1. Can You Cross on Red in Korea?
The short answer is no.
In many countries—especially across the European Union—it’s common for pedestrians to cross the street even when the signal is red, as long as the road appears clear and safe. However, in Korea, this behavior is considered jaywalking and is explicitly prohibited under the Road Traffic Act.
Many expats are unaware of this rule, and it often leads to confusion.
It’s not unusual to see posts online from foreigners surprised that they received a fine for jaywalking. Understanding this regulation is essential for staying safe and avoiding trouble while living in Korea.
2. Legal Basis, Penalties, and Pedestrian Safety
2-1) Legal Basis
Korean traffic law requires pedestrians to:
- Use designated crossing areas such as crosswalks, underground passages, and pedestrian bridges, and
- Follow pedestrian signals at intersections.
Crossing during a red light or outside a designated area is considered a clear violation of the law.
For those who want to review the official legal text, you can check Article 10 of the Road Traffic Act, which defines pedestrian obligations in Korea.
Official source (Korea Legislation Research Institute): 🔗도로교통법 제 10조
For those who want to review the official legal text, you can check Article 10 of the Road Traffic Act, which defines pedestrian obligations in Korea.
Official source (Korea Legislation Research Institute): 🔗도로교통법 제 10조
2-2) Penalties
If caught jaywalking, pedestrians are typically fined around 20,000 KRW.
If jaywalking leads to an accident—or creates a significant risk of one—the legal consequences can be more serious.
2-3) How Strict Is Enforcement?
Police presence varies by:
- Location
- Time of day
- Whether the area has a high number of pedestrian accidents
This means not every instance of jaywalking will be penalized.
However, the lack of visible enforcement does not mean the act is allowed. It remains a legal violation and can be punished if observed by authorities.
Relying on “no one is watching” is not advisable—neither legally nor for personal safety.
2-4) Pedestrian Safety
Because jaywalking is illegal in Korea, drivers generally do not expect pedestrians to cross during a red light or outside a crosswalk.
As a result, they may not be prepared to react quickly to unexpected crossings.
Korean cities also feature:
- Fast-moving traffic
- Frequent motorbike and taxi movement
- Complex intersections and narrow streets
These factors increase the risk in situations where pedestrians cross unexpectedly.
For your own safety, it’s best to follow the designated crossings and pedestrian signals.
3. Staying Safe While Walking in Korea
Jaywalking in Korea is clearly defined as a legal violation, and fines may apply depending on the situation.
Even if enforcement seems inconsistent at times, using crosswalks and obeying signals is the safest and most reliable choice.
Understanding local traffic rules will make your daily life in Korea safer, easier, and far more predictable.
