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Understanding Korea’s right-turn rule: What drivers need to know for pedestrian safety
haps Magazine Korea
November 11, 2024
(haps Magazine Korea)
With recent changes to Korea’s Road Traffic Act requiring a temporary stop for right turns at intersections, drivers are still grappling with the detailed rules introduced in January 2023.
The Busan Metropolitan Police Agency is working to address this confusion by promoting awareness and providing guidance to help drivers adjust to the new regulations, which aim to improve pedestrian safety.
The revised law mandates that drivers must make a complete stop before right turns whenever pedestrians are present, regardless of traffic signals at intersections.
Specifically, if a pedestrian is approaching or using a crosswalk, drivers must stop until the pedestrian has crossed fully. If no pedestrians are present, drivers must adhere to the traffic signal ahead.
For instance, if the signal is red, drivers must stop at the line before proceeding; if green, they should proceed slowly with caution. Where there is a right-turn signal with a green arrow, drivers may proceed but must stop if pedestrians are on the crosswalk.
To support safer right turns, Busan has installed 87 right-turn signals and implemented additional diagonal crosswalks and pedestrian signals in high-traffic areas.
Moving forward, the Busan Metropolitan Police Agency plans to strengthen enforcement, install cameras at key intersections, and conduct on-site educational programs with transportation companies and community groups to ensure drivers fully understand and comply with the new safety measures.