Driving in South Korea: What It’s Really Like
When I first moved to South Korea, driving was the last thing on my mind. Between Seoul’s incredibly efficient subway system and extensive bus network, I didn’t see any reason to own a vehicle.
But after about a year of living here, things changed. I found myself studying Korean road signs, practicing turns through narrow alleyways, and eventually earning my Korean driver’s license. Now, my daily scooter commute to the hagwon is one of my favorite parts of living in Korea.
If you’re wondering whether driving in South Korea is worth it, here’s what I’ve learned from firsthand experience.
Searching for a new job is never easy. It comes with uncertainty, fear, and endless “what ifs.” Somehow, those same “what ifs” led me all the way to South Korea — and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Life on a Scooter in Korea
Without a doubt, buying a scooter has been one of the best decisions I’ve made since moving to Korea.
Every afternoon, I hop on my scooter and weave through the city on my way to work. While cars sit bumper-to-bumper during rush hour, I’m able to take narrow side streets and shortcuts that simply aren’t accessible to larger vehicles.
A commute that could easily take 30 to 40 minutes by car often takes me half that time.
That doesn’t mean it’s easy.
Riding a scooter in Seoul requires constant attention. Drivers tend to be decisive, traffic moves quickly, and situations can change in an instant. During my first few weeks, I was nervous every time I pulled into traffic. Eventually, though, I began to understand the rhythm of Korean roads, and riding became much more natural.
If you enjoy the freedom of two wheels, a scooter can completely transform your experience living in Korea.
What Driving in Seoul Is Really Like
Driving a car in Seoul is a completely different experience.
Traffic can be heavy throughout the day, especially during the morning and evening commute. It’s not just the number of cars—it’s how people drive. Korean drivers generally make quick decisions, and if there’s an opening in traffic, someone will usually take it immediately.
Fortunately, excessive honking isn’t very common. Instead, there’s simply an unspoken expectation that everyone keeps moving efficiently. New drivers may find the pace intimidating at first, but it becomes easier with experience.
Parking Can Be the Biggest Challenge
If traffic is one challenge, parking is another.
Land is limited in Seoul, so parking spaces are often small, expensive, or difficult to find. Some buildings even use automated parking towers that stack vehicles vertically like giant mechanical puzzles.
When I first started driving, I underestimated how much time I’d spend simply looking for somewhere to park.
This is one of the biggest reasons I still prefer using my scooter whenever possible.
Taxis and Public Transportation Are Excellent
One thing that constantly makes me question whether I’d ever want to own a car full-time is just how good the alternatives are.
Taxis are everywhere in Seoul. They’re relatively affordable, easy to book, and incredibly convenient. If it’s raining or I’m exhausted after work, I can usually get home within minutes.
Public transportation is even better.
Seoul has one of the best transit systems I’ve ever experienced. The subway is clean, safe, reliable, and connects almost every part of the city. Buses fill in the remaining gaps, making it easy to reach places that aren’t close to a subway station.
Before buying my scooter, I relied on public transportation every single day. Even now, I still use it regularly.
Michelle Duquette, Marketing Assistant
Michelle Duquette is from Toronto, Canada and moved to South Korea in 2015. She has a Bachelors in English literature and a Masters in ESL Education. Michelle has taught at Creverse campuses in Gangneung, Songpa, and Mokdong and currently works as a CDI and April Trainer. Michelle never set out to be a teacher but fell in love with Korean culture and the excitement of being in the classroom. Michelle lives in Seoul with her partner and two cats, Cherry and Frost.
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