Korean Job Discussion Forums

[jizza]

Thinking of getting a bike in Seoul...
Just wondering how likely it is to be stolen.

I'm thinking not as safe as in Japan but not as bad as in the US. How good should the lock be and how conscientious should I be about locking up my bike?

Thanks.

edit:: my friend said that 4 bikes were stolen from his building late at night. (one which was his)

[Skippy]

There is a sort of an organized theft to bikes here in Korea. Usually what happens is some guy with a truck drives around and picks up any bike that is not locked down. This happens more at night.

So in general lock your bike to something like a door or fence. Do not just lock the wheel to frame,it may get stolen. Even locking it to something will not help in the end as some thieves will take the time to cut the lock.

Most locks I have seen have been those cable type ones. I have not seen many of the solid U style lock. Consider getting one of those as those will likely thwart most thieves.

Consider bringing your bike inside if you can or out of sight like a basement/parking area.

Still overall Korea is pretty good when it comes to theft. Most theft will likely be crime of opportunity.

[highstreet]

Some of my Korean friends have had their bikes stolen. One on the first day she bought it, she hadn't even ridden it yet.

[julian_w]

I agree that most thefts are either the organised variety, or, possibly more commonly, arise with the opportunity. There are easy ways to avoid both of these types of thieves though. The first and obvious one is always keep your bike inside. This sort of thing is easiest to install, and most convenient for storage.. as long as your bike is light enough and you are strong enough to manage it:
http://www.amazon.com/Avenir-Bicycle-Storage-Hooks-Card/dp/B00165Q4FS

As for locks, avoid at all costs the ones with the garish plastic coating on the chain and the plastic combination/key chamber cover. Kids just pick up a rock or brick and smash it until it falls apart. Seen it done. In the open. In daylight.

Finally, if you must leave your bike out at night, find a MiniStop or some 24-hour convenience store, and put it in as much light and as close to the door, or as close to the staff worker visible through the window, as possible.

The only other hint i've got is to avoid mountain-bike style bicycles. Road bikes are much less likely to get stolen, and especially if they've got some sort of toe-clip or strap on the pedal. Koreans are typically scared of using these, unless they're serious cyclists. If they're serious cyclists, they're not likely to steal your bike 'cos they'll have a much more expensive one that yours, so as to prove how serious they are. Many often do anyway, and, they still have flat pedals anyway.