Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Enigma]

I've been in Korea for 3 years and I'm currently living in a small city on the coast in Gangwondo. In that time I've seen a lot of idiot drivers all over the country. Although Korea certainly doesn't have a monopoly on bad drivers, there seems to be a higher percentage who treat pedestrians and cyclists as major inconveniences. I can't count how many times I've seen little old grandmothers hauling a** to get across a crosswalk because drivers refuse to stop.
Anyways, I'm considering buying a mountain bike to get out into the country on the weekends. However I'm wondering how cyclists are treated by drivers once you get into the countryside. I don't want to buy a bike, only to have idiots constantly forcing me off the road.
So for any of you that have cycled regularly in the rural areas, how do you find it?

Thanks

[Weigookin74]

I've been treated ok. But I always stick to the side and don't take risks. I never assume drivers will stop if I go to an intersection. Many heavier trafficked roads should have a small paved shoulder. Ones without that should have lighter traffic. If flying down hill, use brakes frequently. Especially if going around corners. Assume cars will fly up; so use caution and common sense.

[Weigookin74]

Oh yeah, unrelated to this, bring a lot of water and money to buy more at corner stores. Can't have too much on a hot day. 12 to 4 are prob the hours to avoid being out too long now. Too hot. Don't want heat stroke.

[yeti08]

Just yesterday I was passed in the countryside because I was waiting for a good place to pass a cyclist. The car furiously honked and when I did not speed up and/or overtake the cyclist. He sped past me laying on his horn. The beauty of it I caught up to him in under 5 minutes at a traffic light and the cyclist whizzed past us both.
The majority of people find cyclists an inconvenience. This happened in America to me, but I am afraid to ride on roads here.

[runthegauntlet]

Riding in the countryside is the best part of cycling in Korea, in my opinion.

I ride along the southern coastline sometimes and the scenery is stunning. Not a lot of traffic, fantastic roads, exciting terrain, and great views. I love it.

Never had any problems with motorists. I stick close to the white line and keep an eye out.

[digitalmk]

I just bought a bike a few weeks back and have been making weekly trips into the countryside. It's been wonderful each time I've gone. Luckily, near my place there are a lot of bike paths alongside the roads, but even the busier roads have a small shoulder I ride in between towns. I haven't felt in any real danger (no more than anywhere else riding), but I play it safe. Like people say, use brakes going down hill, slow up in corners, don't assume the small country path coming on on the right won't suddenly disgorge a large truck - not that that's happened to me...

[winterfall]

Be very careful. Rural roads often have lots debris and potholes. Be extra careful on the tight corners with the big mirrors for drivers to see on the other side. Most of them don't slow down like they're supposed to and speed through, turning wide.

Other than that, its a joy. I love riding through ripe rice fields or garlic plots.

[carleverson]

Drive very defensively and always leave room for error (on your part or the driver's). Stick to the edge of the road, wear bright colors, and use reflectors. You'll be fine.

[runthegauntlet]

[carleverson]

[runthegauntlet]

[SNOTOSEOUL]

[carleverson]

[runthegauntlet]

[carleverson]