Motorcycle Q

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I am thinking of buying a motorcycle for Busan and to take small trips... I have never owned one so I am trying to learn as much as possible! Help me out!!! Tell me about your experience  with your motorcycle in Busan!!! Any recommendations? Problems?

Can you park it on any sidewalk- such as in Haeundae/Seomyeon? How are the Korean drivers- maniacs or no? Do you need an international license? General information NEEDED!!!

Re: Motorcycle Q

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-Korean drivers are definitely maniacs...be careful
-Parking on the sidewalk is ok.

-You can trade in your license  for a Korean one after taking a written test.
--International Licenses are not good enough...I got a 700,000won fine for driving 1000CC bike with only an international license.
-Most people don't have licenses or insurance when driving 125CC or less. Usually it's ok, even if you get questioned by the police....but...if you get into an accident (like me) you will get in trouble. Also, if you hurt someone with no insurance...you're f*cked. Insurance isn't cheap, but it's not expensive either.
-Korean bikes are cheaper to maintain...but also break down more often. If you know nothing about bikes...I suggests a Korean bike.
-never pass on the left...u-turns are legal here...
-if you pass cars in stopped traffic, never do it on the right side, you will take out a taxi door and yourself out. OUCH!

Re: Motorcycle Q

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Wait- Why is the IDL no good here? Isn't the point of an IDL (assuming it has an A class mark) to bypass local rigors, you know, in the spirit of international cooperation and friendship and all that jazz? Sounds like a racket to me.

Re: Motorcycle Q

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Thats great advice there! The biggest piece of advice is to go get a Korean license. If you already have one from your home country, it might be easier to trade that for a Korean one, which is what I did. Check the Korean Driver's License Agency. They have English on their site and tests in English.

Buy a Korean bike, but expect that you will have to pay at least once to twice a year to repair the engine or something. They are very high maintainence bikes. Depending on how much money you have, if you have a lot, you might want to get a Japanese bike. They are better, but they cost more money to buy.

Re: Motorcycle Q

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You guys know how long it takes to cross Busan on a motorcycle? I live in Saha, but like Haeundae.... how is driving at night here?

ben

Re: Motorcycle Q

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from saha to Haeundae is about 40min if you know the shortcuts, about an hour if you just follow the subway line. driving at night is no problem just wear reflective clothing and it gets very cold in the winter.