Living in Korea

Driving in Korea as a foreigner: international permits, licence exchange and road rules

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Korea is easy to get around without a car, but for trips outside the big cities, family life or a job outside Seoul, driving can make sense. Here is what foreigners need to know about permits, converting a licence, and the road rules that most often surprise new drivers.

Driving on an international driving permit

  • An international driving permit (IDP) issued by a country with a road traffic agreement with Korea lets you drive here for up to one year from the date you enter Korea, according to the Korean government's legal information portal and district guidance for foreigners.
  • Carry the IDP together with your home licence and passport. An IDP is a translation of your licence, not a licence on its own.
  • You may only drive the vehicle categories your permit covers.
  • Get the IDP in your home country before you travel; it cannot be issued in Korea for a foreign licence.
  • Rental companies generally ask for the IDP along with your passport and home licence. Check with the rental company in advance.
If you are a resident staying long term, plan to exchange your licence for a Korean one rather than relying on an IDP. Some sources say an IDP is not accepted once you hold a residence card, so confirm your situation with KoROAD.

Exchanging a foreign licence for a Korean one

Licence exchange is handled at driver's licence test centres run by KoROAD, the Korea Road Traffic Authority. According to KoROAD's English guidance, the process is:
  1. Document check: your original foreign licence, your passport showing your entry and exit history from the issuing country, photos, and usually a certificate from your embassy confirming the licence. Your residence card is normally needed too.
  2. Aptitude test: a simple physical check, including eyesight.
  3. Written test: required only if your licence comes from a country (or, in some cases, a state or province) not on the list recognised for exchange. It is multiple choice and can be taken in English and several other languages.
  4. Issue: you hand over your foreign licence and receive a Korean one.
Points to know:
  • If your licence is from a country other than your nationality, you must show you stayed there more than 90 days while holding it.
  • Learner and provisional licences cannot be exchanged.
  • The list of recognised countries is published by the National Police Agency and changes from time to time; check the latest list with KoROAD before going.
  • Applications are generally made in person.

Road rules that surprise people

  • Right turns at a red light: since a revision of the Road Traffic Act took effect in January 2023, drivers must come to a complete stop at a red light before turning right, even if no one is crossing, then turn slowly when the way is clear. If pedestrians are crossing or about to cross the crosswalk you are turning into, you must wait for them. Where there is a right-turn arrow signal, you may turn only on the green arrow.
  • Pedestrians at crosswalks: drivers must stop for people waiting to cross, not just those already crossing.
  • School zones (marked in red and yellow, often 30 km/h) have strict limits, cameras and heavy penalties. Slow down well before them.
  • Bus lanes: blue lanes are reserved for buses, at least at peak times. Cameras enforce them.
  • U-turns are allowed only where marked, often only on a specific signal.
  • Drink-driving limits are low, and police run roadside checkpoints at night. Do not drink and drive at all.

Speed cameras

Korea has many fixed speed cameras and average-speed sections on expressways. Navigation apps such as Naver Map, KakaoMap and T map warn you as you approach them, which is one reason locals rely on them rather than Google Maps. Fines arrive by post to the vehicle's registered owner; with a rental car, the rental company will pass them on to you.

Insurance

  • Every car must carry compulsory liability insurance. For your own car you will want comprehensive cover on top.
  • Insurers usually price new foreign drivers as having no Korean driving history. Some accept a record from your home insurer, so bring one.
  • Rental cars include basic insurance; consider the extra collision cover, as excesses can be high.
  • After an accident, take photographs, do not move the cars until it is safe and recorded, and call your insurer. They often send someone to the scene.
Rules, recognised-country lists and documents change, so check with KoROAD (safedriving.or.kr) before visiting a test centre. Have you converted your licence or rented a car here? Share your experience and questions in the comments.

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