Korean Driving

So it occured to me yesterday while on the bus, to THANK GOD for making it through the bus ride. (Both to and from school). When we first arrived in Korea we were told that the transportation system was cheap and fast. We assumed the subway and buses were on time and of course cheap. Well they definitely are cheap. It's less than a dollar for one way and only charges more depending on the amount of time spent on your particular mode of transportation.

Taxis are also super cheap. Most start at a base fare of $2.25. And then only go up 10-20 cents every few m/km. (not sure which...) This makes returning home after a night of drinking incredibly easy. I just have to know how to say Suwon Station and I'm on my way. Keeping in mind the entire time that this driver has my life in his hands and maybe, just maybe, if I don't pay attention to his driving I won't have a panic attack.

I take the bus every day: To and From school. I have two choices for routes: 31 (the more direct route of the two) or 30 (less direct but stops at a Dunkin Donuts near my school). I realized yesterday that I should watch for which bus I take in the afternon because HOLY CRAP if I take the 30 on my way home, I obviously have a death wish that day.

Since being here i have not seen one accident, which is a shock in and of itself. There are little to no traffic laws here. And if there are, no one (not even police) follow them. The buses are flat fronted so they (without hesitation) pull up on the back end of another car or bus. My 30 bus driver never stays inside his lane, frequently has bursts of Korean road rage, and tailgates every single motor vehicle on the road. AND THEN proceeds to honk them out of the way. Regardless of whether or not it's a red light. When I mentioned that my driver doesn't stay in his lane, I don't mean it's like driving on I-85 in traffic, he drives on the OTHER side of the road, if need be.

There are a ton of people here, and most take public transportation, but there are a fair amount of car owners and taxis on the road. Thus, Monday morning traffic is just as we all know and love it. However, if you are a big green bus, you can just honk and wrangle your way through ALL lanes to get where you need to be.

Once you arrive at your destination, say a silent (or not so silent depending on how bad the ride was) prayer that you made it safely.