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Driving Differences: Hong Kong vs. South Korea

When navigating the roads of Hong Kong and South Korea, drivers will encounter distinct regulations and practices that impact their journey. Key differences include driving sides—left in Hong Kong and right in South Korea—as well as varied speed limits and traffic laws. Understanding these nuances is crucial for ensuring safe travels in each country.

Lanes

Driving Side
hong kong:
Left
south korea:
Right
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
hong kong:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
south korea:
Marks the centerline on two-way roads; no crossing allowed.
Overtaking: On Left
hong kong:
Prohibited; left is the normal driving lane
south korea:
Yes
Overtaking: On Right
hong kong:
Yes, overtaking should be done on the right.
south korea:
Allowed on multi-lane roads
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
hong kong:
Use leftmost lane.
south korea:
Use rightmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Usage
hong kong:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
south korea:
Reserved for buses during specified hours.
Bus Lanes: Markings
hong kong:
Labeled 'BUS ONLY' with road signs.
south korea:
Often marked with blue lines, labeled 'BUS'.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
hong kong:
Bicycle symbols painted on road surfaces.
south korea:
Bicycle symbols and sometimes colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence
hong kong:
No
south korea:
Yes
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
hong kong:
N/A
south korea:
Minimum two or more occupants
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
hong kong:
N/A
south korea:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
hong kong:
50 km/h
south korea:
60 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
hong kong:
30-50 km/h
south korea:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
hong kong:
70-100 km/h
south korea:
80-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
hong kong:
70-100 km/h
south korea:
80-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
hong kong:
70-100 km/h
south korea:
60-80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
hong kong:
100 km/h
south korea:
100-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
hong kong:
100 km/h
south korea:
100-110 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
hong kong:
80 km/h
south korea:
80-100 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
hong kong:
N/A
south korea:
N/A
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
hong kong:
No; fines are usually sent by mail
south korea:
Yes

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
hong kong:
Used when lights are about to turn green
south korea:
Not used in South Korea
Traffic Signs: Language
hong kong:
Chinese and English; symbols are standard
south korea:
Korean; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
hong kong:
Diamond-shaped with yellow or white background
south korea:
Diamond-shaped with yellow or orange background

Turns

Right Turn On Red
hong kong:
Not allowed
south korea:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign
U- Turns Allowed
hong kong:
Permitted unless prohibited by sign
south korea:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
hong kong:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
south korea:
Accepted with International Driving Permit
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
hong kong:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
south korea:
Accepted with International Driving Permit
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
hong kong:
Required annually
south korea:
Mandatory; proof must be displayed
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
hong kong:
Displayed on the windshield
south korea:
Displayed on windshield
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
hong kong:
Recommended
south korea:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
hong kong:
Recommended
south korea:
Recommended but not mandatory

Road Etiquette

Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
hong kong:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary
south korea:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary

Alcohol

Limits: Professional Drivers
hong kong:
0.05%
south korea:
0.03%
Enforcement: Random Checks
hong kong:
Common, checkpoints used frequently
south korea:
Common; sobriety checkpoints frequently used
Enforcement: Fines
hong kong:
HK$5,000 or more for first offenses
south korea:
Varies; can be substantial
Test Refusal
hong kong:
Can result in license suspension
south korea:
Can result in license suspension and fines

Roundabouts

Signaling: Exiting
hong kong:
Signal left when preparing to exit
south korea:
Signal right when preparing to exit

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
hong kong:
999
south korea:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
hong kong:
Varies; usually contact through 999
south korea:
Varies; often part of the general emergency network
Contact: Roadside Assistance
hong kong:
Check with your insurance provider or member services like AA
south korea:
Check with your insurance provider
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
hong kong:
Not mandatory, but recommended
south korea:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
hong kong:
Not mandatory, but recommended
south korea:
Recommended but not mandatory

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
hong kong:
Varies; HK$450 to HK$1,000, points on license
south korea:
Varies; fines and license points given
Common Fines: Seat Belts
hong kong:
HK$5,000, potential imprisonment
south korea:
Fines and license points given
Common Fines: Phone Use
hong kong:
HK$2,000, points on license
south korea:
Fines and license points given
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
hong kong:
HK$900, points on license
south korea:
Fines and license points given
Payment: On The Spot
hong kong:
Not practiced; fines usually paid online or by mail
south korea:
Yes
Payment: Deadline
hong kong:
Varies; typically 14 to 30 days to pay
south korea:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay