Travel
Driving in Korea: Overlooked traffic laws in ROK
Stripes Korea
November 10, 2024
(Photo by Korean National Police Agency)
Navigating traffic laws is crucial when driving in Korea. As traffic laws are updated every year, some can be confusing. The following laws below are important to note, as they are frequently enforced by the police. Moreover, there are numerous enforcement cameras installed throughout Korea, so there are more chances of receiving a traffic violation.
Turning right at intersections
Due to an increase in traffic accidents caused by right-turning vehicles, a traffic law for a mandatory stop at intersections has been enforced since 2022. Penalty for a violation is a fine of up to 100,000 won and 15 penalty points.
- Red light
(Photo by Korean National Police Agency)
Regardless of pedestrians, drivers must make a full stop at the stop line. Then, after ensuring the way is clear of oncoming traffic and pedestrians, a right turn can be made.
- Green light
(Photo by Korean National Police Agency)
When there are no pedestrians, drivers can make the right turn very slowly. Drivers must yield to pedestrians on the crosswalk.
Speed in school zones
School zones are designated sections within a 300-meter distance around kindergartens, elementary schools and hagwon private educational institutions. These zones are very common and traffic violations within them come with stricter punishments.
The speed limit in school zones is 20 or 30 km/h, with some areas allowing an increase to 40-50 km/h only during the night. Even when there are no pedestrians around, drivers must comply with the speed limit and make full stops at all crosswalks within the school zones. Be extra careful as these zones tend to have enforcement cameras monitoring traffic at all times. Parking in school zones is also prohibited.
Besides practicing extra caution in school zones, apps like Naver and Kakao Map can provide driving assistance and speed limit warnings to help you navigate the areas safely.
Stay out of bus lanes
(Stay out of bus lanes)
Like in many other countries around the world, Korean cities have bus-only lanes. You’ll recognize these special lanes by the single or double blue lines and “bus only” Korean markings. Depending on where you’re driving, the lanes can be in the median or on the roadside.
The most recognizable lane is the median double blue lane in Seoul. This type of lane is used by buses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so other vehicles are strictly prohibited to use it.
The penalty for ignoring the rules is a 50,000 won fine (about $43 for sedans) and 10 demerit points on your license. On the highway, the fines and demerit points tend to be higher (60,000 won or $51 and 30 demerit points), so watch out!