6/16 Talk about things to be aware of when driving in Korea.

When driving in Korea, you always have to buckle up. If not, you may be subject to a fine. Passengers are also required to put their seatbelts on.

* buckle up / put one’s seatbelt on: 안전벨트를 하다

ex> Passengers are also required to put their seatbelts on.

ex> I always buckle up before I start the engine.

There are bus-only lanes that are marked in blue. These lanes are off-limits to regular vehicles.

* off-limits to: 접근이 금지된

ex> The place is off-limits to those under 19.

Drivers in Korea blink their hazards to say sorry or thank you.

* blink one’s hazards: 비상등을 깜박이다

ex> Blinking one’s hazards is part of Korea’s unique traffic culture.

NOTE> hazards (= emergency lights) 비상등, blinkers (= signal lights) 방향등, 깜빡이

They typically do this when they make a lane change. Hazard lights are also used to warn cars behind you of a sudden problem ahead. Plus, there are many traffic cameras in Korea. These cameras catch drivers who are speeding. They also catch those who violate traffic signals or who have parked illegally.

* violate a traffic signal / traffic signals: 교통신호를 위반하다

ex> It was the first time for me to violate traffic signal.

Also, it is against the law to enter a congested intersection when the traffic light turns yellow.

* be against the law: 법률 위반이다

ex> Gender discrimination is against the law.

@ Can you step on it?  좀 밟을 수 있니?

<HOMEWORK>

1. You have to always buckle up for safety.

2. I blinked my hazards in the dark to show where I was.

3. He violates the signals very often.

4. Sexual harassment is definitely against the law.

@ Related Topics>> Driving in Korea (2011.5.25) Driving in Korea (2010.10.13)