When I first came to Korea so many years ago……I remember being able to drive from Wonju to Seoul in just under an hour. The roads were nearly empty - the only exceptions were the over-crowded buses, the precariously packed trucks (they did and still do, tempt fate by loading them to unimaginable heights), the occasional Pony taxi cab, and, of course, military vehicles.
I thought that the readers might enjoy looking at the early introduction of automobiles into Korea (with pictures) and also some early data of the number of cars, carts, rickshas, and other transportation means. Plus a list of Japanese rules for safe driving….my favorite is:
2. When a passenger of the foot hove in sight tootle the horn trumpet to him melodiously at first. If he still obstacles your passage tootle with vigor and express by word of mouth the warning “Hi! Hi!”
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When I had wheels in the ROK from 1981 to 1983, the traffic in Seoul was already pretty bad, but same as you I recall that the express way was pretty clear sailing–except for holidays.
Here’s my Hyundai Cortina from back in the day:
http://cerebral-roughage.blogs.....rtina.html
Wow, was it that recently (what with Pony taxis and all) that the highways were that empty? I know the rise to wealth was fast…I guess I just have to keep reminding myself exactly how fast it was.
I did my 1st tour in the ROK from Dec 1976 to Nov 1977.
I then returned in Jul 1980. Even in the short space of 3 years the pace of economic development, technology, and living standards was amazing.