by Fin Madden
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There are many theories about the legality of riding bikes here. Take it from somebody who has been wedged under, bounced off, or landed on most models from the local Hyundai plant; being legal is a must. Here is the down and dirty of how to get a license, register, and insure your bike. It is commonly believed that you need a license for any bike over 50cc’s. This is not true; you need a drivers license to drive ANY bike that has more than pedals. Your home license is NOT enough, you must have either an international drivers permit, or a Korean drivers license. The international drivers license is only issued in your home country, and it’s only valid for one year. A Korean license is not difficult to get and if you are Canadian, congratulations, you just won a prize.
Of all the foreign countries, Canada is the only one where you can simply exchange your license for a 2 Jongbutong, or level 2 car license. This makes it legal for you to drive a regular car (less than 13 passengers) and a 124.9cc motorbike or scooter. For anything over 124.9ccs you need a motorbike license. The test is simple to arrange through the drivers office, and happens every first and third Thursday of the month.
You arrive, pay your 5000 won and wait in a viewing room as various people make asses out of themselves. They give you a 250cc Hyosung Mirage which you have no time to aquaint yourself with, and then you have to ride through the four challenges. If you put your foot down or hit a sensor you get a fault, one fault, okay, two faults goodbye. It is simply steering and balance, there is no braking involved in the test. To get any license you need at least 3 passport sized photos of yourself, your alien card, and a Korean speaking friend. Now you’ve got a license...it’s time to insure that bike.
You do not have to have license plates for a 50cc bike, nor do you need insurance...but it’s not a bad idea. For anything over 50cc’s you need to register your bike with the district office, or -gu office. Again, this seems simple, but without a Korean speaker, you are going to spend the better part of your life in waiting rooms drinking stale coffee.
The most foreign friendly insurance company is Hyundai. Their first level of coverage is 10 million won to the other guy’s car, and limitless to the other person. 50cc costs about 90,000 won, 125cc is about 110,000 won, and anything larger will cost you a bit more. The second level of insurance is maximun 20 million on the car, so if, like me, you like hitting luxury cars, this might be for you. 50cc will cost you 275,000 won, and above will cost you over 300,000 won. The third level of insurance is probably best if you do not have medical insurance. It will cost you around 450,000 won, but it covers 25 million to the car, unlimited to the other person, and 15 million for yourself.
Unfortunately there is NO theft insurance currently available for your bike, so the only thing you can do is lock it up, twice or three times if necessary. You’ll need to have your alien card, driver’s license and a Korean friend to do all the telephone work for insurance.
To sell a bike you have to have your alien card, the certificate with the big seal, and the number plate (unless it’s 50cc). If not the bike is likely stolen, and it might get seized by the police with no recompensation. The two best guys to help you sort through everything are Jay at Bangeojin Autobike, and Mr. Goh at Daegyung in Bangeojin. To get to the drivers license office, take hwy 24 to Eonyang and head through town, following signs for Seoknamsa. After Eonyang you will see signs for the Drivers Licenses Examination center. It’s on the left.
How to acquire a Motorcycle licence in Korea
As long as you have a valid driver's licence in another country, you can come to Korea and simply take the motorcycle test. You can ride a 125cc bike in Korea with no special licence. You will also have to do an eye test. If you don't have a license for a car, you will have to do the written exam. The Korean heavy motorcycle test is a special license designed for bikes of 125cc's and up. It consists of four parts: a crank course (2x 90 degree turns), an S-curve, a slalom, and a straight line. The bike is a haggard-looking Hyosung Mirage. You have one chance at success and no practice time. There is a 20 second break between the four different parts of the course allowing the rider to move into position and prepare for the next challenge. You can only put your foot down once and crossing a sensor outside the yellow painted lines results in failure. Most people fail on the first turn of the crank course. [http://koreabridge.net/discussion/how-acquire-motorcycle-licence-korea]
Getting a Motorcyle Licence has become easier in recent years for both Koreans and Expats since a lot more people in both groups have become interested in motorcyles either for fun or for getting around in the city. Previously, motorcycles were mainly used for deliveries. Note: Even though you may see people riding motorcycles - often quite fast - on the sidewalk, it is illegal to do so!
A license is required if you are going to drive a motorcylce. As of 2010, all motorcycle license applicants must pass a test (previously this was not necessary if one had a driver's license). Best to arrive early and register for the test since people are taken on a first registered-first served basis. Unlike car license, motorcycle license can be acquired in a day if you get there early enough. It is also possible to stop by a few days earlier to register for a specific day/time.
Types of Motorcycle License
If you want to drive a motorcycle over 125cc, you need to apply for second small class category (이종소형 ijongsohyung). For a bike that is less than 125cc, you need a motorbike category (원동기 wondonggi).
Where to Get a Motorcycle License:
Motorcycle license tests are available through designated car license agencies in Seoul and elsewhere in Korea. Not all car licensing agencies can give motorcycle licenses, so check first. In Seoul, there are three designated agencies:
Seobu Driver's License Agency, Tel 02-37507185 - there have sometimes been English speaking staff
Dongbong Driver's License, Tel 02-934-7004 - usually Korean speaker only
Gangseo Driver's License Agency, Tel 02-2661-0357 - usually Korean speaker only
Directions:
Seobu Driver’s License Agengy: Go out Exit 2 of the World Cup Stadium Station (stop 619) - Go straight. You'll pass by a convenience store which is about 5 minutes away from the exit - take the #08 bus and get off at the "Seoboo Driver's License Center". It is 4 ~ 5 stops away from where you take the bus. You will be able to see a big apartment complex called World Cup Apt. and the agency is right next to it. MAP
Dongbong Driver’s License Agengy: Go out Exit 8 of Nowon Station (stop 411, 713) - Go straight. You'll see a crosswalk which is about 100m away from the exit. Cross the road and walk straight, the license agency is on your left side, 150m away from the crosswalk. MAP
Gangseo Driver’s License Agengy: Go out Exit 2 of Balsan Stadium Station (stop 515) - Go straight. You'll see a bus stop 10m away from the exit - take the #6642 bus and get off at the " Gangseo Driver's License Center". It is 6 stops away from where you take the bus. MAP
Process:
1. Fill out an application form at thereception and pay the fee (see details under 'Cost' below). Note that the form is in Korean but the staff will usually help foreign nationals fill it out.
2. Traffic Safety Training, which takes an hour and is provided by the agency for free. This training is mandatory prior to taking the written test. Note: the test can be taken in English.
3. Physical - Appllication must undergo a minor physical exam, which can also be taken at a hospital (but the cost will be higher). :
4. Taking the written knowledge test.
5. Undergo a Techinical Skills Test. Should the applicant fail this test, s/he can apply to take it again the next day (taken it twice on the same day is not permitted).
6. Issuance of the motorcycle driver's license.
Documents required:
- Passport
- 3 passport size photos
- Alien Registration Card
Cost:
Application fee for second small class: 17,000won (Physical test 5,000won+Knowledge text 6,000won, Technical Skill Test 6,000won)
Application fee for second small class: 14,000won (Physical test 5,000won+Knowledge text 4,000won, Technical Skill Test 5,000won)
Cost for Issuance of Driver’s license: 6,000won
See more information on http://dl.koroad.or.kr/license/en/sub/examExemt.jsp
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