Road Markings and Lane Colors

Basic Rules

1. A solid line usually means do not cross.
2. A broken line usually means crossing is allowed.
3. A solid line and a broken line together usually mean only one side may cross.
4. Double lines are often used to show a stronger restriction.

Yellow Lines

Yellow lines usually separate traffic moving in opposite directions.

• Solid line: Do not cross.
• Broken line: Temporary crossing may be allowed, but be very careful.

⚠️ On narrow roads with limited parking, vehicles sometimes cross the center line temporarily.

White Lines

White lines separate lanes going in the same direction.

• Solid line: Lane change prohibited.
• Broken line: Lane change allowed.

⚠️ Using your turn signal for at least 3 seconds before changing lanes is considered good driving etiquette.

Blue Lines (Bus-Only Lanes)

Blue lanes are bus-only lanes.

• Solid line: Do not enter.
• Broken line: Temporary entry may be allowed.

How Do Bus Lanes Work?

1️⃣ Center Bus Lane

Bus lanes in the center of the road are usually operated 24 hours a day.

Regular vehicles should not enter these lanes.

2️⃣ Curbside Bus Lane

Bus lanes along the side of the road are often operated only during certain hours.

Always check the signs.

Outside operating hours, regular vehicles may use these lanes.

3️⃣ Highway Bus Lane

Highway bus lanes are usually time-based.

The rules are slightly different.

In addition to buses, vehicles with 9–12 seats may use the lane when 6 or more people are riding in the vehicle.

Guide Lines

Guide lines help drivers follow the correct direction.

• Straight guide line
• Left-turn guide line
• Exit guide line (pink / green)
• Hi-Pass guide line

Curbside Lane

The curbside lane is the lane next to the sidewalk. It is usually the rightmost lane on city streets, but not every rightmost lane is a curbside lane.

It often indicates parking or stopping rules.

This is different from simply being the rightmost lane on a road or highway.

They do not usually tell drivers where to go, but rather what is allowed along the side of the road.

[ → See the Parking Guide ]

Road Markings, Traffic Signals, and Signs

You will commonly see:

SLOW (천천히)

No entry (진입금지)

One-way Street (일방통행)

Caution Area

School zone

Flashing red signal

Enforcement and Regulations

Traffic violations may be reported by :

• 👮‍♂️ Police officers
• 📸 Traffic cameras
• 📱 Citizen reports

Be careful even when no police officer is visible.

Speed Limits

Korea has many speed cameras.

Always follow road signs, road markings, and navigation guidance.

Typical speed limits:

• Urban roads: 30–80 km/h
• Highways: 90–110 km/h
• Protected zones: 20–50 km/h

⚠️ Penalties are much higher in school zones.

Tip :

Many Korean drivers slow down before speed cameras.

If you are unsure, matching the general traffic flow can help reduce mistakes.‍

[See Traffic Fines in Korea]

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Highways

Lane 1 Is a Passing Lane

Lane 1 is generally used for overtaking.

Avoid staying in Lane 1 for long periods at a constant speed.

Toll Gates and Hi-Pass

Tolls can be paid using:

• Cash
• Card
• Hi-Pass

Traditional Hi-Pass Lanes

Usually limited to 30 km/h.

Multi-Lane Hi-Pass

Newer multi-lane Hi-Pass systems allow vehicles to pass more naturally. The speed limit is often up to 80 km/h.

⚠️ If you have already entered a Hi-Pass lane, do not make a sudden lane change even if you do not have a Hi-Pass card. A sudden lane change is much more dangerous.

⚠️ Unpaid tolls can usually be checked and paid later using the vehicle number.

Rest Areas and Drowsy Driver Rest Stops

Highways have many rest areas and drowsy driver rest stops.

If you feel sleepy, stop and rest.

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Driving Culture

Hazard Lights

In Korea, Hazard Lights are sometimes used for simple communication.

The meaning depends on the situation.

Window Tint

Many vehicles in Korea have dark window tint. As a result, it is often difficult to see the driver inside another vehicle.

Pay attention to vehicle movement and signals rather than trying to make eye contact.

If you need to communicate with another driver, rolling down your window is often the easiest option.

"Ppalli-Ppalli" (Hurry-Hurry) Culture

Korean drivers are often in a hurry.

• If you do not move soon after a green light, someone may honk.
• In a lane shared by straight traffic and right-turn traffic, drivers behind you may honk while waiting to turn right. If you are stopped legally, you can ignore it.
• Lane 1 on highways is a passing lane. Many Korean drivers dislike vehicles cruising there for a long time.
• There are many delivery motorcycles. They may appear fast or aggressive.
• Some taxis may drive aggressively because they are working.

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