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 😂

[@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

[@itsdenjoymalik]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@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. :)

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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. . _ .

[@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 !

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@leannyly]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!!!

[@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.

[@anjali_nair]

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

[@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).

[@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?

[@FaithCatherine]

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

[@makacakeee]

Hi Simon and Martina! I have a question regarding music programs in Korea. Are there things like music classes taught in or outside of school? I know pop music is big, but what about more classical-type music? Are there any bands, choirs, orchestras, operas, musicals, etc? Or any jobs for music teachers? Thank you so much ^_^

[@simz5539]

ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ스쿠터 개뿜음 ㅋㅋㅋ고생 많아요 재밌게 잘 보고 있습니다 다른 영상들도 자막 있으면 좋겠어요 ㅋ

[@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

[@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.

[@theoccasionalasian76]

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

[@MusicForLivin]

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

[@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.

[@lucidmind321]

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

[@TheSparkypomgirl]

lol its funny how in most korean dramas the main guy is always doing those crazy turns on his fancy sports car......but in reality.....driving isn't that great in korea XD I love ur videos! keep it up! and don't worry about those people below....u have the right to state your opinion especially if its from your own personal experience :) and its GREAT advice for those thinking of moving there in the future

[@bigworld3025]

totally agree with what you said! Driving in Korea is crazy and people need to change this!

[@qorwlsdud369]

Hey Simon and Martina! How do you find the Korean Food Disposal System? I know that North America has those "grinder" in the sink so theres no need to throw out the left over foods, but in Korea its quite different, eh? Were you shocked in the first place? Are you used to it now? Or do you use specific food disposal machine, where it dries all the food etc? Love to hear from you guys!

[@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.

[@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

[@CandyyMushroom]

Hey Simon and Martina ^^ I'm curious about the process that you went through when moving to Korea? I know that moving to new countries can be a really stressful/difficult/costly thing, and I was wondering what sort of things you had to go through and how long it took for you to organize it all?

[@djangoattitude]

I enjoy your show and have learned quite a lot from you guys. One thing...call me a music snob or whatever, but is there any OTHER music scenes in Korea besides the kpop or modern popular N. American music? I'm a jazz enthusiast...I'm not expecting much and most people prolly don't care, but I'm hoping to teach there and I'm wondering what I should be expecting.

[@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!

[@JazzPawz]

You guys are always so funny and entertaining ^_^

[@sam0318]

aaah good times lol i remember just closing my eyes and hope the driver knows what he is doing! No wonder my family that lives there is so religious! even i was praying like crazy!

[@memyselfandi2210]

Hi! I'm an avid reader of fanfics and I've been thinking about this question. Since you two are teachers in Korea, I would like to ask if there's such a thing as kingka/queenka in Korean schools. E.g. f4 in the bof drama. Thanks!! ^(oo)^

[@MisskacangPink]

Hi Simon and Martina...I'm kinda new with both of you,I knew about EYK from one of my friend.He said that both of u teach in English so I'm getting more interested with u guys since now I'm taking TESL course.Last week,my sis told me that Korean only learn basic grammar in high school...so,I'm really curious about what u guys teach the Korean students in school.Can u tell me in details about how u became a teacher in Korea n what do you teach in school? Thank u. :)

[@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

[@keixa03]

just like Panama + the non-stop honking (even at freaking 3 a.m.!)

[@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.

[@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!!

[@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

[@DendenTozzan]

Hey Simon & Martina, how do you determine age in Korea? I know Taemin of SHINee is the same age as I am, but sometimes, he or other idols state their ages being one or even two years older than he really is. Also, can the extra years affect when someone begins school, reach legal adolescence/adulthood, and purchase items restricted for adults? THANKS! :D

[@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.

[@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 :)

[@CottonCandrea]

Can you film some examples?? I'm really curious to see the craziness. Also I want to see your protective Spudgy wall.

[@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...

[@roseywinter]

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

[@maryktify]

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

[@onlykismet]

LOL you guys ..this is so funny, you seem so Canadian (I guess)...this not only happens in Korea, in Mexico is the same, I guess you needed to stay more days in Mexico to find out HAHA so yeah, for me it's normal to look both sides of the street ALWAYS, to not cross the streets even in red light until the cars have stopped and stuff like that...so yeah...this not only happens in Korea, it's funny because you sound so shocked about it but to me is like "....isn't it the normal thing?" LOL

[@TheNaima1997]

Hi Simon and Martina! I really like the South Korea, and I would one day like to go there to study Korean ... but I can only the basics of Korean, would I still get by if I could just a little Korean? I'm studying Korean at home by myself now. And, what do the Koreans about foreigners? Will I be accepted by them?

[@Densongful]

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

[@polkadotpiggy]

How is spacing in korea? Like in america, most people have houses versus korea and apartments? Does the limited space hinder daily activities you would be able to do in north america?

[@TheProjectNICE]

haha very true the best part is when they get to train tracks and they fill up both sides of the road and no one can move once the barrier comes up

[@Yingying11999]

Hey~~~~~Got a question here! About the korean subways, train, AREX...etc. Can you guys make a video of having a tour on trains? (If you have time for that...) And about the train tickets, T-cards...I'm so confuse because there are so many of them...Help me! Thank you :D

[@adamnewland9990]

i love the driving its efficient to the max

[@wggemm]

And oh! Scooters! I was so surprised to see adults driving their scooters, here in China, with their 5 year old child stood in front of them between them (sat on the seat) and the handles. I can hear cars beeping as I was typing this up haha.

[@Vampiratez]

I had to thumbs this one up. Just visualizing this was hilarious. :D

[@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!

[@stevanimq3436]

LOL! :'D Korean Delivery Scooter guys resemble those motorcyclists in Jakarta!

[@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.

[@kylah5799]

I love those glasses simon ...aloooot!!!!

[@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.

[@xXxmikuandkaitoxXx]

I'm planning on visiting China and South Korea after I graduate this coming June. Are there any places that I HAVE TO GO TO because they are just that amazing? And where should I go/what should I buy to learn at least basic Korean? My uncle lives in China and so he's going to help me with mandarin, but he knows absolutely none Korean.

[@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

[@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.

[@Jeonimym]

You two should put up a video of just driving/walking around and recording all the bad driver moments.

[@qorwlsdud369]

Also, what do you think about Korean Advertisements or TV shows? Cause in Canada, top stars barely appear on advertisements which is quite different from Korea. not to mention about the TV shows too. Like, theres this "Real Variety Show" in Korean while Canada has usually what so called "drama" in Korea right?

[@ELFskimo]

I have been wondering about something for quite some time now, and I hope you can answer my question. During introductions in Korea, should foreigners say their last name first or not? Also, if somebody asks your age, would you tell them the answer according to the North American or the Korean system? If this is subjective, how do you know? If you do it wrong, what's a good way to recover? Thanks. ^^

[@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.

[@PiguProMax]

Martina is looking great!

[@Kristenmjp]

you guys are always sick :( it makes me sad Pls always watch your health! ♥ I love you guys!!

[@ColonelYao47]

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

[@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.

[@Nush222]

I know you made a video whether S. Korea is an expensive place to live. And I am pretty sure you arent ask about apartments. Are there different types? If so how are they different and which one would you recommend for someone moving on there own. Whats usually the price rang? ect. Also is gas expensive there? Also what would you recommend or what advice would you give for someone moving to S. Korea for their very first time on there own. Thank you have a good one & Blessings

[@Dianaflora2]

Question, Do you have any foreign friends who dated Korean boys/girls ? and is the society okay with them dating or marrying ? now i know you talked about something like that in one of your videos, i just wish you can declare that more!

[@colossaloctopus]

the reflections on simons glasses give him cartoon eyes :)

[@Himesua]

THANK YOU!!! I have asked this 3 times :D

[@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

[@TheBabylolliepop]

whoa i was looking at the comments while i was waiting for the ad to end and i saw your comment lol

[@sygod35]

Every little detail is so true!!!!! Except nickun and daesung . Driving in kore is so crazy!! It 's also because the land is so small and the population is so large

[@vividnuiso]

hahaha omg you are right!! those scooter delivery guys bring the Jjajangmyun and pizza etc while they're hot, but sooo many accidents... So people, if you go to Korea, take the subway! That's better than any other country:D

[@indierocker223]

Pleeeeeease do an entire video of you guys talking Korean (with subtitles of course...!) I really want to know how fluent you guys are! :--)

[@YuriYonnjiKim]

It's so true that you have to constantly look at both sides of the road when you're trying to cross it LOL. Last time I visited, I forgot that I was in Korea and tried walking across the road without thinking and then got yelled at by a driver...ugh I'm too used to Canada now LOL

[@mikeloOdium]

Hi there! Well, I'd like to ask Simon, about going to Gym in korea, and that kind of stuff. Howe do korean people look at muscle guys and stuff. Thanks! :D

[@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.