Road Rules

 This is the start of a mini series on traffic and various motor vehicles. I’ll start with what I’ve observed to be the most important rules of the road. Many of these rules will be elaborated upon in future blogs.


1.) There is a hierarchy of vehicles based on assertiveness. Buses are at the top of the food chain. Next in line are taxis. Finally there is everyone else.

2.) Checking your blind spot or merely looking before pulling out is completely optional. Assertive drivers will beep to indicate that they won’t stop for you. Passive drivers will slow down and move out of the way.

3.) While in Korea, I’ve heard the horn beep in every ride I’ve ever taken anywhere. Horns aren’t tools of road rage; they are communication tools to establish assertiveness. Horns are typically used by oncoming traffic to indicate that someone is or could be in the way. Despite all the horn beeping I’ve never seen any outward display of anger in the form of hand gestures or glares.

4.) Traffic lights only provide a suggestion to stop.

5.) Scooters and small motorcycles can drive anywhere they want.

6.) Seatbelts are optional.

Thanks for reading!