Skyscrapers, K-pop, K-dramas, and delicious foods come to mind when you think of South Korea, which are all beautiful. However, amid all these impressive achievements, the country's world-class transportation system stands out.

Many visitors don’t notice this at first, but South Korea’s roads are among the most efficient, clean, and well-connected in the world. It is a major reason the country runs so smoothly.

The highways connect almost every city, town, and rural area, making travel fast and convenient. Expressways are wide, well-paved, and regularly maintained. There are more than 34 national expressways and hundreds of local routes that have been developed, linking every corner of the nation.

The roads are well equipped with smart tolling systems, such as the Hi-Pass, a wireless electronic toll collection service that lets you drive through tollgates without stopping. It saves time and fuel and reduces traffic congestion. Cameras and sensors also help manage speed, issue weather alerts, and respond to emergency situations. Many rest areas even have restaurants, clean toilets, mini-markets, and EV charging stations, making road trips super enjoyable.

Korea’s road safety standards are also very high. Strict laws, clear signboards in both Korean and English, and consistent road markings make driving easier, even for foreigners. In cities like Seoul, roads are smooth, and traffic lights are well-timed. There are also bicycle lanes and pedestrian crossings to prevent accidents, demonstrating the government's commitment to safe, inclusive road design.

However, to fully enjoy South Korea’s road transport, there are a few things travelers should know:

• You need a T-Money Card: It’s a rechargeable card that is mostly used for subways and buses, but you can also use it in some taxis and convenience stores.

• In Korea, Google Maps is not your best companion. To get accurate directions and live traffic updates, you have to download Naver Map or KakaoMap.

• There are several Korean rest stops famous for their scenic views and local snacks, so make sure you stop to use the public rest areas.

• Traffic rules are extremely strict, with advanced surveillance systems in place, so traffic violations cannot go unnoticed.

• Learning basic Korean road terms like Chorok-deung (초록등 – green light) and Jucha-geumji (주차금지 – no parking) can make driving easier.

• Buses in Korea are super punctual. Intercity and express buses connect even remote towns. These buses often have Wi-Fi and USB.

• Seoul’s city buses are color-coded, so you have to board the proper one depending on your destination. Blue for long-distance routes, green for neighborhood, yellow for circular, and red for express buses linking Seoul to the suburbs.

• If you ever want to book taxis, you can use Kakao T or T-map Taxi. They also support cashless payments. Some of them even have translation features in English and Chinese.

• You need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to legally drive in South Korea as a foreigner. If you ever need full service for your car, you can find one easily at gas stations.

In all of these, there are a few concerns about rural roads being narrow and about parking spaces in major cities being limited and expensive. During the national holidays, traffic can be extremely heavy. However, ongoing work is underway to expand smart parking, improve navigation, and increase the number of eco-friendly roads with electric vehicle support.

Their road transportation network enhances the country’s efficiency, providing both citizens and foreigners with a comfortable, convenient experience. So if you find yourself in Korea, take a moment to hit the road to experience the organized nation built on safety and smart design.