Korean Crash Course: Driving

Although I personally have not had the thrill (or terror) of driving while in Seoul, I have had ample time to observe the rules and regulations (or lack thereof) in place for those who elect to use this mode of transportation. I have summarized my findings as follows:

• There are only three color options for a car: white, silver, and black. While a small percentage of car owners (>1%) choose other colors, I assume this is frowned upon. Exception: city service vehicles may be dark blue.
• Although there are traffic lights which operate by the standard three-color system, red lights are only strongly encouraged. At non-busy intersections, or if there are no pedestrians in your lane, you may proceed through a red light if you feel like it. Definitely turn right on red, even if the opposing traffic has a green arrow allowing them to turn left. They will totally stop in time to let you in.
  
• Although there are designated parking spaces (and roads) to park on, the sidewalk may be used for parking if the spots are full. Or if the sidewalk is the closest available parking space to your destination. Or if you just feel like it.
• Although there are police officers who drive around, they don't seem to serve the purpose of enforcing traffic laws, so don't worry if you see one. At all. I have read about speeding tickets being issued, but I'm not sure in which part of the city this happens.
• On a positive note, don't lean on your horn or crank up your music to an obnoxious volume like you would do in most other cities. That would definitely be considered uncool by the other drivers. Noise pollution is so not green.
  

Rules for drivers of motor vehicles other than cars:

• If you drive a bus, never stop at red lights unless you absolutely have to. Also, don't stop at a bus stop for more than 1.5 seconds unless you absolutely have to.
  
• If you drive an ambulance, always stop at red lights, even if your siren is on. If you drive a regular car and an ambulance is behind you with its siren on, no need to rush getting out of the way. On a completely unrelated note, try not to get seriously injured in Seoul.
  
• If you drive a scooter, all laws are out the window. Feel like driving on the sidewalk? Go for it. Red lights are downgraded from "strongly encouraged" to "pause if you want, then weave through pedestrians in the crosswalk."

Happy driving!