Driving in Yeosu: My First Experience Behind the Wheel in South Korea

There’s something undeniably exciting—and a little daunting—about trying something new, especially when it involves driving in a foreign country for the first time. When I arrived in Yeosu, a beautiful coastal city in South Korea, I boldly decided to rent a car and explore the region on my terms. I’ve always loved the freedom that driving provides, but this trip presented an entirely new challenge: it was my first time driving outside of Australia and, even more nerve-wracking, my first time driving on the right-hand side of the road.

As someone accustomed to Australian driving rules, where we stick to the left side, switching to the right while navigating unfamiliar roads in a bustling foreign city made me apprehensive. It wasn’t just the adjustment to driving on the other side that made me hesitate—the streets of Yeosu were chaotic and narrow, presenting their challenges. But the thought of exploring southern Korea at my own pace and discovering its hidden treasures pushed me forward. I was determined to experience the adventure, no matter how tricky it would be.

Looking back now, the decision to rent a car was one of the best I made during this trip, even though the initial experience of driving through Yeosu was far from easy. The challenges I faced behind the wheel turned into unforgettable moments, and the freedom that came with having a car allowed me to explore beyond the city and into the surrounding islands and countryside. What started as a daunting task became a journey filled with breathtaking views, peaceful drives, and experiences I would have missed without the car. Let me take you through the highs and lows of my driving adventure in Yeosu, from battling chaotic city streets to the serene coastal roads that left me in awe.

 

 

 

The Challenges of Driving in Yeosu – South Korea

 

My First Time Driving on the Right Side of the Road

Having only driven in Australia, where we stick to the left, my first time driving on the right side of the road was an entirely new experience. Everything felt off-kilter. Simple things like lane changes or taking turns became mental hurdles as I had to recalibrate my instincts. I constantly reminded myself to stay on the correct side of the road. My Australian driving habits kept creeping in, and I drifted to the left a few times, only to quickly correct myself and return to the right lane. It wasn’t just a matter of switching sides; I had to rewire years of muscle memory.

What made this transition even more challenging was Yeosu’s bustling traffic. Drivers in South Korea had a fluid approach to road rules, weaving in and out of lanes and navigating in unpredictable ways to someone new to the scene. It was overwhelming at first, and I had to stay hyper-focused to ensure I didn’t make any missteps.

 

 

 

The Chaotic Streets of Yeosu

Yeosu, while a relatively small coastal city, felt like an obstacle course for drivers. The streets were narrow, with sudden turns and stoplights that seemed to come out of nowhere. In addition to that, the sheer volume of cars made for a driving experience that was far more hectic than I had anticipated. It seemed like every other street had a tight squeeze, and I held my breath as I navigated between parked cars and oncoming traffic. The traffic flow in Yeosu was much less predictable than what I was used to, and the constant need to stay alert made me nervous during those initial hours behind the wheel.

Looking back, I benefited from doing more research beforehand. While Yeosu might seem like a laid-back coastal town at first glance, the reality of driving through its busy streets was different. But despite the initial shock, I was determined to keep going, knowing that the real rewards awaited me once I escaped the city.

 

 

 

Escaping the City: Driving Over Yeosu’s Scenic Bridges

 

The Beauty of Southern Korean Islands

Once I managed to break free from the chaotic streets of Yeosu, everything changed. The real reason I rented the car was for the freedom to explore beyond the city, and as soon as I hit the open roads leading out of Yeosu, the stress of driving melted away. Southern Korea is renowned for its stunning coastline and islands, many connected by impressive bridges that offer panoramic views of the surrounding waters. Crossing these bridges in South Korea was a breathtaking experience, as I could see the ocean stretching out for miles on both sides.

The further I drove from the city, the quieter the roads became. Each bridge felt like a passage to a new world, taking me to quieter islands where the pace of life slowed down, and the scenery became even more stunning. The views from the bridges were unlike anything I’d seen before—there were moments when I just had to pull over to take it all in. The peaceful drive over these bridges made the stressful moments in Yeosu seem like a distant memory, and I began to fully appreciate the freedom of having a car.

 

Island-Hopping by Car

One of the highlights of having a car was the ability to hop from island to island, exploring at my own pace. The roads between the islands were serene, with fewer cars and plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the scenery. Each island offered something different—whether it was quiet fishing villages, scenic lookouts, or hidden beaches. I loved being able to pull over whenever I wanted and take in the beauty of the coastline. It was an experience that would have been difficult to enjoy if I hadn’t rented a car.

 

 

 

 

A Tranquil Drive to My Wife’s Hometown in Goheung County

 

A Peaceful Sunday Drive to Gahwi-ri

After spending a few days in Yeosu, I took the opportunity to drive to my wife’s hometown, Gahwi-ri, near Dohwa-Myeon in Goheung County. It was about two hours away from Yeosu, and the drive was the perfect antidote to the city’s hectic streets. On that quiet Sunday morning, the roads were nearly empty, and I could feel myself relaxing with every passing kilometre.

The drive was a dream—coastal views on one side, green hills on the other, and towering bridges that seemed to float above the ocean. The freedom of the open road, away from the city, made it easy to soak in the beautiful surroundings. It was a welcome change of pace and a reminder of why I love road trips.

 

 

 

A Scenic Coffee Stop

One of the highlights of the drive to Gahwi-ri was an unplanned stop at a local coffee shop perched on a hillside. With floor-to-ceiling windows, the café offered some of the best coastline views and nearby islands I had seen on the trip.

Sitting there with a cup of coffee, looking out over the sparkling waters and rugged landscape, was a moment of pure serenity. It was a peaceful interlude in an already relaxing journey, and I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the decision to rent a car—it allowed me to find hidden gems like this along the way.

 

 

 

 

A Taxi Will Suffice if You’re Staying in the City

While driving outside of Yeosu opens up a world of exploration, renting a car might not be necessary if you only plan to stay within the city and see its main attractions. Taxis are incredibly affordable in Yeosu, and with Uber available, getting around is incredibly easy. Whether visiting the Yeosu Maritime Cable Car, Dolsan Park, or Yi Sun-sin Square, taxis can take you to all the top sights quickly and without the stress of navigating the narrow streets yourself.

Using taxis or rideshare services will save you both money and a lot of headaches. You won’t need to worry about parking, traffic, or figuring out the city’s often confusing road system. For city explorers who are content with seeing Yeosu’s top attractions, taxis are more than enough to get around. It’s a comfortable, cost-effective option that lets you focus on enjoying the city without the added pressure of driving.

 

 

 

Final Thoughts: Is Renting a Car in Yeosu Worth It?

Renting a car is worth renting if you plan to explore beyond Yeosu and venture into the southern islands or the countryside. Yes, the city streets can be challenging, especially for someone driving on the right side of the road for the first time, but once you’re out of the city, the rewards are well worth the initial stress. The freedom to explore at your own pace, discover hidden gems, and take in the beautiful coastal views makes renting a car a fantastic choice.

That said, if your plans involve staying primarily in the city, taxis are sufficient for getting around without the added hassle of driving. Either way, Yeosu has so much to offer, and how you choose to explore it depends on your appetite for adventure.

The experience was unforgettable. Despite the early challenges, the scenic drives, peaceful countryside, and incredible views made every moment behind the wheel worth it. I’d do it all again in a heartbeat.

 

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