Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Bollocks]

About those license plates.

Are they really a good idea? I mean, Korea has got these overhead photoradar dealies, that make you want to do something stupid like drive 60 in a zone that is obviously intended for 90+km/h traffic. Several of them (presumably) have me on file as "that guy what sticks his tongue out at the cameras" and would (presumably) like to fine me large amounts of money. But at present are unable to on account of my lack of license plates.

And so, I have a question. Have you (you meaning "people who have license plates on your bikes") noticed an increase in the amount of speeding tickets you received since licensing your bike?

I mean, I drive through a photoradar dealie every day on my way to work. I consider it an important contributing factor to my quality of life and self esteem that I don't have to slow down like an idiot every time I go by.

On the other hand, I'm scared shitless every time I see a cop in my rearview on account of anyone on my ass end can clearly see I ain't got a license plate. So I'm wondering, is it really a good idea? On one hand, I likes my speeding. But on the other hand, driving without plates. How bad is it? I mean, I'm licensed. The bike *could* be licensed, and I *could* get insurance. And I'm thinking of upgrading to a 250. But goddamn, what's the point in doubling your power if you can't use it?

[Bibbitybop]

Bollocks: The camera's take pictures of the front license plate. My bike is 100% legal and I've traveled to all corners of this country. Not being able to take the expressway forces me to use old highways with lower speed limits. Do I travel 60 and 80 kph while I travel to Busan? I've never gotten a ticket and my friends with sport bikes who can go much, much faster than me have never gotten one, either.

[Bollocks]

Well that takes a load off. I guess I'll get a license plate then.

Hey, speaking of not taking expressways, do you know how to get to Incheon from Seoul on a motorcycle? Now that the weather is starting to warm up, I really want to get out to the beaches.

[thesponce]

I bought a 125CC scooter a couple weeks ago and I haven't been driving it on the road much lately because I'm worried that I'll get fined by the police.

Here's the problem:

My scooter has no plates. I want to get registration and plates for it but the government office told me I cannot get my plate until I get insurance.

So I looked into getting insurance it's way more expensive than I thought it would be (I had heard it was about 100,000 won for a year). I asked a few insurance companies for a price and the best they could offer was about 380,000 won.

I don't really care about insurance. I just want plates, but as I explained above, I can't get them without first paying a few hundred dollars for the insurance.

I want plates because I'm afraid I will be a target for police if my plates are missing. I'm not sure how vigilant they are with ticketing unlisence d , uninsured scooter. And, if they did catch me, I'm not sure how much the fine would be.

So here are my questions:

1) Is insurance for a 125CC scooter really 380,000 won, or is someone trying to rip me off?
2) Do police actually stop scooters that are missing lisence plates?
3) About how much is a fine for driving without lisence plate and insurance?

Thanks,
Matt

[drk76]

[Rodders]

I'm thinking about buying a Hyosung Mirage GV 250. Saw one in the shop down the road for a good price.

I don't have a license and don't want to bother getting one.

From this post, I've gathered that the only time one has to worry about not having a license is when you happen to be in an accident..
I have many years of riding experience, so I'm willing to take that chance!

I've seen like 3 cops in the 3 months that I've been in Korea, so I don't think there is much chance of randomly being pulled over or being in a roadblock (do they even have those here?)

So, who thinks I will be totally fine riding around the country (which is what I plan to do) without a license? Or Insurance?

[Rodders]

Oh I see there are roadblocks here :/
sorry, missed that

[nathanrutledge]

Reading through this brings a couple points to mind -

License - get it. Don't use an international driving permit. It is ILLEGAL to use one of those if you are here on anything other than a tourist visa. You can use it for 90 days but after that, you MUST have a Korean drivers license.

On that note, insurance. I was in an accident. I didn't have the proper K license. The insurance company didn't cover it. I was banned for 2 years from having a K license (and by default, any driving on any license here) AND my insurance was worthless. It cost me a pretty penny, again, despite the fact that it wasn't my fault (jaywalking kid).

Seriously. Would you drive without a license or insurance or registration in your home country? The DLA has fairly clear instructions, in English no less, that give people zero excuse for not following the rules.

[chungbukdo]

You guys must love flirting with death. I can't even stand walking on the side of the road with the way drivers behave in the countryside.

How much do used, working condition 124cc bikes usually run?

[towl]

Thanks for the info in this thread guys. That scooter/motorcycle sticky is way too long to wade through, small threads like this are very helpful.

I have one question; I have been riding a 50cc little guy for a year, and have heard conflicting info about whether I need a license or not.

So what's the deal here; does a 50cc need a license?

[Bibbitybop]

[alljokingaside]

Wait a minute- so are IDLs legit in S. Korea? The official site seems pretty much useless in this regard and I've heard/read differing advice.

Also, anyone know where I'd go in Busan to get the bike registered/plates?

[NSMatt]

[GreatUnderachiever]

[GreatUnderachiever]