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Driving in Bhutan vs. South Korea: Key Differences

Exploring the roads of Bhutan and South Korea reveals striking contrasts in traffic regulations and practices. From driving on opposite sides to varying speed limits and lane usage rules, understanding these distinctions is essential for ensuring a secure driving experience abroad. Prepare for an insightful comparison that emphasizes safe navigation in these unique driving environments.

Lanes

Driving Side
bhutan:
Left
south korea:
Right
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
bhutan:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
south korea:
Marks the centerline on two-way roads; no crossing allowed.
Overtaking: On Left
bhutan:
No
south korea:
Yes
Overtaking: On Right
bhutan:
Yes
south korea:
Allowed on multi-lane roads
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
bhutan:
Use leftmost lane.
south korea:
Use rightmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
bhutan:
No
south korea:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
bhutan:
N/A
south korea:
Reserved for buses during specified hours.
Bus Lanes: Markings
bhutan:
N/A
south korea:
Often marked with blue lines, labeled 'BUS'.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
bhutan:
No
south korea:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
bhutan:
N/A
south korea:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
bhutan:
N/A
south korea:
Bicycle symbols and sometimes colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence
bhutan:
No
south korea:
Yes
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
bhutan:
N/A
south korea:
Minimum two or more occupants
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
bhutan:
N/A
south korea:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
bhutan:
30-50 km/h
south korea:
60 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
bhutan:
20-30 km/h
south korea:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
bhutan:
40-60 km/h
south korea:
80-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
bhutan:
40-60 km/h
south korea:
80-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
bhutan:
40-60 km/h
south korea:
60-80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
bhutan:
Up to 80 km/h
south korea:
100-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
bhutan:
Up to 80 km/h
south korea:
100-110 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
bhutan:
Up to 60 km/h
south korea:
80-100 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
bhutan:
N/A
south korea:
N/A
Enforcement: Speed Cameras
bhutan:
No
south korea:
Yes

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
bhutan:
Not used in Bhutan
south korea:
Not used in South Korea
Traffic Signs: Language
bhutan:
English; symbols are standard
south korea:
Korean; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
bhutan:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background
south korea:
Diamond-shaped with yellow or orange background

Turns

Right Turn On Red
bhutan:
Not allowed
south korea:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign
U- Turns Allowed
bhutan:
Restricted; check for signs
south korea:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
bhutan:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
south korea:
Accepted with International Driving Permit
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
bhutan:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
south korea:
Accepted with International Driving Permit
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
bhutan:
Annual vehicle inspection required
south korea:
Mandatory; proof must be displayed
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
bhutan:
Displayed on license plate or windshield
south korea:
Displayed on windshield
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
bhutan:
Recommended, not mandatory
south korea:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
bhutan:
Recommended, not mandatory
south korea:
Recommended but not mandatory

Road Etiquette

Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
bhutan:
Frequent use in rural areas, reduced in urban settings
south korea:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
bhutan:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary
south korea:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
bhutan:
0.08%
south korea:
0.05%
Limits: Professional Drivers
bhutan:
0.04%
south korea:
0.03%
Limits: Underage Drivers
bhutan:
0.00%
south korea:
0.00%; zero tolerance
Enforcement: Random Checks
bhutan:
Common, especially during events
south korea:
Common; sobriety checkpoints frequently used
Enforcement: Fines
bhutan:
Substantial and imprisonment possible
south korea:
Varies; can be substantial
Test Refusal
bhutan:
Can result in license suspension
south korea:
Can result in license suspension and fines

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
bhutan:
113
south korea:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
bhutan:
113
south korea:
Varies; often part of the general emergency network
Contact: Roadside Assistance
bhutan:
Check with local providers or vehicle insurance
south korea:
Check with your insurance provider
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
bhutan:
Recommended, not mandatory
south korea:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
bhutan:
Recommended, not mandatory
south korea:
Recommended but not mandatory

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
bhutan:
Varies; often involves fines and points on license
south korea:
Varies; fines and license points given
Common Fines: Alcohol
bhutan:
Substantial fines, possible jail time
south korea:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
bhutan:
Fines enforced
south korea:
Fines and license points given
Common Fines: Phone Use
bhutan:
Fines enforced
south korea:
Fines and license points given
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
bhutan:
Fines and points on license
south korea:
Fines and license points given
Payment: Deadline
bhutan:
Varies; typically immediate payment required
south korea:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay