Public bikes and e-scooters

Yes. Seoul has a public bike share called Ttareungyi, with rental stations all over the city where you can pick up and return bikes. Foreigners can buy passes through the app or website, but check official guidance on whether foreign cards are accepted. It is great for riding along the Han River parks.

Buy a pass in the app, then scan the bike's QR code or enter its number at a rental station to unlock it. You can return it at any station, but confirm in the app that the return went through. Exceeding the allowed time may lead to extra charges.

Yes. Cities such as Daejeon, Sejong and Changwon run their own public bike systems. Usage and payment methods differ by city, and some may be hard for foreigners to use. Check the city's official information or ask at a tourist information center.

Korean law requires cyclists to wear helmets, but there is no penalty, so many public bike riders do not. Wearing one is still strongly recommended for safety. At night, turn on your light and wear bright clothing. Some public bike stations also lend helmets.

As a rule, bicycles should use bike lanes or the right edge of the road. On shared paths, give pedestrians priority and ride slowly. Places with good bike paths, such as the Han River parks, are easiest for beginners. When riding on the road, go with the flow of traffic.

Shared e-scooters rented through apps are common in cities, but in Korea you need a driver's license to ride one. For foreigners, a home license alone may not be enough: you need an international driving permit recognized in Korea or a mutually recognized foreign license whose categories cover e-scooters. Verification differs by app, and riding without a license is an offense.

Yes. Helmets are mandatory for e-scooters, and riding without one can result in a fine. Carrying a passenger is also prohibited. Shared scooters often do not come with helmets, so bring your own. Falling without protective gear can cause serious injury, so do not ride too fast.

No. E-scooters are banned from sidewalks and must use bike lanes or the right edge of the road. Hitting a pedestrian can cause serious injuries. When crossing at a crosswalk, you are supposed to get off and walk the scooter.

Because a driver's license is required, only people old enough to hold one can ride. Children and younger teens are not allowed, and guardians can be held responsible. Apps ask for age and license verification before you ride. Without a recognized license, you cannot use these apps.

No. Scooters should not be left where they block walkways, and badly parked ones can be towed. Exactly which spots are banned, such as subway exits, crosswalks or tactile paving, and how towing works differ by local government; in Seoul, district offices carry out towing. Always check the return and no-parking zones shown in the app.

Yes. The Han River parks have long continuous bike paths that are great for riding along the river. You can rent bikes from rental shops in the parks or from public bike stations. Weekends get crowded, so slow down and watch out for pedestrians.

Yes. Korea has long-distance cycle routes following its major rivers, and many people enjoy multi-day bike trips. There is even a tradition of collecting stamps in a certification booklet along the way. Plan your accommodation and supply stops for each section in advance.

On Seoul Metro's Lines 1 to 8, you can bring a bicycle on Saturdays and public holidays, subject to conditions such as using the first or last car. Lines run by other operators have their own rules, so check separately. Folding bikes are usually carried when folded, but restrictions may apply at busy times, so avoid blocking other passengers.

Local government bike insurance terms differ by region and do not automatically cover foreign visitors, though some include registered foreign residents. With some public bikes, such as Seoul's Ttareungyi, insurance applies automatically from rental to return, but check the terms for coverage and limits. It is also worth checking what your travel insurance covers.

You can, but turn on front and rear lights and wear bright clothing to stay safe. Do not ride a bike or scooter after drinking, as it can be punished as drunk riding. Slow down in poorly lit areas. Do not push yourself when tired.

Most systems sell passes through an app or website, paid by card. Whether foreign cards or overseas phone numbers work for sign-up varies by service, so check in advance. Fares and time limits are listed in the official guidance. Daily ride limits may differ by pass type.

Korea is relatively safe, but bike theft does happen. Always lock personal bikes, and make sure public bike returns are fully processed. If a return is not registered, your rental time keeps running and charges can build up. Lock your bike even when stepping away briefly.

Keep to the right on bike paths, and ring your bell or call out when passing. Avoid riding side by side in groups or stopping in the middle of the path. Riding with earphones makes it hard to hear what is around you, which is dangerous.

Riding without a license, without a helmet or with a passenger can lead to fines. If you cause an accident, you may also face criminal liability and compensation claims. If you are unsure of the rules, walking or using public transport is the safer choice.

The Korean National Police Agency and the Korea Road Traffic Authority publish rules for bicycles and personal mobility devices. Local governments running public bike systems and shared scooter apps also list their usage rules. These regulations change often, so check for the latest information.