Originally Posted by Lars

Yes, you do need to do the national driving license, too. I think that applies for all foreigners, at least all the english teachers I got to know made it or planned to make it. No big deal as they told me, just an ability test.

Also, I had the impression that neither the expats nor the local police really cared about the license: A guy I know rode to the test on his own bike, failed, rode back only to pass the test the following week (on his own bike, naturally).

As to the police: They stopped me only once, were shocked when they saw my western face and waved me on. I was told it works that every time they see a westener. The statement was confirmed by the riding style of those guys I rode with ...

Further, It is not the german BIKE that is the problem, but the german registration. Korea does not recognise the german technical rules. Try the search function for Japan as well, lots of infos here, apparantly the same legal situation.

Korea is a great country because of the usual stuff: Nice landscape almost all over, good roads, good food everywhere, nice (if shy) people, nice things to visit. Could fill pages, but do not know where to start. Will be happy to answer any specific questions but be warned: I am bad in keeping names.

Plus as a foreigners you can ignore the traffic rules as it seems (see above), if you see that as an advantage. Take care of those drivers who can't stand being passed by a twowheeler and try to physically keep you from doing it.

HTH

Lars