Driving in Korea

[@greteltan8386]

I recently went to china for a few days and motorcycles drive on the pavements there too gosh it's like an extension to the road going to korea next year so we will be careful! thanks for the heads up :)

[@arbood26]

No wonder that the easiest way to kill someone in a kdrama is by using a car accident 😂

[@bReYeRhOwRsE99]

I know someone (in Korea) who broke their leg in an accident, and once they got the cast off they got hit by a car again and suffered memory loss. Be careful there!

[@Tapiiiri]

I was in Seoul for two weeks and almost died hundred times... I live in Finland and here it's almost a politeness-contest when it comes to drivers and people. You give the way, they give the way, you give again the way, they still want you to walk... So in Seoul it seemed pretty extreme, scooters running wild on sidewalks and taxis honking around. And sometimes the streets are so steep that you have to walk sideways, then there's comes the scooters and cars, oh dear lord!

[@user-qx8cz9yx9v]

I've heard that one of the pizza brands in Korea (Pretty sure it was Dominos, but not entirely sure) put up a slogan saying if your pizza isn't delivered in certain minutes, you won't have to pay! or something like that resulting a delivery person to get killed getting hit by a car because he was late and he was stuck on traffic.

[@brownam15]

I was in China this past summer and it was insane! I mean I've been to some European countries and Italy was different from the U.S., but China was crazy. We really learned to pay attention and try not to die. It was an interesting experience and by the end of our study abroad we had turned it into a kind of game.

[@LaranjaChannel]

It seems this is one thing Portugal (my country) and Korea have in common! Foreigns always say how dangerous our driving is, which is true!!! Specially the taxi drivers! When I am driving I am always cautious about the taxis next to me because I know those people are crazy! That's one of the many reason I hate taking taxis!

[@reinadecorazones29]

Just cama back from a weekend in Portugal. Soooo true

[@themuck566]

Laranja Channel i was terrified half the time while i lived in portugal with how small the roads were and how people woulf be going both ways almost scraping each other haha crazy

[@novarainnoval]

Laranja Channel Mm.

[@bananarepublic6069]

Portugal didn't scare me nearly as much as Romania which didn't scare me as bad as Korea which was tame compared to China :'D

[@yds00418]

As a Korean, I agree with you guys and personally think that you guys are doing a great job pointing out varous aspects of Korean society and culture. I really enjoy watching videos on your channel and appreciate your opinions about Korea from a foreigner's perspective. :)

[@choun8896]

I'm half Korean, half Chinese and I've just recently went back to China for Vacation. Trust me, Korea's driving's really not that bad compared to China's

[@EatyourkimchiBonus]

Thank you. It really sucks that we have to be so apologetic every time we say something that we don't like about Korea, but people get very easily offended online (as you can see in some of the comments below).

[@SquishyMcJones]

I visited Peru, Lima and Cusco to be exact, a couple years ago, and dear god the driving was terrifying. They blow through reds, they'll blame YOU if they nearly hit YOU when YOU have the right-away. 90% of the traffic I personally saw came from more than one driver getting out of their cars, in the middle of intersections, to get into FIST FIGHTS to see who would get to go first. All the cars were driven by man. The only vehicle we saw being operated by a women was a scooter, and she was a police officer. We asked our female tour guide about it, and she said the driving is so aggressive most women don't even ATTEMPT to learn to drive, because it's so dangerous.

[@RichardMa90]

Yay just got power back after Hurricane Sandy. Time to catch up! Thank you for these videos and laughs. They're so uplifting and clears up some gloominess.

[@MsJassi13]

I lived in Thailand for a year and I also went to high school there and, oh boy was I scared to cross the roads in the beginning, in my small town in the north east there were almost no traffic lights so you just had to walk between all the driving cars and scooters. Also most students, some even when they're 11 are driving to school on a scooter and it's not uncommon that students get injured or actually die because of accidents. In the year I was there I heard from so many other exchange students that some kid from their school died, and while of course everybody thinks that's sad nobody does anything about it and the next week it's already forgotten :O

[@MsZeldasaga]

Jk Im just kidding wow that's crazy

[@nugeehaibheev]

I'm asian, Hmong to be exact. I taught in Korea for a year, recently came back earlier this year. When I applied there was no specific major/field required as long as you have a Bachelor's degree (however, I believe those with an English or education major get paid a bit more). These days I hear a TEFL/TESOL certificate is required. The good thing about being asian in Korea is that you can blend right in.

[@NynNahh]

Wwlp. Brazilian here. Traffic is crazy here, just like said. If you don't look twice / wait a few seconds there is a great chance that someone is going to hit you. Seems like red lights here are christmas decoration. "Crosswalks may be just random lines that someone decided to paint on the ground, for some reason", that's my feel. . _ .

[@SLBxINLOVExBLS]

I ♥ Korea! I've been there only once (2 mths ago) but I totally agree w/ Simon & Martina. I didn't rent a car so I never experienced being a driver while there but in the 1 ½ week that I spent there, I probably saw about 5-6 cars just randomly crossing the red lights, drivers constantly honking for no apparent reason & drivers driving at whatever speed they wished (like my taxi driver). Scooters are everywhere & buses are literally stop-n-go, drivers don’t wait for anyone to get situated at all.

[@A_Gu]

driving in China is really the worst! The lights seem to only serve an aesthetic purpose, but you'll get used to it eventually :D

[@K_halmiland]

tnq for the subtitle. with the eng sub i can understand what u say more:3" plz keep do it for the other videos. and plz talk about different things in korea more. i really want to know about korea more but i couldnt find anything that i need. u are a foreigner who live and work in korea and also talk in korea so know many things about korea SO u are the best option to helping me know more about korea and living in seoul.

[@CSS916]

Have you guys done a video on parking in Korea? I'm interested in parking violations, tickets, restrictions, etc.

[@colinlee6093]

agreed ! that's why sane person like myself doesn't drive !

[@itsdenjoymalik]

Proud, I didn't press the skip ad. This is how they make money guys, support

[@Danytsa]

Come to Spain, people will always stop when a person is waiting on the crosswalk and if they can't they apologise with hand motions. Even buses stop so you can pass.

[@LPKtv]

SOOOOOOOOOOO TRUE and at a traffic light they dont bother stopping so you have to wait for them to go passed before actually crossing!

[@MaripositaNessa]

I look both ways when crossing a one way street and hesitate before crossing at a red light and I'm from USA lol I always knew New Jersey drivers are not the best, but when I moved to Florida, I hadn't realized how much worse driving can be!

[@Chrestomanci94]

This is because NJ drivers are constantly trying to get around the NJ law that says pedestrians have the right of way. I exploit that law constantly when crossing the street at any point.

[@cajunag]

I always wondered why, when I got to EMart or something and park in a garage, EVERY SINGLE CAR has backed into their spot. Not only do they usually take forever to pull into a spot this way, but when they come to their car with their groceries, they now have to pull their car forward and block the entire lane in order to have access to their trunk to put the groceries in. This makes no sense to me. I used to think "Well it is easier to pull straight out of a spot then to back out of it." That is true, but it is much easier to back out of a spot than to back into one.

[@jinyoungyim2643]

Sean Matherne

[@sachikomai15]

Vietnam is in between Thailand and China. It gave me a habit of being really cautious when crossing the street. Back in Vietnam I literally ran for my life before a car comes because the car will not stop for you to cross. I learned how to cross streets in Vietnam

[@pringles2536]

Korean drivers are actually quite bad. They force themselves in to merge into a lane, risking a possible accident by scratching a car in the process. To make things worse, I've been hit by a car who was backing up in a street way filled with pedestrians. You would think that they would be more careful because of this but no. How can one hit a pedestrian when the only thing you have to do is look back when reversing? You're bound to look behind you to see where you're going and it's not a hard thing to do. Just turn your damn head. It's ridiculous.

[@dganir1]

Yeah I still can't get over the backing into a small space in one move thing--they all seem to be able to do it. Parallel parking too. Have you also noticed that bicycle riders are also crazy? Knowing how dangerous the streets can be they still cross in front of cars (riding right on the street) as though they have a death wish.

[@TWQEmmaFrost]

Is it common to have friends of the opposite gender in Korea? Or is it rather more common to only have friends of the same gender?

[@kaliwallaceart]

yeah, when i was in china i seriously thought i would die trying to cross the street. the absolute worst was being in a taxi, though. i said my prayers & my life flashed before my eyes. people think new york is bad? i've lived 20 minutes away from new york my entire life so i go there pretty frequently. driving/walking around in new york is like a leisurely stroll on a sunday afternoon in comparison.

[@MsBahng143]

have you ever been to MEXICO??? TRUST ME IT'S WORSE!!!

[@gabrielavega1114]

are you from a big city? cuz i heard in big cities the driving is dangerous, where i live (a not so big city in the north area) is not so bad, in fact, people cross the streets kind of confidently cuz they know the cars will stop and wait for them (we both are mexican but i write in english waiting for S&M to notice me ; w ;)

[@MsBahng143]

EL D.F es kinda dangerous. soy de Veracruz, no tan grande, no tan dangerous, pero si hay muertes y choques a cada rato.

[@shammydammy2610]

Topes!

[@wggemm]

I'm currently studying abroad in China, I had no idea how dangerous the roads were here. It sounds pretty much the same as what you've said about Korea, but I can't compare as I've been to Korea or anywhere else where driving is as crazy as it is here. The sound of cars beeping is music to their ears. They will not stop beeping their horn until you get out the way, despite the green light for pedestrians, some will even shout at you.

[@anthonycalandra9400]

southeast Michigan bus drivers are insane they dont care they will straight up run you right off the rode

[@littlelexi295]

Ain't that the truth

[@autdrew]

I'm from Detroit and lived in Korea for 3 years and can emphatically say Not Even Almost Close! I've seen busses in Korea blatantly run red lights. I was nearly broadsided by an impatient bus because I was still in an intersection(making a left and waiting for oncoming traffic to clear so I could) and the instant the light changed(I was still stuck in the intersection because of red light runners) the bus gunned it without seeing I was there. Crazy thing is drivers routinely block intersections because they refuse to wait for stopped traffic ahead to make it through, that wasn't my case, I wasn't being an ass, I just literally couldn't turn. I've also been in busses that dodge and weave like they describe taxis and even one that did a freaking u turn on an 8 lane road in central Seoul!!!

[@mizzladyenvy23]

In chicago bus most bus drivers dont move unless an old person has sat down and told the bus driver to go ahead.

[@leannyly]

I'm eating my kimchi while watching this... :O

[@BRcheergirl13]

I havent watched this in so long, but its crazy about the bus thing! It was the same thing in Brazil when I was there! I would have to prepare myself for the driver about to blaze forward as I am still paying! I would have a wide stance and be leaning against a bar or wrap myself around it so I can get a seat before falling

[@anjali_nair]

Wow, you guys haven't been to India, have you? lol

[@scattertheashes09]

one time i was at samcheongdong in this shoe store and all of a sudden there was a loud "BANG!" and soon i realised there had been an accident out on the road just outside the store. a van had HIT AN AHJUMMA HEAD ON and she was stuck underneath. odd thing was that she got up after like a minute and just carried on walking like nothing happened...

[@itrickyalove]

haha Bali driving is terrifying.. There are more motorbikes/scooters on the roads than cars, they do wear helmets thankfully (well most do). But, no one really knows how to stay in their lane, bikes come up the side of you, they go on the wrong side to get around all the cars, they drive on the sidewalk, they drive really fast (cars and bikes). The first night I was there, I was so tense and anxious in the car I had a horrible stomachache/cramps.

[@MinaLovesMusic10]

I've been living in Korea for about two months now, and I couldn't stop cackling over how painfully true everything that you've said in this video is.

[@Namite0001]

I went to Korea for 3 months 2 years ago and I only remember a cop pulling someone over once (and it was a car, not a scooter), but cops pull over Korean drivers differently than here in the US (and Canada? Idk, I'm from the US). They flash their lights and through a speaker, call the driver's plate numbers and tell them to pull over. However, cops will randomly flash their lights when they're driving, but that doesn't mean someone is going to be ticketed, because they didn't call their name.

[@ashleynv]

Hello i am currently studying abroad in japan. I was laughing soooo hard when you were talking about how korea is bad but thailand is worse (cause i am planning to go there sometime in the next 2 months)! I am going back to korea for a week on the 31st 2013, and i just remembered something from the first time i went i was grabbing onto something solid on the bus before I flew across the bus like the dude next to me.

[@EatyourkimchiBonus]

I trust that Native Koreans will look at the 500+ other videos that we did, many of which we talk about things we love about Korea (like last week, when we talked about how much we love how safe it is here), and they will acknowledge our right to not like everything about the country, and also to express our opinions by it.

[@Janethan]

Still, what people really go round referring to themselves by continent? you don't hear every british saying they're european, nor even jamaicans saying they're american. it's about what people personally represents their culture.

[@FaithCatherine]

Especially the busses- I got pretty awesome at Marshutka surfing when I was there.

[@Arij2009]

Algeria here!! Crossing the road in my country is like playing a "river crossing arcade game" (this is how I feel whenever I cross the road), if u wait for a car to let u pass u'll probably end up there for an hour!!

[@Ukeeiji]

I live in Korea right now as well, and I can only agree to everything they said. The trafic here is dangerous, and it took me some time to get used to it. Even as they said, the scooters are driving where people walk - even when you are going on a crosswalk, the scooters drives in between people. It's pretty insane - but besides from that, Korea is just amazing.

[@helznite]

I've been driving in Korea for about 11 years now, and you get to enjoy the challenges of driving through all the dangers!

[@hyunchoi98]

These 'friendly suggestions' for delivery scooters have worked. They outlawed driving on sidewalks and i haven't seen one scooter on a sidewalk since.

[@jackafold]

my auntie and uncle live in china and told me that the cars don't stop if someone is walking across at a cross walk, you just go!

[@giannamarksdorder]

I have no doubt that you guys are right, although since I moved to Canada 5 years ago, compared to the rest of the world Canada has some of the most law-abiding drivers that I've ever seen (I've been to many countries). In most countries you can't just walk even though the sign says to walk, but in Canada people legally have right of way on the roads (not the cars) and so people cross the street without looking and will most likely be fine (MOST of the time, not all).

[@Densongful]

haha!!!I think it's pretty similar here in Malaysia too...especially with the scooter/motorbikes. But here we have additional double parking.

[@brokkenmask]

There probably are but it's gonna take some researching. May be a difficult find. If anything, you could go for specific dishes that use preferred ingredients.

[@akeryo]

oh and when I was in korea... i noticed that every car had these sponges (usually blue) on their doors. It was so ugly... but I think it was to prevent their doors from hitting other cars when they open...?

[@polykarbonx]

Agreed with everything except the parking. Maybe in Seoul they're great, but in Daegu it's like looking at a parking lot without lines. Parking skill doesn't exist here! I'm going home soon, so knowing you'll still bring me some Korea even when I'm back in the US is really appreciated! :D

[@simona9074]

driving at my home l could consider as pretty good, since to pass the damn test requires months of learning...the main prodlem is that then you drive it feels as everyone is on a race for 1st place- speed

[@derfman]

There was an NPR story about vistors to the United States from Europe, Asia, and all around the world and they asked them what surprised them about America. Top two: 1. They were amazed that drivers actually followed the rules. 2. They were also shocked by the huge grocery stores.

[@octopusink01]

I remember taking a taxi in S Korea and the lady was going 100 in a narrow back alley. Not to mention there were people walking. I was seriously holding on for dear life.

[@SwimingPolarbear]

hihi, trafic tips... i'm following them and i live in Sweden... but that's because the traffic in my town don't follow the normal rules, especially busses and ppl on bicycles do whatever they like (and yes, the busses usually don't weight for you to sit down)

[@MrPooryorick]

I was in Korea in 96 and a scooter cut off the bus I was in, and crossing the street was right on too, I refused when given the chance to drive in Korea.

[@theoccasionalasian76]

Again...great job on these videos! I just subscribed! ;)

[@IYQ1317]

I live at a street (in Canada) which has a stop light that only goes red when there are people at the cross walk and because it's just pedestrians I have seen so many cars just inching at the line waiting for you to get across. That feeling freaks me out enough, I would be terrified if I knew it was a possibility that someone would blow through it.

[@HollyPJ]

I went to France in February and they don't seem to understand the red light rule either and they beep at you if you're crossing on a green man and they're trying to drive.

[@maryktify]

I thought driving was bad in Bulgaria but this video gives me hope/makes me lose hope in drivers all around the world.

[@hanhpham]

I don't live there but when I go to Vietnam in the summer for vacation, I so often fear for my life. The cars and motorcycles (which far outweigh the first option) do not stop whatsoever! Not for pedestrians, not for red lights. Admittedly, it's a lot better in recent years than before when traffic lights weren't really a thing. Also, there are far too few crosswalks. But I've been inches away from a bus hitting me straight on while I crossed the street one too many times whilst there. Also, the cars get so close to each other when driving! I'm surprised there aren't more fender benders happening. Last summer, our taxi driver ran into a motorcyclist and injured a couple of the drivers!

[@sleepzuzuzu]

I heard that in Vietnam you literally see people on their scooters crash into each other and they just get up and ride away like it's a normal thing.

[@EatyourkimchiBonus]

Yes, we both have our Korean driver's license and we drive a scooter in Korea. We deal with the crappy driving by kicking people's doors when they try to merge without looking and kill us and we adapt by obeying the law while other people don't. :D

[@roseywinter]

Exactly what I want to know! I'm a digital film & video major, graduating next June and I want to work in Korea.

[@helenl3120]

Traffic in China really is awful. It's pretty much impossible to cross big streets on your own if you're only visiting for a week or so and are not familiar with the place.

[@nappybunny8221]

I live in a college town, and everybody knows to look both ways on a one way street for drunk bike riders... and to drive 10 below posted speed because apparently something happens to your common sense when you turn 18 and enter college where you can't look for cars before crossing the street or find a cross walk.

[@QuaintGirl13]

yea, driving china is pretty terrifying. Even though, we got into a taxi while running late for a train and out driver was the freaking transporter. He was swerving everywhere and go into the opposite lane and running lights, but we got to our train on time

[@margaritacamarillo8497]

This sounds like Mexico. My family almost got into many accidents and many drivers are pretty crazy. I live near the Mexico-USA border so you can sometimes tell who is from Mexico and isnt.

[@Anime789Luvr]

I totally agree with this. I spent a summer in China and it was horrible. There are literally cars everywhere. There are people everywhere too so instead of waiting at a crosswalk people will just run into the middle of the street dodge a whole butt load of cars and get to the other side. It's like seriously people does that even sound safe?

[@LawBunBuns]

Well the moment we got on the taxi it was at around 9000won, around every 5 seconds 1000won was added to it.

[@lilflowergrl]

When i was in China, the taxi I was in just straddled in between two lanes for meters and meters. Taxi driver's thinking: lane lines. What lane lines? I don't see no lane lines.

[@achanwahn]

6:10 especially true after what happened to poor Rose this year!

[@cutepatchesbunny]

when i went to china over the summer, i dont think the drivers even realized what a stop sign or red light was. and for crossing the streets, the drivers are all like "oh pedestrians...whatever theyll just move." and continue driving. and you have to weave through the never-ending traffic.

[@EddieJRIriias]

if you try driving in Honduras ( spacially in San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa) are the most crazy traffic you will see :/ La Ceiba´s traffic is the slowest you will see.

[@EEEHajuOnline]

This might've been asked before, but can you guise do video on who (the group/solo) introduced you to Kpop, and which groups are on your bias list? (Plus the groups you really really want to meet) Sounds silly, but I really can't decide which idols you like and which you don't :3 Oh and also, can you include what you like about them and what goals you'd like them to achieve :)

[@niseiv]

Well in the city of Mexico that I live in all the things mentioned in this video are pretty normal to me! I can see that in America and Canada people do respect the roads. But you get used to it eventually and you learn to drive Mexico style for survival or in your case Korean style.

[@nyna4541]

Gotta agree on the scooter driver issue! Was waiting at the traffic light at Itaewon and suddenly there was scooter out of nowhere just went up the sidewalk w/o giving any signal whatsoever. Thought its gonna hit us but i guess its just normal there to go on sidewalks. Understand now!

[@bbikegames8]

I remember when I was in KOrea and one of our main ways of transportations were taxis. My sis and I were FREAKED when we found that not a single one of them had seatbelts. Don't know if it's changed the last couple of years but when we went back we opted for the subway.

[@ColonelYao47]

When hearing about what happened to Ladies Code, I instantly thought of this video. Praying for the group through this incredibly horrible time...

[@CottonCandrea]

Its the same in big cities in Japan... look back and forth at least 5 times before crossing! However, with all the traffic and all the bikes, there is a surprisingly low amount of accidents...so, maybe its not a big deal for them. But as a foreigner I was totally blown away... walking down the sidewalk and trying to avoid bikes was hard enough, I never wanted to drive. PLUS there are bike lanes and directional arrows and NOBODY FOLLOWS THEM! T_T

[@lucidmind321]

dude Martina just got so much cooler with the mention of Katamari...definitely one of my favorite games of all time

[@larynthify]

I think it depends on where in China you are?? :0 Coz my dad and I went to Guang Zhou area of China and they do follow the traffic laws/rules! In Foshan, they still kinda follow it but there are few people who do not.

[@yiweizhu9327]

+larynthify i haven't been back to China for a few years, but from what i can recall, mostly it's the pedestrians and motopeds running red lights and stuff. Not too sure if that has changed

[@blingblingshineshine]

Eh they're are seatbelts in taxis in SG but no one bothers with them unless you sit in the front seat.

[@MusicForLivin]

I feel u bro!!!!! I really do!!! U said the most appropriate thing!!

[@JazzPawz]

You guys are always so funny and entertaining ^_^

[@Xengaa]

India terrified me when I went in 2002. I was 11 years old, and as soon as you walk outside the airport all you hear are horns going off from cars. I spent an 8 hour trip to my grandparents village hearing that SAME. During that trip I almost got hit by a scooter, I stood in one spot and this guy was heading right for me.

[@ccchoi]

when i went to korea, one thing i really hated was how people just push and shove to get through. i never heard an "excuse me" and the last day i was there and some lady pushed me i yelled at her in korean.

[@yoonh.7920]

actually there are sooo many one-way streets in Seoul so it's hard to know if it's one-way or not. so maybe that's why people are like that.

[@vixxcelacea2778]

I didn't understand at ALL why your guys' eyes hurt? Can anyone tell me why that was going on?

[@jjjinu88]

hey Im Korean but I migrated to Australia when i was in primary school so I have look for places to stay (if I dont want to bother my relatives..) so what i found was (since you and I dont have korean identification number its impossible to rent a place) this place called EvChain... i stayed there before and my frds also :) hope u find it suitable because they are cheaper than most hotels oh wells hope this helps!

[@xxCutenDeadlyxx]

I live in Canada and when I went back to China (Beijing-hometown) for the first time in 7 years, the traffic and driving scared the crap outta me. In the first two days, the taxis and my uncle's car nearly got into accidents atleast 5 times. No joke. This gigantic tour bus did a U turn in a one way street nearly sweeping us off the road. If I do go live in China or a while in the future, I wouldn't even dream of trying to get a license =_="

[@wadello453]

In China they drive like 100 k/m while making turns. Honestly everytime I get into a car in China I start panicking. Oh and what's worse is that the pedestrian lights basically don't exist because everyone ignores them and as soon as the light turns green and you're still crossing, you either get run over or millions of cars beeping at you and there's always sooo many cars on the roads

[@gwacie98]

In a big scale production, you'd only be able to get smaller parts, especially if you look like a foreigner/have an accent. Foreigners rarely get large parts in shows or movies. Looks are also very important, especially for larger roles.

[@GameFuMaster]

you could always hope to be a hit star foreign, korean speaking actor. I know there's two big stars in Hong Kong, one is caucasian the other indian, they speak fluent cantonese and appear in shows quite regularly.

[@kimbangpow]

It is not how fast you can race a car that matters, it's how safe it is for both yourself, others on the road and pedestrians.

[@seline001]

Singapore is quite safe .. Like a red light is a right light and if a car go pass a red light they will get fine

[@titemartiniquaise]

wait in France they understand the concept of red light but it's more complicated for the orange one. because instead of slow down they go faster because they don't want to ne stopped for two minutes and then the light turn into red so....yes...it's dangerous...