Driving Tips Before Hitting the Roads in Korea

Here are a few main differences you’ll notice when driving in Korea, and how to prepare for those differences while on the road.

Lanes

The first thing you'll notice when driving in Korea is that the lanes are much narrower than lanes in the US. It’s not unusual to wind your way through claustrophobic back streets that can only fit one car, even if it's a wide street the chances of parked vehicles up and down both sides is good, so it sill becomes a single lane driving experience.  Pulling over to let cars by you, or visa-versa, is common.   If you’re a US driver who typically drifts towards one side of the lane, that’s something you’ll have to be aware of in order to drive safely.

Take some time on familiar roads to get used to the dimensions of your car and how much space you’ll need on all sides.

Defensive Driving

Driving within cities and towns in Korea requires you to be mentally “on” all the time. It can be very tiring to constantly be aware of your surroundings, but it's a necessity.

In towns and cities, cars may suddenly brake and do a U-turn in the middle of the road, people may jay-walk or bicycle unexpectedly across the road, and cars often make turns without signaling. You also have to watch out for taxis, which sometimes stop without warning to pick up passengers.

On the highway, it's generally much easier and you can relax more. Drivers tend to signal more often when they merge, and unexpected stops or swerves are uncommon.

Tolls

Korea has a lot of tolls compared to most Western countries. In order to go through a toll booth, you must either pay in cash or install an RFID Hi-PASS tag as described above, which the toll can read and charge your bank card.

How much you will pay for the toll depends on the distance you traveled on the toll road. If you do not have an electronic Hi-Pass card in your car, you can go through the cash lane. Some roads require you to pay the toll up-front, while longer-distance toll roads will issue you a paper slip which has the toll you entered from. When you exit the toll road, the cashier will take the slip and calculate your amount based on the distance traveled.

Buses

On Korean roads, buses are king. They will not yield for you, let you over, or stop if you’re in their way. They will blare an impossibly loud horn at you if you’re in the way. If a bus is crossing several lanes of traffic, let them do it, and try not to get hit.

On the highways, be aware that highways that have left lanes with blue stripes are designated as a bus-only lane. Do not use these lanes.

No Stop Signs

In any small intersection, you have to always be watchful and hope for the best. This is especially true in the back roads of villas, where some people drive very quickly through the small intersections without looking.

Approach all small intersections with caution, as cars may be coming through at any speed. Some do not stop or look at all, and some do a rolling stop. The “right of way” rule for intersections (the first car to stop is the first car to proceed) is largely ignored, so keep your eye on what the other driver is doing.

Turn Lane Indications

Korea roads indicate which lanes are turn lanes by arrows painted on the street.  Also, Korean highways now commonly have long painted lines and arrows to indicate exits.

Roundabouts

It's kind of a new thing in Korea, and they are still getting used to them.

The typical rule for roundabouts is that you yield to cars in the circle before you proceed into the circle. While this rule is taught in Korean driving schools (and some younger drivers follow it), in practice, it is the opposite. You must expect cars in the circle to keep stopping to allow cars in – kind of how they do with 'merging'.  This inevitably leads to a clogged circle and frustrated drivers. While younger drivers are slowly turning the tide by using roundabouts correctly, be wary of cars flying into the circle without stopping. They will often not yield for you.

Left turn signs

You’re in the left turn lane, waiting for the little green arrow to appear. Suddenly, the person behind you lays on their horn – wait, why are they so angry?

Next to traffic signals up above you, look for a blue sign that says “비보호”. This means that if the light is green and oncoming traffic is clear, it’s okay to make the turn.

Car Accidents

The way car accidents are treated in Korea is remarkably different from the US. Fender benders happen quite frequently and are treated as run-of-the-mill occurrences. Drivers typically do not become stressed or angry. Korean car insurance coverage is quite excellent, so they don't seem to worry about it much.

Most cars now are equipped with black box cameras, as almost all insurances require it. This can give you some peace of mind if the accident was not your fault; there is video evidence to corroborate your story. Even if the accident was your fault, Korean insurance coverage usually is still good enough to cover some of the costs for you.

The first thing to do is get out of the car and calmly ask the other driver for his or her information. Then, take pictures or video of the damage right away; any street markers, the affected area on the car, the other car’s license plate, and your car. If the accident is minor and in an inconvenient location (such as in a turn lane), it’s normal for both drivers to agree to drive to a nearby parking lot to assess the damage and exchange information. If the other driver drives off instead (which is very uncommon), you still have the photo evidence and their license plate number, so they won’t get far. Exchange information with each other, then call your insurance company to report the claim and any damages to your vehicle. It is quite common for the other person to offer cash instead; it’s recommended that you don’t take it, as this would void your right to a claim, and any health issues such as whiplash that you suffered will not be covered.

If the accident is medium to severe in damages, and especially if you are injured, take as many pictures as you can of the crash, being careful of oncoming traffic. Find a safe place nearby to sit, and immediately call the police. If the other driver is at fault, they may insist on bringing you to a hospital or paying cash; do not accept. Don’t worry about “bothering” the police; they deal with car crashes frequently, even if the damage is minor. They are typically very patient and understanding.

Once the police arrive, they will ask for your information, and they will also take pictures of the car and any injuries to you. If you need an ambulance, they will likely call one right away; if not, request that they call one for you. Give the police your insurance information, and they will often call the insurance company on your behalf. It is important that you do not leave the hospital until someone from the insurance company contacts you. If you do, you forfeit any money that would be paid towards your treatment. Often, an insurance representative will come in person, and they will try to offer a settlement amount to you. Keep in mind that you are being paid not only for the physical damage of the accident, but also for lost work, physical therapy, and mental stress. Be patient and request a larger settlement. You can often come to a compromise with the insurance representative that is much larger than the initial offer.

Parking

Ahh, parking in Korea… Street parking can be confusing, and public parking lots can be claustrophobic.

When street parking, check thoroughly for any no-parking zone barricades, poles with yellow striping or no-parking signs, and CCTV cameras.

Rather than circling endlessly for free parking, it might be easier to use a parking lot instead. Some parking lots have automated gates which will calculate the amount due when you leave, and some will have attendants that will hand you a paper slip which you return to them upon exit. The fees can often be a mystery, so you can check signs or ask the attendant what the rates are. Some downtown areas have a mandated “first hour / two hours free” policy on all public parking lots, which is nice. Another benefit of owning a small car: parking is half price, and you can park in certain parking spaces designated for small cars only (the space will be marked “경차”).

Some big marts and shopping malls have free parking only if you purchased something, or stayed less than thirty minutes. Some parking garages also have free parking on weekends, Sundays, or other specified days.

When visiting some beaches and public mountainous areas (think places that attract camping enthusiasts), it is possible that someone will come around and ask that you pay a certain amount in cash. This is not a scam; it’s the owner of the land charging an amount to visitors. Often, if you specify to them that you’re just parking – not setting up a fire pit or tent – they’ll waive the fee.