Korean Job Discussion Forums

[earthbound14]

I figure it would be interesting to hear peoples comments on driving styles in Korea.....

here's mine

The drift: The drift comes in many forms, the most common of which is

The Basic Drift: where the driver chooses to change lanes by drifting slowly across the lane, often while looking to ensure that the lane is free, but going slow enough to avoig a collision if they are incorrect.

The Basic Drift With Signal: not as common, but it does occur, just add a turn signal, often viewed as a sign of weakness and better drivers often speed up to fill the gap you had intended to fill.

The No Look Drift: a practical time saving move where the driver does not need to look and relies on others to notice his or her intention and either move aside, brake or honk to inform the driver that the lane is currently occupied.

The No Look Drift With Force: not as common as other forms of drift, but occurs more frequently with the greater size of the driver's vehicle. The
no look drift forces other traffic to move regardless of wether or not they want to or physically can. In this case if a bus uses The No Look Drift With Force, and the lane is filled with a car, no amount of honking will stop the bus. It is up to the smaller vehicle to find a way out of the situation. If the smaller vehicle has some speed they may attempt to speed through the gap, at which point the middle finger may be used to inform the larger vehicle that this was not very nice. If you are driving a motorcycle you should expect this to happen frequently and should not be alarmed, honking will only alarm the drifting driver. If a driver of a larger vehicle has made an error which may possibly end your life it is OK to bang on the larger vehicle with your hand until enough room is given for you to make your escape. This unfortunately does not work with large trucks and they must be avoided at all costs. With smaller vehicles such as vans or passenger cars putting a dent in the car with your fist or foot may be enough to earn you enough room on the road and survive for another day.

The WTF Drift: With all this drifting occuring it is not a surprise that the WTF drift exists. Lanes are more of a guideline and not really a rigid rule. It is common to see drivers drift across their own lane and into another, then drift right back for no apparent reason. It occurs more often around corners and is in no way a sign of a poor driver...unless of course the other lane is filled by a much larger vehicle, in which case the driver is clearly an idiot who must be honked at. If the vehicle is smaller than the WTF drifting vehicle, no horn should be used as this is common and the smaller vehicle should learn how to drive and move the f--k over.

taken from the informal guide on Korean driving skills and practices

[eamo]

Good summary.

I would add the No Look Force Drift With Hand.............the magic hand out the window is not asking your permission to cut in. It's just a warning that you should brake hard now, I'm coming.

[earthbound14]

[aaabank]

, wait a second, I drive around on a motorcycle in this zoo,

[Bibbitybop]

[ajuma]

Don't forget the "ajuma drivers".

a) I'm going to drive slow because I don't know where I'm going or I just got my license and I'm still afraid.

b) I drive my car the way I drive my shopping cart...ME FIRST!!

BTW, THIS ajuma drives like a taxi driver. I once had a job where I spent about 6 hours a day driving, and I learned that if you want to get somewhere quickly and avoid most of the traffic lights, follow a taxi!

[whatever]

Tip no. 1: Don't drive in Korea. You, as the foreigner are just about always in the wrong.

[ajuma]

[Typhoon]

I like the motorcycle move of splitting traffic to get to the front of the line at a stop light (very illegal in the west by the way). Then they drive slow as hell and piss off everone behind them. Then when a driver yells at them or speeds in front of them they think it is because they are driving a motorcycle. I hate the vast majority of motorcycle drivers here. I drive fast. If you are going to cut in front of me at a light you better drive fast too, if not don't cut to the front of the line and wait like the rest of traffic has too. Also, choose to drive on the road or the sidewalk. Don't be an ass and do both. The number of foreigners who I see driving like asses on motorcycles is ridiculous. Not to mention the number of foreigners I see doing this without helmets. It is dangerous enough to drive here let alone to drive a motorcycle in a way that will make it more dangerous and to not wear a helmet.

[Bibbitybop]

[that guy]

[discostar23]

don't forget the "hot flash" ajuma driver who appears to be crazy and decides to drive around the intersection in a circle. (not this driver must have frizzy hair and a look of confusion on her face)

There is also the "honk because you are allowing two feet of space between u n the car infront of you"- I get this all the time. Where I come from tailgating is illegal so I let a little space. If you honk at me for leaving a space...I go slower. If you tailgate me I will go even slower...

Also there is the curb cut in- there is a big lane of traffic waiting for a turn off or simply jammed up- the driver takes the curb and zooms past the traffic to make a cut into the front of the lane.

[Typhoon]

[whatever]

[that guy]