Korean Job Discussion Forums

[global_gal]

I've been told by a couple of Koreans that as of July 1st, all bikes have to be registered. Even 50 cc ones. The searches I've done on the net or here on Daves are giving outdated or vague information.

I have the ownership papers but never went through the hassle of registering it. Now I guess I have to.

Does anyone know where/how I can buy insurance in the Itaewon area? I need an English speaking agent. And if it is in person, would have to be after 5 pm or so. Any phone numbers for English speaking agents that give a good price?

After that, I guess I have to take all the docs to the Yongsan gu office just south of Noksapyeong Stn. Is that right?

Please, I need advice on this. I heard the fine is 500,000 won!!

[Squire]

I'd like to know how to get this done too. I understand you first need to buy insurance, then take the bike and it's papers to some sort of district office to get it registered. Is that right?

[byrddogs]

Ha, this "new law", again. I guess it didn't work out the last time or so.

Yes, Squire that is what you would need to do. Get the insurance first and then take the necessary paperwork to register your vehicle to the gu office of the district that you live in. Hopefully, you will have all of the correct paperwork and not be told that you don't and therefore can't register. Good luck to all that this will affect.

[Hugo85]

I seriously doubt this will work. 90% of scooters I see don't have a plate.

I'm paying 340k for a 650cc, maybe you can find less for your scooter.

[global_gal]

ummm...yeah, I know I need insurance. Where can I get that? Based on past experience with companies, it doesn't work to just call them up if I speak English.

I've had companies as large as SK refuse me service because they said in Korean to my Korean friend, "No one in SK speaks English". Companies just don't want to be bothered dealing with English speakers most of the time.

I don't have a Korean friend available to do calling or translation for me. So my only option is finding a company that will deal with me.

Any contacts?

[byrddogs]

I haven't been there in years, but I had my motorcycles and car insured through Hyundai. Give them a try. I would hope that English has become more prevelant than a few years ago, but that sounds doubtful.

[sluggo832004]

Just go to a bike shop and ask them for insurance. Thats what I did.

he will get your ARC, or Drivers licence and after 10 minutes a company will come back with a quote.

after that take your insurance papers to your local community center and get it registered.

[kimchi_pizza]

I sense a lot of anxiety in this thread so I'll give my 2 won's worth. Getting a motorized vehicle of ANY sort be it a 50cc scooter or an Equus with a V8 engine is NOT difficult to get insured and registered. Even your nationality shouldn't matter. From my experience and word of mouth, you don't even need the proper licensure.
Even fear of getting 'caught' w/o plates, insurance, proof of ownership, etc. isn't a big deal unless at a checkpoint and even then only if you're violating an obvious law like no helmet/seat belt.

But my point is, do it anyways! It's for your own good. Should you get into accident wether it's your fault or not, you will get burned. And my personal philosophy is I can't drive or ride without a clear head/conscience and knowledge that I'm 'legal'. All it takes is a simple
lack of concentration to get into an accident like, "I don't have plates.." And when you do, it'll probably snowball.

Getting registered takes steps, insurance (liablity only for bikes) is cheap all things considered and equally not a big issue even given the language
barrier. Deep breath, take your time, ask the right people for assistance
and all will be well and good!

(btw, I've had one scooter, one motorcycle, one heavy motorcycle and a car registered at some point and now. It's no big deal~ just ride safe and know the local driving laws/etiquette! THAT should be more of a concern)

[jonpurdy]

sluggo832004 is correct. They even offered to call up and get insurance for me when I bought my last bike in 2010.

[thunderbird]

[IlIlNine]

Get a Korean friend to help!

http://www.motorcyclekorea.co.kr/

[Hugo85]

How much are you paying IlIlNine?

I'm paying 340k for a Rocket 650R