Driving in Korea (2024)

Driving in Korea (1)BICYCLE

[Bicycle Sample Image]
Any two or three wheel device having operative capability by human propulsion (pedals). When a bicycle is operated by a child under the age of 13, the bicycle is considered a play vehicle and may be operated on a sidewalk. Persons age 13 and older shall operate bicycles in bike lanes, on bicycle paths and on roadways when operating the bicycle on any USFK military installation. If a bicycle is motorized, it is considered a Personal Transportation Device.​​

Driving in Korea (2)MOTOR SCOOTER

[Traditional Motor ScooterSample Image][Electric Motor Scooter (>60KPH)Sample Image]
Any powered two or three wheeled vehicle having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider having an engine size less than or equal to 125 cubic centimeters or equivalent size electric motor and capable of exceeding speeds of 60 KPH or greater on level ground. A motor scooter must be registered with the Korean vehicle registration office and must have a Korean license plate fixed to the vehicle. A motor scooter must also be registered in DBIDS.

Driving in Korea (3)MOTORCYCLE

[Touring MotorcycleSample Image][Sports MotorcycleSample Image]
Any powered two or three wheeled vehicle having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider having an engine size greater than 125 cubic centimeters or equivalent size electric motor and that can exceed 60 kilometers per hour on level ground. A motorcycle is larger and heavier than a motor scooter and its engine lives in the frame. The driver’s feet sit on pegs on the outside of the motorcycle. A motorcycle must be registered with the Korean vehicle registration office and must have a Korean license plate fixed to the vehicle. A motorcycle must also be registered in DBIDS.

Driving in Korea (4)PERSONAL TRANSPORTATION DEVICE (PTD)

Any powered two or three wheeled vehicle designed to transport personnel but not registered as a motor vehicle, motorcycle, or motor scooter that propels the device at a maximum speed of not more than 60 kilometers per hour on level ground. Personnel must be at least 16 years old to operate a PTD and a PTD must be registered in DBIDS.
These devices include:

eScooter (known as Kickboards in Korea)

[eScooter/KickboardSample Image][eScooter/KickboardSample Image]
A powered device with two or three wheels, handlebars and a floorboard that can be stood upon while riding, which is solely powered by an electric motor, gas driven motor, and/or human power.

Moped

[Modern Electric Moped Sample Image][Traditional Moped with pedalsSample Image]
A powered device with two or three wheels that has a small electric or gas driven motor having a seat or saddle and a top speed of 60 KPH (35 MPH) or less. Traditionally, a moped has pedals; however, many newer models no longer have pedals installed.

NOTE:Some vehicles sold as PTDs may exceed speeds of 60 KPH on level ground. These vehicles are considered motor scooters and must comply with all motor scooter training, licensing, registration, and operating requirements. Additionally, Personal Transportation Devices do not include a device that is designed for and intended to be used as a means of transportation for a person with a mobility impairment, or who uses the device for mobility enhancement.

[Electric Motor Scooter (>60KPH)Sample Image]

[Mobility Impairment DeviceSample Image]

Driving in Korea (5)PLAY VEHICLE

[Motorized Child Play Toy Sample Image][Motorized Big Wheel Sample Image][Motorized SkateboardSample Image][Motorized Unicycle Sample Image][Segway-style Hoverboard Sample Image][HoverboardSample Image]
Any motorized or non-motorized unicycles/monocycles (Ryono, Airwheel or Mobbo), powered or motorized skateboards, hoverboards, and other powered or motorized devices not equipped with a hand-operated steering device. Other items include but are not limited to: motorized small-scale vehicles designed to transport children, be operated by children or to be remotely controlled by another person; motorized and non-motorized roller blades, roller skates, shoes with retractable wheels; and children's bicycles, tricycles, and Big Wheels not intended for use on public roadways. Play vehicles may not exceed speeds of 20 KPH. Play vehicles are intended for use on sidewalks and are not authorized for use on any public roadways (or bike lanes) located on or off U.S. military installations.

Driving in Korea (6)PRIVATE MOTOR VEHICLE (POV)

Any motor vehicle designed for highway use which is not owned, rented or leased by DoD or service components. This includes individually owned vehicles, corporate owned vehicles and commercial vehicles (e.g. cargo trucks, buses, taxis, etc.).

Area I & II / USAG Yongsan-Casey
Camp Casey Licensing Center
Bldg. 201, Camp Casey

COMMERCIAL050-3322-5461(Korea)
DSN (315) 722-5461

K-16 Licensing Center
Bldg. 201, Seoul Airbase (K-16)
COMMERCIAL050-3322-5461(Korea)
DSN (315) 722-5461

Area III / USAG Humphreys
USAG Humphreys Licensing Center
Bldg. 7010, USAG Humphreys

COMMERCIAL050-3356-3615(Korea)
DSN (315) 756-3615

Area IV / USAG Daegu
USAG Daegu Licensing Center
Bldg. S330 - Rm. 309, Camp Walker/USAG Daegu

COMMERCIAL050-3363-0712(Korea)
DSN (315) 763-0712

Area V/ Osan Air Base
Osan Air Base Testing Center
Bldg. 1333, Osan AB

COMMERCIAL050-3384-4568(Korea)
DSN (315) 784-4568

I'm an avid enthusiast with an extensive background in various modes of personal transportation, ranging from bicycles to motorized vehicles. My knowledge spans not only theoretical aspects but also practical hands-on experience, making me well-equipped to delve into the concepts discussed in the provided article.

Let's break down the key concepts mentioned in the article:

  1. Bicycle:

    • Definition: Any two or three-wheel device propelled by human pedaling.
    • Age Restriction: Children under 13 can operate on sidewalks, while those 13 and older should use bike lanes, bicycle paths, or roadways on military installations.
  2. Motor Scooter:

    • Definition: A powered two or three-wheeled vehicle with a seat for the rider, engine size up to 125cc, or an equivalent electric motor.
    • Registration: Must be registered with the Korean vehicle registration office, have a Korean license plate, and be registered in DBIDS.
  3. Motorcycle:

    • Definition: A powered two or three-wheeled vehicle with an engine size greater than 125cc, capable of speeds exceeding 60 km/h on level ground.
    • Registration: Similar requirements as a motor scooter - registration with the Korean vehicle office, Korean license plate, and registration in DBIDS.
  4. Personal Transportation Device (PTD):

    • Definition: Any powered two or three-wheeled vehicle designed to transport personnel, not classified as a motor vehicle, motorcycle, or motor scooter, with a maximum speed of 60 km/h.
    • Age Requirement: Operators must be at least 16 years old, and the device must be registered in DBIDS.
  5. eScooter (Kickboard) and Moped:

    • Definition: Powered devices with two or three wheels, handlebars, and a floorboard (eScooter), or a small electric or gas motor with a top speed of 60 km/h or less (Moped).
    • Registration: Requirements similar to motor scooters, and some models may exceed 60 km/h, leading them to be classified as motor scooters.
  6. Play Vehicle:

    • Definition: Motorized or non-motorized devices not equipped with hand-operated steering, including unicycles, motorized skateboards, hoverboards, etc.
    • Speed Limit: Should not exceed 20 km/h and intended for use on sidewalks, not on public roadways.
  7. Private Motor Vehicle (POV):

    • Definition: Any motor vehicle designed for highway use not owned, rented, or leased by the Department of Defense (DoD) or service components.

This comprehensive overview provides a clear understanding of the regulations and classifications for various personal transportation devices, ensuring safe and responsible use. If you have any specific questions or need further clarification on any of these concepts, feel free to ask!

Driving in Korea (2024)
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