Korean Job Discussion Forums

teachtravel80 · Posted: Thu Sep 10, 2009 6:43 pm Post subject: Life on a scooter in Seoul

I am considering buying a scooter when I get back to seoul. I grew up riding dirtbikes and street bikes. With that said, how is life on a scooter or motorcycle in Seoul? Any information will be appreciated.

Thank You
Peace

sarteneja · Joined: 30 Jan 2009

Ive only been hit by cars twice but still I think its overall not any more dangerous than in the states. Just watch out for taxis.

yakey · Joined: 21 Apr 2003 Location: Korea

I ended up with three broken ribs, internal bleeding and cuts all over my body.

The driver was never found.

My bike was totaled.

I've driven a car since then.

ucbhanna · Joined: 15 Apr 2008

by far the best investment i've made in korea. i drive all around, from jamil to mokdong to ilsan to guri.. it's awesome

teachtravel80 · Posted: Thu Sep 10, 2009 8:09 pm Post subject: Thanks

Thank you for the replies. Ouch! I'm sorry for those of you who got hurt. I'm still on the fence. I have a lot of experience on motorcycles but I've also had my fair share of taxi rides here in Seoul.

Thanks again
Peace

ucbhanna · Joined: 15 Apr 2008

plus, you can bypass all the rush hour traffic and park your bike practically ANYwhere without problem!

Gaber · Joined: 23 Apr 2006

I broke my wrist riding in the rain on Monday morning when some ass in an SUV pulled out in front of me. I'll ride again once my wrist is healed, but I don't think I'll be taking it out in the wet anymore.
A hell of a lot more fun, and quicker, than the subway, buses or a taxi. I tend to get a sore throat from the car fumes though.

Snowflake · Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Location: Seoul

...is a lot of fun.
My boyfriend had a crash last year and landed on his head..which has made me very very cautious but still, better than taking the bus to work anyday.

ucbhanna · Joined: 15 Apr 2008

You can drive on all bridges w/ a scooter. You aren't allowed on highways, but I do sometimes if I know I won't be on it for long. It's fast enough to ride between cars, but it's safer to just ride along the side of road. Just don't get caught!

Durtee · Joined: 18 Sep 2006

Forward Observer · Joined: 13 Jan 2009 Location: FOB Gloria

I've got an Italian Piaggio 125cc, and it rocks. Take a 1 hour commute on the subway with one transfer as an example, with my handy scooter - 20 minutes.

There's only one drawback. Your clothes will get dirtier because there is so much pollution in the air. Always wear a helmet for protection (and so you don't have to constantly remember to wash your face every time you get off the scooter).

Parking? Wonderful, just park on the sidewalks. Traffic so bad you can't maneuver through? Just jump on the sidewalk and scare pedestrians! They'll move, just rev your engine a little...haha just kidding, I'm not like that. Razz

Seriously though, what durtee said is important. Time = Money, and if you're a free lancer that moves around the city teaching here and there, your ability to take on more work increases exponentially.

kayakorea2 · Joined: 03 Apr 2005 Location: Vancouver

I've had a few close calls.. one was more than close.. I hit a jay-darting pedestrian and broke my nose in a bad way (2 operations and still not fixed well) .. but I still couldn't live without my scooter. I've explored nooks and crannies of the city that it's a shame that some people never see and made great use of my time and been able to eat the food I want when I want it, etc.

The key to safety is hyper-defensive driving. And I mean HYPER.