Because of the infrastructure requirements and expenses related
to airplane and train travel, bus service continues to provide the bulk of public
transportation in Korea. The country has 3 major types of bus services:
intra-city,
long distance, and
charter (tour).
Although bus travel is generally safe, bus drivers want to get where they are going in a hurry. Most drivers drivers within reasonable limits, but some tend to ignore most traffic laws. Fortunately, the transportation gods smile favorably on Korea, and the accident rate is lower than it could be. The weak of heart may want to close their eyes for the duration of the trip. When seat belts are available, use them!
The first time rider of a city bus may wonder if the bus driver used to be a Grand Prix driver and is having flashbacks to his racing days as he weaves in and out of city traffic. (Some drivers have no problem with cutting off drivers of cars, other buses, or 20-ton trucks.) Although many newer buses have automatic transmissions, many older buses have clunky manual transmission which make for jerky rides. Drivers usually start driving again as soon as the last passenger gets on at each stop, so make sure you have a good grasp on something immovable as soon as you get on the bus.
Rush hour riders can fill buses way beyond capacity, making it difficult for the driver to even close the doors. Even during off-peak hours, some buses can be very crowded and you will be unable to find a seat. Koreans who are sitting generally offer to hold the packages of those people who must stand. If you are standing and a seated Korean starts to take your belongings and place them on his or her lap, don't panic and yell for the police. When you or the person sitting down leaves, the person will hand the items back to you.