Walking Safely in Korea: Crosswalks, Right-Turning Cars, Motorcycles on the Sidewalk

Since 2022, Korean law requires drivers to stop not only when you are on a crosswalk but also when you are about to step onto one, and in 2023 the rules for turning right on red were changed and right-turn signals were introduced. A legal duty is not a guarantee that every car stops, and you may still meet a motorcycle or e-scooter on the sidewalk. This guide separates what the law says from what to watch for on foot.

1. 1

   Crosswalks — drivers must stop even when you are about to cross

   Article 27(1) of the Road Traffic Act requires a driver to stop before the crosswalk (at the stop line, if there is one) when a pedestrian is crossing or is about to cross. The "about to cross" part has applied since 12 July 2022, and the duty covers crosswalks without traffic lights too. Even so, the safe habit is to step out once you see the car has actually stopped.

2. 2

   Cars turning right at intersections — red lights and right-turn signals

   Korea drives on the right, so when your walk signal is green, cars turning right swing toward your crosswalk. Since 22 January 2023, a car facing a red light must first come to a full stop at the stop line or crosswalk before turning right; where a dedicated right-turn signal exists, drivers must follow it and may not turn on its red. The National Police Agency began enforcement on 22 April 2023 after a three-month grace period. At intersections, take a second look at cars turning right into your crosswalk.

3. 3

   Children's protection zones — unsignaled crosswalks mean a stop every time

   Inside a designated children's protection zone, drivers must stop before any crosswalk without a traffic light, whether or not anyone is crossing (Article 27(7), in force since 12 July 2022). Keep the same habit there: check that the car has stopped before you go.

4. 4

   Motorcycles and e-scooters on the sidewalk — illegal, but you may meet them

   Where a road has separate sidewalk and roadway, all vehicles, motorcycles included, must use the roadway; crossing the sidewalk to enter or leave a place off the road, such as a building or parking lot, is the only exception (Article 13(1)). Personal mobility devices such as e-scooters must use a bike lane or the right edge of the road, and may use the sidewalk only in limited cases (Article 13-2). The fine is 40,000 won for a motorcycle and 30,000 won for an e-scooter. Clear rules do not mean you will never meet one on the sidewalk, so check both sides at building entrances and alley mouths.

5. 5

   Alleys without sidewalks — you share the road with cars

   Many residential and restaurant alleys have no sidewalk, so cars and motorcycles use the same strip of road you do. On roads like these without a center line, and on designated pedestrian-priority roads, pedestrians may use the whole width (Article 8(3)), though not to block traffic on purpose; drivers passing a pedestrian must keep a safe distance and slow down, and must slow down or stop if they would get in the pedestrian's way (Article 27(6)). When you hear an engine behind you, stepping to one side makes it easier for everyone.

6. 6

   Walk signals — do not start crossing on a flashing green

   When the green walk signal flashes, you must not start crossing, and if you are already on the crosswalk you must finish quickly or go back to the curb (Enforcement Rule, Annex 2). Seoul has signals with a numeric remaining-time display at intersections and crosswalks. In December 2023 the city also began piloting signals that count down the red wait at five spots including Seoul Plaza; these blank the number once six seconds or fewer remain.

7. 7

   If you are hit — 112 and 119

   Call 119 for an ambulance and 112 for the police. By law, a driver involved in an accident must stop immediately, help anyone injured, give the victim their name, phone number, address and similar details, and report to the police (Article 54). Get the driver's contact details and the plate number. For getting an interpreter on the line, see the emergency numbers guide.