Korean Job Discussion Forums

dirkdiggler · Joined: 06 Nov 2008 Location: Far from costco

Can I use/buy a scooter when i arrive in Korea without a driving licence..

seoulsucker · Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 5:21 pm Post subject:

I may be wrong, but I'm pretty sure this is how it works:

Nothing will stop you from buying a scooter. License or no license, cash is king.

Technically, you need a license to drive any motor vehicle in Korea.

A basic operators license will allow you to drive anything 125cc and under.

Above that, you'll need to get the motorcycle license.

However, in 2010 they're apparently going to change the law, and you'll need the motorcycle license to drive any bike.

Keep in mind, this is Korea, and laws like this aren't really enforced. I was stopped recently (on a 250cc) and presented my operators license to the cop. He took a look, ran the numbers and sent me on my way with a kind of "good enough" gesture.

It's always a good idea to CYA. Having insurance and a license when driving here is just the smart/safe play.

Bibbitybop · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Location: Seoul

seoulsucker, don't try that in Jongno-gu or Mapo-gu these days. They are checking to make sure that licenses match the size of the bike.

If in doubt, don't stop for them.

RACETRAITOR · Joined: 24 Oct 2005 Location: Seoul, South Korea

I've ridden scooters for most of my five years here, and never had any serious trouble for not having any licence whatsoever. A few collisions, always the other driver's fault, and that's about it. I got pulled over once for running a red while doubling with my wife and I had no licence or even ID, but she convinced the cops we just bought it and we were driving it home from the shop, and they let us go.

My advice is go for the cheapest model possible and drive it until it craps out. Some of my friends save up for Vespas and Lambrettas, but I feel a lot safer on a $300 POS.

jboney · Joined: 14 May 2008 Location: Northern Seoul

how much do Vespas and Lambrettas go for in Korea? I've got two Lambrettas now in the States (1963 Li with a 190 kit and a Special with a 200 kit) and I'm thinking about selling one before I go to Korea.

Over there I'd be fine with a P200 or something similar, those are reliable and can take a beating and (I'm assuming) wouldn't cost too much...

RACETRAITOR · Joined: 24 Oct 2005 Location: Seoul, South Korea

640x480 · Joined: 02 Apr 2008

I recently purchased a 125cc scooter, got my license, bought insurance and registered my vehicle to obtain a plate.

Annoying as hell, but now it's over and done.

It's true you need a foreign license, which takes no time at all. It took me all day because I live so far away from the "DMV".
If you buy from a center, they will hook you up with insurance...mine cost $280 for a year.

Registering is annoying, I would ask a korean speaking friend for help.