Keep Right, PLEASE!

Who has the right of way? No one. There is no "right of way" to speak of in Korea. The traffic here could quite possibly get you killed, whether you're a passenger or a pedestrian. Here are some general non-rules of the road:
1. Stoplights mean nothing. If you have the green light, that doesn't necessarily mean that cars coming from the perpendicular direction will stop. Oh no, a red light simple means look very carefully before crossing through the intersection. You won't see too many cars doing this, but when it comes to motorcycles/mopeds and public buses, watch out.
2. Lines mean nothing. Lines? Who needs to stay in the lines when you can squeeze your way to the front of any line of cars by using the left or right turn lanes, perhaps even the lanes for oncoming traffic. Don't you love that feeling when you are the first in line at a stop light (unless, of course, you just missed the green. Then it sucks)? It is a short-lived thrill in this country as drivers tend to steal that thunder right from under you at any chance they get to save themselves 4 seconds of waiting at a light.

So what's it like to be a pedestrian in a city of 10+ million? A rule to stick by is as follows: Never be the first or the last person in a crosswalk. This one simple rule could save your life here, and it's one I try to follow--unless I'm in a super-big hurry, then I just run for dear life as the crosswalk's red hand flashes, warning that "death awaits you!" I'd like to think that in America and most countries, no matter how busy or crowded, there's a general unspoken rule to keep right and walk in a straight line unless avoiding obstacles like parking meters, other people, trash cans, etc. Here in Seoul, I could be walking towards another person on the sidewalk, both of us on opposite sides, and suddenly, without warning, they will cross over onto my side, nearly knock me over, possibly brush my arms with their arms, and pass me to their left. Unless you are in Australia or England, this is completely ridiculous--pass on the left??! No, friends, you pass on your right. That way, everyone avoids each other when walking in opposing directions. Why has this not caught on yet? In fact, I heard that for the World Cup, Seoul introduced a campaign to teach pedestrian etiquette to its Seoulites. In subways now, there are arrows on the ground to help remind people to stay right when walking up and down stairs. I'd say 75% of people ignore these arrows. I'd also say that without 99-100% participation in this rule, it's pretty much ineffective. It really only take a small number of people to cause major congestion and muck up the flow.

Needless to say, it only takes one day, maybe even one moment, in this country to realize that there is a major issue here with order on the streets. It was the first major difference that I noticed, and from time to time, becomes a bit of a stressor for me. Relaxing walks in the park around the track? Not so relaxing when groups of older women stretched across the entire width of the road dilly-dally and zigzag, perhaps even stop to stretch, as you try to pass them. It's like they know a waegook is approaching! It's frustrating, to say the least. But David and I have a laugh about it almost everyday, "You'll never guess how I got cut off today!"

I still love you, Korea.

xx
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Note: "Waegook" means any foreign westerner (basically a white person). And when you hear that word in public, they are definitely talking about you.
Another Key note: This is literally the city where the streets have no names. Good luck finding your way around!