Short stays: international driving permit
With an international driving permit issued in your home country (in a format Korea recognises, such as under the Geneva Convention), you can drive in Korea for a set period from your date of entry. Always carry your home licence and passport with it. You will need these documents to rent a car as well.
Long stays: exchanging for a Korean licence
Long-term residents who have completed alien registration can exchange their home licence for a Korean one.
1. Check whether your country qualifies: countries with a mutual licence recognition agreement with Korea may be exempt from parts of the written and skills tests. Without an agreement, you may have to take some tests.
2. Prepare documents: your home licence, a notarised translation of it or a confirmation letter from your embassy, passport, residence card, photos, a medical certificate, and so on (requirements differ by country).
3. Visit a driver’s licence test centre: apply at the test centre for your area. You take an aptitude test (medical check), your documents are reviewed, and the licence is issued.
Things to watch when driving in Korea
Drink-driving is punished very strictly, and for foreigners it can also affect your visa status.
In children’s protection zones (school zones), speed limits are low and enforcement is strict.
There are many speed cameras, so follow your navigation app’s warnings.
Driving without insurance is illegal. When you buy or rent a car, make sure it is insured.
If there is an accident, take photos; call 119 if anyone is hurt and 112 if there is a dispute.
Where to get help
You can check which countries qualify and which documents you need on the Korea Road Traffic Authority’s Safe Driving integrated services website. Rules can change, so check the latest guidance before you go, and call 1345 if language is a problem.