South Korea has many everyday characteristics that locals rarely think about, but which often stand out to foreign visitors. Some of the most interesting examples can be found in the country's driving culture and public transportation system.
One of the most noticeable features of South Korea is the overwhelming popularity of automatic transmission vehicles. Since the 1990s, automatic transmissions have become increasingly common because many drivers consider them more convenient and easier to use in heavy urban traffic. Today, nearly all passenger vehicles sold in South Korea are equipped with automatic transmissions, and the share is often estimated to be close to 99%.
As a result, many younger drivers have never driven a manual transmission vehicle. However, people who obtained their driver's licenses during the 1980s and 1990s often learned to drive manual cars because manual transmissions were much more common at that time. Many older Korean drivers are therefore comfortable operating both manual and automatic vehicles.
An amusing irony is that South Korea embraced automatic transmissions earlier and more completely than many other countries, yet the adoption of fully autonomous self-driving vehicles has progressed more slowly than some people expected. In a way, Koreans have been letting cars handle gear changes for decades, but cars still are not handling all of the driving themselves. This contrast is often seen as a funny and unexpected aspect of Korean transportation culture.
Another interesting feature can be found in the subway system. In Seoul, subway doors generally open automatically whenever a train arrives at a station. Passengers simply wait for the doors to open and enter or exit the train.
This differs from many subway and rail systems in Europe, where passengers are often required to press a button or pull a handle to open the doors. These systems are commonly used to improve energy efficiency and reduce heating or cooling loss. Travelers from South Korea visiting Europe are sometimes surprised when train doors remain closed until someone actively opens them.
Seoul's public transportation network is also remarkably extensive. With a combination of subways and buses, it is possible to reach most destinations throughout the city without needing a private car. Residential neighborhoods, business districts, shopping areas, tourist attractions, and even many locations on the outskirts of the city are connected through an integrated transportation system.
Operating hours are another important characteristic. Most subway lines and bus routes continue running until around midnight or shortly after. In general, people should expect most public transportation services to finish between midnight and 1:00 a.m. If it is close to 2:00 a.m., taking a taxi is usually the most practical option.
There are occasional exceptions. During major national celebrations, New Year's Eve events, or other large public gatherings, transportation authorities sometimes extend operating hours. In these situations, certain subway lines and bus routes may continue running until around 2:00 a.m. Nevertheless, on a typical day, it is safest to assume that most public transportation services will stop before 1:00 a.m.
These examples show how South Korea combines modern convenience with highly developed urban infrastructure. The dominance of automatic transmission vehicles, fully automatic subway doors, and a comprehensive public transportation network may seem ordinary to local residents, but they often stand out as distinctive and fascinating features for visitors from abroad.
