Rules of the Road

You didn't hear it from me, but Korea is an overlooked riding destination. Overlooked because Japan is next door, bigger and more famous, but also because of the North's constant tantrums. South Korea is effectively an island because there's no passing through the DMZ or North Korea. World tourers therefore need to fly or ship their bikes in for what is a fairly small country. What it lacks in square footage, it makes up for in elevation changes. Very mountainous and very developed, the twisties are well-paved and continuous from the sub-tropical islands in the south to the ski slopes in the north.

Great twisties and, effectively, no speed enforcement means you can have the ride you want to have and not have to worry. Traffic enforcement amounts to speed cameras that only capture the front and occasional police presence monitoring people running traffic lights or alcohol checks. Lack of patrol cars applies to cars, too, so you do need to be careful about thoughtless drivers drifting into your lane, pulling out in front of you, not indicating turns, and running red lights.

South Korean law makes it illegal (not just a traffic violation) to ride any kind of motorcycle on toll roads, expressways, and motorways.Toll workers on toll roads and expressways will come out of their booths and risk both of your lives to block you, so if you ever accidentally get on an on-ramp, go to the far right and look for a U-turn. Motorways are dual carriageways on major arteries that have no toll but still restrict bikers. These you have to be more careful about because the sign is usually after the last possible exit. Outside of a major metropolitan area, you're probably safe to continue on and will likely see other riders, but it is ride at your own risk.