Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Ukon]

I've always wanted to get a motorcycle...and I'm making enough money to buy one for the first time easily

Except I can't even vaguely justify it....the only thing I would get out of owning one would be "for kicks"

1: My commute to work is a ten minute walk..
2: I live next to the subway station...my school is even closer...
3: I've found the that the damn train almost always gets to the location in Seoul faster than a car or cab(good subway location on Line 2).
4. Korean drivers sound suicidal
5. I heard you can't drive bikes onto highways
6. Traveling around the country on a bike would be fun...except that everyone else your traveling with would be sitting back having fun on a bus or train.
7. Finding places by myself driving without GPS probably means I'd spend most of my time getting lost.
8. Drinking occurs everywhere....obviously can't do that if I drive a bike everywhere.


So far the only advantage aside from "fun" is being able to drive back home after 12:30 pm since the subway is closed....and I suppose I can race korean bikers and delivery boys.

[Robot_Teacher]

Sorry, I have no way to try to convince you to buy a bike here. Save your money and get it later at home or in another country.

I decided not to get a bike as Koreans never keep in their lane in turns such as on the mountain roads and then you have public transportation that works quite well. Koreans act like they're too lazy to steer turns so they just let the car, bus, or truck go sway off anywhere in the road. Crazy drivers. Freedom of the road would be nice to have in the country, but I'm not staying long enough nor do I want to get killed by a Korean driver not keeping his/her lane.

OP, in Seoul, don't even bother, stick to subway as road travel is no good. If you ride big bikes, you still can't really cruise, because bikes aren't allowed on tollways, the big highways. I'm not talking about 50 to 125 cc bikes, but even a huge Honda Goldwing is not allowed on the big roads. What kind of sheet is that? Big bikes do great on the tollways which are so similarly built like German Audubons, but with speed limit. Korea lacks common sense.

Taxis run after subway closes or you rent room or you sit and wait until like 5AM. If you're out that late, you probably had something to drink and best not to be on a bike or you're sober after doing privates too late into the night and need a ride home to go to bed. Taxis are good and affordable in Korea, but it would be nice to go ride. I know you want it know, but just wait for better stomping grounds or spend your money now to ride curvy roads where vehicles can't keep lane and get lost in your adventure.

[Guerciotti]

[DCJames]

Waste of money if you live in Seoul. Dangerous as hell also.

[DorkothyParker]

Get it for "the kicks."

Seriously, don't be a wuss. Make your own decision. People regret what they don't do in life, rarely what they do.
PS. Don't die.

[bassexpander]

[Draz]

I hear fiery deaths are a fantastic way to go.

Seriously, I was thinking about getting one before I got here, but then found I really had no use for it. Any time I'm out past the bus/subway stopping, I'm drunk and wouldn't be riding it home anyway. Taking it to work is out, it's way too far and I have a formal dress code... sigh.

[TheMeerkatLover]

I own a Honda CB400 and I can tell you that with 100% that the bike is AWESOME to have.

They're fun.
They're fast.
Any girl who hops on a bike is a keeper
They're a great way to enjoy a first date
They are very convenient to park
Did I mention that they're great to meet girls with?
Nothing feels free like riding a bike on a warm summer night.




Meerkat

[Bibbitybop]

Getting a bike here was one of the best thing that happened to me in Korea.

I don't ride if I'm going to drink. If I drink, I use my locks to keep it parked overnight. DD laws are insanely strict here.

I live near my work and subway station, too. I still use the bike all the time, especially for errands around town and for traveling. The bike is twice as fast as cars and can be either faster or slower than the subway. The bike doesn't wait in line, it goes to the front of the line.

I travel all over the country. I can't use the expressways, but I can use all other highways. I have a good road atlas, but I could get GPS. I simply like the old fashioned map.

I travel with my girl, with other bikers, or alone. Group trips require group transportation.


Ever been a MC rider? Then I suggest a weekend safety and training course available outside of Korea. Seoul is not the place to learn by yourself or from a friend.

[Ukon]

Yeah, that's the other thing...never rode a motorcycle before....Figure seoul is the last place to be a beginner...Probaly my biggest concern of all....I have friends who can teach me....not heading back to the states for a while so I'll have to settle for learning here.

as for Errands....I live next to a Mall and another huge market....I have 4-5 grocery stores(incl. E-mart, Lotte) within a 5-10 minute walk....There are very few Errands I'd need to bike for.

I just saw a Daelim motor cycle...they're pretty big for 125cc....anybody have some links to some good used websites in korea for bikes?

[bassexpander]

www.passo.co.kr

Beware of the naughty photos section.

[earthbound14]

motorcycle + me = weeeeeee

No motorcycle + me = waaaaa

Simple math really

[earthbound14]

[earthbound14]

[Underwaterbob]

I just spent most of the afternoon cruising around on the 531, 19 and 596 between Chungju and Wonju. Five minutes out of Chungju and the traffic drops to nil. There are multiple 20-30km stretches of well paved, through farmer's fields or next to a river, nearly deserted roads with loads of gorgeous scenery. I stopped in some podunk village to buy a bottle of water from the only super and the store clerk was incredibly friendly and even tried out some mediocre English on me even though I could understand his Korean more easily. A dump truck stopped to let me pass. I welcome getting lost, but it's getting harder since I've been doing this for nearly four years now. Having a bike here has increased my enjoyment of Korea 1000%. In Seoul not so much I imagine.