From international driving permits to insurance rules and rental conditions, this guide breaks it all down for you.
🌐 Can I Drive in Korea with My License?
Option 1: International Driving Permit (IDP)
Most short-term visitors use an International Driving Permit (IDP), issued in their home country before arrival.
✅ Accepted IDP Format:
- Must follow the 1949 Geneva Convention
- Valid for 1 year from issue date
- Must be used alongside your original license
❗ Korea does NOT accept IDPs under the 1968 Vienna Convention (used in many EU countries). Double-check before traveling!
🌍 Countries Accepted for IDP Use:
- USA
- Canada
- Australia
- Japan
- Malaysia
- Philippines
- Thailand
- South Africa
- And many others
(Full list on the Korean Road Traffic Authority website)
📝 Option 2: License Conversion (for long-term residents)
Staying in Korea long-term (with ARC)? You can exchange your foreign license for a Korean one.
Requirements:
- Valid ARC (Alien Registration Card)
- Passport & foreign license
- Notarized translation of your license
- Health check at a local designated clinic
- Some countries require a written test (others get waived)
📌 Check the official license exchange guide at your local Driver’s License Examination Office.
🚗 Can Foreigners Rent a Car in Korea?
Yes, and it's easier than you think—if you have the right documents.
Documents You’ll Need:
| Passport | ✅ All foreign visitors |
| Valid IDP (1949 only) | ✅ Required |
| Foreign driver’s license | ✅ Must match your IDP |
| Credit card | ✅ For deposit and payment |
| ARC (optional) | Not required for tourists |
💡 Minimum age for rental: 21 years old and 1+ year of driving experience
Some companies like Lotte Rent-A-Car or AJ Rent-A-Car offer English booking websites.
🛣️ Korean Road Culture: What to Expect
Driving in Korea is mostly smooth, but here are things to watch out for:
⚠ Common Culture Shocks:
- Narrow streets in cities—especially Seoul
- Motorbikes use sidewalks! Watch out for delivery scooters
- Flashing yellow = slow down, not proceed with caution
- Speed cameras are everywhere (and automatic fines too)
- U-turns are allowed more often than in other countries
- Parking can be a nightmare in downtown areas
🛡️ Do I Need Car Insurance?
Yes, all cars in Korea must be insured.
If you rent a car, basic insurance is included, but you can often upgrade to:
- CDW (Collision Damage Waiver)
- Full Coverage
- Theft Protection
💸 Pro Tip: Check what your credit card insurance already covers before buying extra.
🛣️ Highway Toll & Navigation Tips
- Korea has toll highways—you can pay with Hi-Pass (prepaid card) or cash
- Use Naver Map or Kakao Navi (both have English versions)
- Google Maps does NOT work well for driving directions in Korea!
🅿️ Where to Park?
- Public parking lots near tourist areas
- Convenience store or café parking (with purchase)
- Underground parking in malls & hotels
- Never park on sidewalks or near bus stops—you’ll get ticketed fast
📲 Useful Apps for Drivers
| Naver Map | Turn-by-turn navigation (English UI) |
| Kakao Navi | Voice-guided GPS (some English) |
| T map | Popular among locals |
| Hi-Pass app | Toll charge tracking |
| 모두의주차장 | Find nearby parking (Korean only) |
💡 Korean Survival Phrases for Drivers
| Where is the parking lot? | 주차장은 어디예요? (ju-cha-jang-eun eo-di-ye-yo?) |
| I have a reservation. | 예약했어요. (ye-yak-haess-eo-yo) |
| Can I pay with card? | 카드 돼요? (ka-deu dwae-yo?) |
| I don’t understand Korean well. | 한국말 잘 못해요. (han-guk-mal jal mot-hae-yo) |
✨ Final Tips
✅ Bring a 1949-format IDP (not 1968)
✅ Rent from companies with English support
✅ Use Naver or Kakao for navigation
✅ Follow local driving customs—especially in cities
✅ Don’t rely on Google Maps!
