Safe Cycling in Korean Cities: Bike Lanes, Etiquette, and Fines
Last spring, I watched a delivery cyclist weave through pedestrians on a sidewalk in Gangnam, narrowly missing a mother with a stroller. Minutes later, I saw another rider get pulled over by police for the exact same behavior. The difference? One knew the rules, the other clearly didn't. In Korean cities, cycling sits in an interesting gray zone—it's encouraged as eco-friendly transport, yet the infrastructure and enforcement can feel inconsistent depending on which district you're in. If you're planning to cycle in Seoul, Busan, or any other Korean city, understanding where you can ride, how locals expect you to behave, and what mistakes can actually cost you money makes the experience much safer and less stressful. This isn't about memorizing traffic law—it's about reading the unwritten rules that keep everyone moving smoothly. Table of Contents The Reality of Bike Lanes in Korean Cities Where You're Actually Allowed to Ride ...