Pedestrian Hazards, Korea
When using public transit, you will have to walk a little. Following are some of the things you should watch out for when walking. In Korea’s Confucian-oriented society, those with engines outrank those on foot (or engine-less).
Red lights
It seems in Seoul that red traffic lights are merely suggestions much of the time. The main offenders are taxis and buses, however there are many instances where all traffic just keeps on going. Be careful when you take off from a green light that there is no traffic coming the other way.
Crosswalks / pedestrian crossings
* This is also another trap for newcomers. DO NOT be the first one the step off the curb. Just because there walk light has turned GREEN does not mean that the traffic has stopped. Quite often traffic will continue for at least a few cars or one bus once they have been given the RED light to stop. *Pedestrian crossings are often placed one to two car lengths back from the light/intersection, which means that vehicles that stop in front of the crossing may have to wait a few seconds until all the pedestrians have gotten across before they can proceed on the green light. In impatient Korea, this is waaaay too long to wait. So, cars, taxis and buses, will try to get to the other side of the crossing as the light turns red in order to be ready for takeoff the second the light is green……sometimes the split second before. So, even though you see the little green man - which is your signal to start walking across, look to make sure a speeding bullet in the shape of a car or bus isn’t heading toward you.
Flashing pedestrian green light
Your signal to cross comes in the shape of a green man at most crossings. At a wider intersection, the man will begin flashing immediately, while at others it will happen a few seconds later. If you’re new to Seoul or haven’t been at that crossing before, best not to venture forth when the light is flashing as it is meant to indicate that the light could change soon. Once you know the area, you’ll be able to calculate how much time you really have. Once the traffic light green, it’s often like a race with the waiting cars all brace to see who takes off first. Beware the unwary pedestrian.
Amber light
Amber lights are like a hiccup between the green and red lights, meaning they last a couple of seconds only. The light is green, then there is a flash of amber before it goes to red. It’s no wonder sometimes that drivers don’t stop fast enough – especially as Seoul drivers do tend to have lead feet.
Taxi pick-up/drop-off stops
Seoul taxi drivers appear to have a strong aversion to getting too near the curb. When someone flags them down, they either stop right there in the traffic lane or pull slightly to the right – never mind that there may be cars behind them. If the drivers following are lucky, the taxi may indicate a right turn, but most often not. Same when they drop off passengers – you can expect to walk out or from your taxi to the curb so look carefully to make sure no car is driving to get past your taxi.
Passing on the right
Drivers generally try to avoid obstacles in their path, like a car stopped in front of them or not going fast enough, by getting around them. As a result, passing on the right is more the norm than the exception. If you are getting in or out of a taxi or bus, beware of the car who sees your bus or taxi as a mere obstacle to circumvent.
Turns – left or U
Left turns are not allowed at most major intersections leaving vehicles to either drive a number of city blocks to where they can make a legal U-turn or to go around the block. If a left-turn is allowed, it cannot be made on a green light only on a green turn light. This is why it is best to flag a taxi going in the direction you need to go to reach your destination – if you got it wrong, expect to either have the driver refuse to take you (he’ll point to the other side of the road usually) or to spend a lot of time and money turning around.
K4E Editor's Note: Korea4Expats.com wants to provide you with as complete and accurate information as possible, so should you find any errors or omissions in the contents above please let us know at info@korea4expats.com
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