⚠️ Top foreign-driver mistakes: unprotected left turns without yielding, average-speed zone tickets, school-zone hours.
Basics (Jeju included)
- Drive on the right, steering wheel on the left
- Seat belts all seats · No handheld phone
- Jeju: no expressways, tolls, or Hi-Pass
- Child seat required under age 6; under 13 in back seat recommended
Speed limits (signs override)
| Road | Typical limit |
|---|---|
| Urban (1 lane each way) | 60 km/h |
| Urban (2+ lanes) | 80 km/h |
| Rural / coastal / mountain | 60–80 km/h |
| School zone | ≤30 km/h |
School / silver zones & cameras
- School zones: often 08:00–20:00, doubled fines
- Silver zones: elderly pedestrian areas
- Average-speed enforcement: maintain limit for entire section
- Many fixed & mobile cameras — enable alerts in Naver/Kakao Map
Signals, left turns & lanes
- Left turn only with arrow signal or an unprotected left turn sign (often labeled in Korean) — yield to pedestrians & oncoming traffic
- Green light often means straight only — check arrow
- Left lane: passing/turning only
- Drink-driving: ≥0.03% BAC illegal
Confusing for visitors
- Roundabouts: rare — yield to traffic already inside
- Unprotected left turn: you are often liable even if light is green
- Bus stops: yield to buses re-entering traffic
- Parking: arrive before 9 AM at popular sights in peak season
- Narrow lanes & stone walls: mirror & scratch risk at tourist villages
Road culture
- Hazard lights = hard braking or “thanks” for letting you merge
- Use Naver Map or Kakao Map for cameras & traffic
- Slow down on coastal/mountain roads in rain or fog