Driving in Korea
You must hold a valid licence to drive.
Licences
- International Driving Permit (IDP) — issued in a treaty country, valid for a set period after entry. Check the period with the Road Traffic Authority.
- Exchanging a foreign licence for a Korean one — some tests are waived depending on the country. Apply at a driver's licence testing centre.
- Obtaining a Korean licence from scratch — written, skills and road tests.
Rental companies and insurers may refuse an IDP alone, so check in advance.
Rules you must keep
- Absolutely no drink-driving. It brings criminal punishment and licence revocation, and for foreigners it can affect your residence status.
- Seatbelts in every seat.
- Child car seats are mandatory.
- No phone use while driving.
- School zones have sharply reduced limits and heavier penalties.
- Stop at crossings. Pedestrians have priority.
Where to go
- 1577-1120 Road Traffic Authority
- Driver's licence testing centres (exchange and issue)
- Korean National Police Agency www.police.go.kr
- 1345 · 1577-1366 interpretation
Questions people ask
How long can I drive on an international permit? It depends on the treaty and your residence status. Check with the Road Traffic Authority (1577-1120).
How do I convert to a Korean licence? You may need your home licence, passport, Alien Registration Card and an embassy certification. Ask the testing centre in advance.
What happens if I drink and drive? Criminal punishment, licence revocation, and it can create residence-status problems. If you have been drinking, use a designated driver service or a taxi.
I've had an accident. Call 112 and 119, and your insurer. See traffic-accident.
Take care
Driving without a licence or under the influence are serious violations that can directly threaten a foreigner's residence status. Never do it. The same applies to driving an uninsured vehicle.
Related
car-insurance · traffic-fines · traffic-accident · car-purchase
Source
Korea Road Traffic Authority www.koroad.or.kr / As of 2026-08