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Driving in Ireland vs. South Korea: Key Differences

When navigating the roads of Ireland and South Korea, understanding their distinct driving practices is crucial for a safe journey. Notably, Ireland drives on the left, while South Korea adheres to right-side motoring. This comparison delves into lane usage, speed limits, and road signals, ensuring you're well-prepared for your travels in either country.

Lanes

Driving Side
ireland:
Left
south korea:
Right
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
ireland:
Marks areas where passing is not allowed.
south korea:
Marks the centerline on two-way roads; no crossing allowed.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
ireland:
Used as centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
south korea:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
Overtaking: On Left
ireland:
No, overtake on the right.
south korea:
Yes
Overtaking: On Right
ireland:
Yes, standard overtaking side.
south korea:
Allowed on multi-lane roads
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
ireland:
Use leftmost lane.
south korea:
Use rightmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Usage
ireland:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
south korea:
Reserved for buses during specified hours.
Bus Lanes: Markings
ireland:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs.
south korea:
Often marked with blue lines, labeled 'BUS'.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
ireland:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
south korea:
Bicycle symbols and sometimes colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence
ireland:
No
south korea:
Yes
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
ireland:
N/A
south korea:
Minimum two or more occupants
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
ireland:
N/A
south korea:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
ireland:
50 km/h
south korea:
60 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
ireland:
80-90 km/h
south korea:
60-80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
ireland:
120 km/h
south korea:
100-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
ireland:
100 km/h
south korea:
100-110 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
ireland:
90 km/h
south korea:
80-100 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
ireland:
N/A
south korea:
N/A
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
ireland:
More common; fines can be issued on the spot.
south korea:
Yes

Signals

Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
ireland:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles.
south korea:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
ireland:
Indicates the light is about to turn green.
south korea:
Not used in South Korea
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
ireland:
Signal when entering and exiting
south korea:
Signal when exiting
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
ireland:
Use between 11:30pm and 7:00am is generally prohibited in residential areas.
south korea:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
Traffic Signs: Language
ireland:
English; symbols are standard
south korea:
Korean; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
ireland:
Triangles with red borders
south korea:
Diamond-shaped with yellow or orange background

Turns

Right Turn On Red
ireland:
Not allowed
south korea:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
ireland:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
south korea:
Accepted with International Driving Permit
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
ireland:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
south korea:
Accepted with International Driving Permit
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
ireland:
Compulsory for vehicles older than four years; NCT certificate required.
south korea:
Mandatory; proof must be displayed
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
ireland:
Displayed on the windshield
south korea:
Displayed on windshield
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
ireland:
Required
south korea:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
ireland:
Not mandatory, but recommended
south korea:
Recommended but not mandatory

Road Etiquette

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

Alcohol

Limits: Professional Drivers
ireland:
0.02%
south korea:
0.03%
Enforcement: Random Checks
ireland:
Random breath testing is common.
south korea:
Common; sobriety checkpoints frequently used
Test Refusal
ireland:
Can result in license suspension
south korea:
Can result in license suspension and fines

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
ireland:
112 or 999
south korea:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
ireland:
112 or 999
south korea:
Varies; often part of the general emergency network
Contact: Roadside Assistance
ireland:
Check with your insurance provider or AA Ireland
south korea:
Check with your insurance provider
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
ireland:
Required
south korea:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
ireland:
Not mandatory, but recommended
south korea:
Recommended but not mandatory

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
ireland:
Varies; €80 to €120, and points on license
south korea:
Varies; fines and license points given
Common Fines: Seat Belts
ireland:
€60 fine and two penalty points
south korea:
Fines and license points given
Common Fines: Phone Use
ireland:
€60 fine and three penalty points
south korea:
Fines and license points given
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
ireland:
€80 and three penalty points
south korea:
Fines and license points given
Payment: On The Spot
ireland:
Possible; fines can be issued on the spot
south korea:
Yes