by Fin Madden
 |
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.
