, just gun it for that left turn.

Cross-walks ... what are those?

9) Parking - good luck

10) Finally, if you have ever played GTA, then you are qualified to drive in Korea.

All of this is tongue in cheek of course, but maybe there are some common complaints.

[morakanokbs]

yeah and the earth is round. I dont like seeing topics with 0 reply. if you know what i mean

[wormholes101]

You forgot a couple:

1) Parking anywhere is allowed provided you leave your hazard lights running.
2) Road rules are optional for taxi cabs. Taxis also possess 'right of way', similar to firetrucks, ambulances and police cars.
3) Drivers in a hurry and slowed down by signal lights may jump the queue by moving down the right hand lane and cut directly to the front.
4) Indicators are NOT to be used for signaling intent to turn. If someone attempts to use them for this purpose, quickly block their way. Indicators should be used only during the act of turning.
5) Do not yield to emergency vehicles (except taxis).
6) Buses have a strict time table that must be adhered to. Speeding (especially within urban areas) is encouraged to keep on schedule.
7) "Give way" laws make driving unnecessarily complicated and can cause dangerous confusion. Do what feels right in the moment.


etc, etc

[Vagabundo]

[Steelrails]

[Who's Your Daddy?]

Why anyone buys a new car boggles me. The only thing that bothers me is the parking places are too small.

[Epik_Teacher]

Don't forget as long as your horn is running, your car is surrounded by a magic force field! I have to drive 20 km each way 2x/week and don't enjoy it. It is not generally fun driving in Korea!

[CentralCali]

Let's not forget what happened to me last night while I was drivin to Seomyeon:

• When the traffic light is already yellow, speed up even if there's a car in front of you.

Luckily for the moron behind me who pulled that stunt when I stopped at the yellow light, there was no car to his right, so he managed to pass me, speed through the intersection, and amazingly not hit any of the cross traffic.

[eamo]

[Radius]

Driving is Korea is definitely a fine art---if one should call it "art". in order to drive here, you have to move with the "flow'' of the traffic. Its a feel thing. what i dont understand is that cars will try to nudge into oncoming traffic and speed up to get in front of you only to slam on the brakes and let you go on your way. its almost like a constant game of chicken.

[IS-F]

[CentralCali]

[Xuanzang]

[mr. simmons]

You are braver than me.

I could never drive in Korea.

The very thought drains my courage.

[murmanjake]

I fear I would get too angry driving in Korea. I should grow more as a person before I attempt such a strenuous feat.

The worst offenders, in my book, are the tow trucks. I read on here a while back that they are paid by the job, so first-come first-serve. Almost been hit by them twice as they screamed through a crosswalk, no care at all.