Driving in Korea

Welcome to Korea! If you have never driven a motor vehicle in the Republic of Korea, you are in for an interesting experience. With more and more private cars on Korea's roads, traffic congestion is worsening every year, resulting in wasted time and frazzled nerves. The intent of the information following below is not to frighten the would-be driver in Korea, but to provide the vehicle operator with a realistic overview of what to expect and support facilities available. Many service members have successfully undertaken the challenge of driving in Korea. The key is to familiarize oneself with the rules and regulations as well as to relax, be calm, be alert, and drive defensively!

Korea is a tourist's delight. There are many parks, museums, ski areas, mountain resorts, and amusement parks within driving distance. Korea is a vast museum exhibiting a rich cultural legacy that dates back millennia; at the same time it is a country that has modernized rapidly in recent decades and is full of fresh vitality. Even in the big cities, you'll find that amidst the high-rises and bustling traffic, the essence of dynastic Korea lingers on around the old palaces, pavilions, and city gates, and the fragrance of a distant era still pervades the atmosphere in the smaller villages of the countryside and at mountain temples. Korea is a land of breathtaking scenic beauty and of friendly people who await your visit with warmhearted hospitality.

There's an excellent network of primary and secondary roads with numerous roadside rest stops and picnic areas in Korea. There are also lots of hotels. But there is also concern about keeping a full tank of gasoline.

Korean gas stations sell gasoline by the "liter" and equates to about $3.50 per gallon. It is therefore a good idea to keep your vehicle "topped off" and to know the location of Army Air Force Exchange System (AAFES) and United States military gas stations. Locations of these gas stations is provided below. Note that not all facilities provide towing and services capabilities. Prior to departure for a driving trip, ensure your vehicle is in good repair.

None of the AAFES and few of the military gas stations in Korea sell diesel for POVs. However, you may purchase diesel fuel at about $1.40 per gallon at off-post Korean gas stations.

If your car breaks down on the expressway, the Korean police will help you by either providing minor parts or by calling a wrecker for you. In case of an accident, show your Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) card to get help.

Roadside rest stops on expressways provide reasonably priced snacks and refreshments and Western-style facilities.

A Value Added Tax is levied (standard rate 10%) on most goods and services provided in hotels, tourist facilities and major rrestaurants. Tips are included in your bill as an additional ten percent service charge.

Carry extra Korean money (Won) since most Korean stores, rest areas and gas stations don't accept U.S. dollars.

When a vehicle becomes disabled on the expressway, move the vehicle to the right side of the roadway and place a triangular warning sign 100 meters or more behind the vehicle during the day.

At night, red flares or flashing lights may be used at least 200 meters behind the disabled vehicle to provide visibility within 500 meters from both directions.

Such warning devices must be carried at all times for use in an emergency. Otherwise Korean police will issue you a ticket for neglecting your responsibility of maintaining safety during a vehicle breakdown.

Eventually, either Korean police patrol cars or Korean Highway Corporation patrol trucks or cars will pass by. They will stop to assist if you wave at them or otherwise indicate that you need help. They have red emergency flashers on top of their vehicles.

Korean police officers recommend that you do not try to wave down other passing cars for help because it could be dangerous. Korean patrol officers usually speak some English, so try to speak slowly and clearly when addressing them. They can either take you to the nearest rest stop or tollgate to use the telephone, or they can contact their headquarters by radio to convey a message to the nearest American miitary police station.

The cost for Korean wrecker service depends upon the distance from the highway to the Korean service station. Usually, it costs around 50,000 won within the city and up to 100,000 won from the expressway.

Driving Distances

Seoul
31	Suwon
45	14	Osan
84	52	38	Chonan
120	88	74	36	Chongju
152	121	107	69	33	Taejon
273	242	228	190	154	121	Waegwan
290	259	244	206	170	137	17	Taegu
360	329	314	276	240	208	86	70	Kyongju
428	397	383	345	309	276	155	138	69	Pusan

References

US Forces Korea (USFK) Pamphlet 385-2, Guide to Safe Driving in Korea, 15 Sep 1993

USFK Public Affairs Office Pamphlet #5, Where to Buy Fuel, July, 1997

For more information contact the following address:

HQ, UNC/CFC/USFK/EUSA
Public Affairs Office
ATTN: FKPA-C1
Unit #15237
APO AP 96205-0010

TELEPHONE: (DSN) 723-7998/4678 (FAX DSN) 723-4240