Thanks Joe.. At least I know now.. LOL

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"To disagree with me is your human right. To argue with me just because you think you are right and want to see me wrong makes you legally retarded."

I do agree with you Mr. Joe but when you say THEORY....I have to disagee with you....

This book is written in so much detail that their is very little "GREY" area.

That paragraph says when the "signal is green"

If you look at everything else, it ALWAYS states when you have "GREEN ARROW" then you can turn left....and in this statement is says "GREEN LIGHT"

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CH-47 SI

They must find it difficult...

Those who have taken authority as the truth, rather than truth as the authority. --Gerald Massey

Sorry Again. USFK Pam 385-2,
Page 3.

e. Unprotected left turns.
(1) An unprotected left turn is allowed only where the pertinent sign is installed.
(2) An unprotected left turn is allowed when your signal is green and when there is
sufficient clearance between you and the opposing traffic. In case of traffic conflict, however, the responsibility for signaling falls onto left-turning vehicles.

The word only in (1) is the key. Call the driver's school if you still have a problem.

I hate driving here... I just had to throw that in! But I really do hate driving here!

I do it as a part of my job, but I knew that early on, and I've done it for over 6 years total in Korea. I can understand it is difficult, but if you start early and expect the worst, you can survive. Type "A" personality folks will have a lot of stress if they try to apply U.S. Driving logic, I know. It is different. It is perfectly understandable that many "Hate" driving here. There are, fortunately, good subways and pretty fast buses, for reasonable prices. And the cabs are not nearly as expensive as the U.S. Actually, unless it is part of your job, there is no reason to drive and hassle with parking if you learn to ride the subway, buses and trains. With the increase in fuel costs here, as well as the U.S., and the cost of upkeep and insurance, not to mention accidents due to traffic congestion, I say it is no longer advisable for military folks to bring an automobile to Korea. Really! If you get here, and absolutely miss driving, it is SO easy to get a decent used vehicle here for a reasonable price. Really!

Actually, Mr Joe's description of driving in Korea is very abbreviated. I'm an old timer in Korea - since 1995 - and I could write a book on Korean driving habits. I normally enjoy my life here; accept when I get behind the wheel, which I've been doing for 10 years now.

When many Koreans get behind the wheel they seem to lose all semblance of rationality. This is Korea after all, where one must get used to the notion of "If I don't know you, I don't see you," which helps to explain the rudeness and ill manners of Korean drivers, and the society in general.

I've always viewed driving in Korea like playing an arcade game; albeit, a very lethal one.

I must drive everyday to and from my workplace, apartment, and house. When I do, I do so defensively, which has kept me accident free for all of these years. I did the same while working in Mexico, but in Korea, I take it to the extreme.

Just so, I still confront Korean drivers who have nearly caused an accident. "Why do you drive like that?" I ask. Some apologize while others get angry and drive off in a hurry.

In my own small way, I try to teach Koreans good, sensible, driving habits by example. I obey all traffic rules, even when the police don't (and they don't.)

So, folks, get your anger issues under control if you have any and get ready to rock and roll!

You have some good points, old timer. Actually, The wife and I first drove officially on our second tour in 1972 and '73 in Seoul. There was about half the traffic back then. My wife drove our Chevrolet Wagon all over, even to Osan. She doesn't drive now unless she has to. It is frustrating to take an hour to drive 18 miles, (Not Kilometers) on a super highway, no less!
As Monica Lewinski's boyfriend Bill said, "I feel your pain".
I'll stick with taking other transportation most of the time. It saves money and aggravation!

Ok, so just curious about another thing.. I've witnessed...

Do ambulances not yield or slow down at intersections here?

Also, why are there tow trucks EVERYWHERE? Even on the side of the highway?

I have my guide to safe driving thing somewhere, but am also curious how many tickets you can get before they pull your license? I thought it was 6 violations in 6 months?

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"To disagree with me is your human right. To argue with me just because you think you are right and want to see me wrong makes you legally retarded."

LOL sounds very confusing!

Another item of interest in Korea where traffic is concerned is the stupid tow trucks that drive like a bat out of hell, with no regard for anyone. The siren on these vehicles is like an ambulance so I guess they assume you will get out of the way. What it boils down to, is these guys race to see who gets to the seen of an accident first (means $$ for them). They will go to the extent of driving down the wrong side of the street to get where they are going and run red lights as well..so beware! Had a couple close calls where one was headed right towards me in my lane.