Driving in Korea is what I imagine driving in LA would be like in the midst of Armageddon. And it's really not that they're bad drivers, it's just that there are so many drivers on narrow roads with the same destination. We did not bring any vehicles with us and had planned on buying what they call a 'hooptie' to use here. A hooptie is a car that has been bought and resold soldier to soldier until all aesthetics are gone and it is functional at best. They usually sell for $1000 or less. But after being here and seeing the road congestion and the ready availability of public transport (taxi, bus, train) and the ease of walking I think we've decided to just wing it; go green if you will. I love the idea of being able to walk to what I need and the environmental and health aspects are a big plus for me as well. And to be completely honest the fun of driving wore off for me at about age 18. At this point in my life driving is a necessary evil, and driving in congested traffic is like a moral test of patience and verbal restraint. Granted I have not actually driven myself here; my experience is from riding in taxis and buses and trying to cross the street. But after my experience with those, I am just as happy letting other people escort me for nominal fees. And the army has free shuttle buses between all the camps in country, it's just a matter of getting from one route to the other.
The traffic laws and signs are pretty much the same as in the US but with different interpretations for the drivers here. For instance, red light means hurry up and get through the intersection before the other traffic moves, and when it does, be sure to dodge them as you clear the intersection. Oh yeah, the red light always stays on, even when the green light comes on to indicate 'go'. What is that? And if you need to change lanes, you just gas it and go. It's so crowded you can't wait for an opening, you must make your own. And pedestrians, beware of motorcycles! Sidewalks are their roads too. If the traffic light is red they hop on the sidewalk, if the crosswalk is full they swerve out into the street. The only law here regarding motorcycles is that they are not allowed on the highways.
We live in Waegwan, which is not a large city so it's not too bad here. Obviously the bigger the city the worse the traffic. And I also want to note that the drivers are generally very courteous, it's just as I said there are so many people trying to get to the same place. But instead of checking the tread on our Goodyears we will be testing the traction on our Adidas.
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