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Driving in South Korea lets you explore its stunning landscapes and vibrant cities at your own pace. With modern roads, clear signage, and easy access to both urban areas and scenic spots, it’s a convenient and exciting way to discover the country. Whether you’re heading to remote destinations or escaping city life, being able to drive in Korea offers flexibility and freedom. Next, let us explore the 5 useful ways to get a driver’s license in Korea.
How to get a driver’s license in Korea
1. International Driving Permit (IDP)
If you’re a foreigner planning to drive in South Korea, you can use an International Driving Permit (IDP) as long as you hold a valid driver’s license in your home country. The IDP is recognized for up to one year from your arrival in South Korea or until your visa expires, whichever comes first. To legally drive, you must also be at least 18 years old. The IDP is a convenient option for tourists or short-term visitors who want to explore the country by car without needing to get a driver’s license in Korea immediately.
To obtain an IDP, you must apply before arriving in South Korea, typically through an automobile association in your home country. However, not all countries are eligible, kindly find the list of countries here.
The IDP acts as a translation of your original driver’s license, which allows you to rent a car and drive legally while you’re in South Korea. It’s important to note that the IDP does not replace your domestic driver’s license, so you’ll need to carry both when driving. This makes it a practical solution for short-term stays, but if you’re planning to stay long-term, you will need to look into obtaining a driver’s license in Korea.
2. Converting to a driver’s license in Korea (with agreement)
If you’re staying in South Korea for more than one year or plan to become a resident, you’ll need to exchange your foreign driver’s license for a driver’s license in Korea. The exchange process depends on whether your home country has an agreement with South Korea. If your country has such an agreement, you can exchange your license without taking a driving test.
To convert your foreign driver’s license to a Korean one, you’ll need to prepare several documents.
- Original foreign driver’s license (along with a copy)
- Korean Residence Card (formerly known as ARC)
- Passport (along with a copy)
- Passport-sized photos
- Translation of your driver’s license if it’s not in English or Korean. This translation can be done through the Korean Automobile Association (KAA) or a certified translator.
- Embassy confirmation or Apostille certification for your foreign driver’s license
- A health certificate, which includes a vision and hearing test, is typically done at a local health clinic or hospital.
Once you have your documents in order, you can head to the Driver’s License Agency (운전면허시험장), which can be found in major cities like Seoul or Busan. There, you will submit your application and pay the required fee, which is generally between KRW 10,000 and KRW 15,000.
3. Converting to a driver’s license in Korea (without agreement)
For those from countries without an agreement, you’ll need to go through the full process to obtain a driver’s license in Korea. This involves taking and passing a written test on traffic laws and regulations (available in English), followed by a practical driving test.
Let’s take a look at the full process of getting a driver’s license in Korea below.
4. Getting a driver’s license in Korea (full process)
If you’re planning to get a driver’s license in Korea, you’ll need to go through the process with the Korea Road Traffic Authority (KOROAD). The first step is to complete the Traffic Safety Education course, which can be done either online or on-site. You’ll need your Korean Residence Card to register. The class lasts about 1 hour and is free of charge.
Next, you’ll need to complete a health check. This is required before proceeding further and can be done at a regional examination office or a designated hospital. The cost for the health check is approximately 6,000 KRW.
After passing the health check, you can move on to the written exam, which is a 40-question test that covers traffic laws, road signs, and driving regulations in Korea. The test consists of multiple-choice questions (usually about 40 questions), and you need to score at least 60% to pass within one year of your first attempt, or you’ll need to reapply. The test fee is around KRW 5,000 and is available in English, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean only.
Once you pass the written test, you can apply for the driving course test which costs about KRW 25,000. The test evaluates your ability to perform maneuvers like parallel parking, emergency stops, and changing lanes. You’ll need to obtain 90 points or higher to pass. Once you pass, you will receive a temporary driver’s license to move on to the on-road driving exam.
The on-road driving exam is the final step and you need to score 70 points or higher to pass. The application fee will cost KRW 30,000. If you fail, you are eligible to retake the exam after 3 days.
After passing both the written and practical tests, you’ll submit your Korean Residence Card, proof of final passing, and passport photo to get your driver’s license issued and it cost KRW 10,000. Once processed, you’ll receive your driver’s license in Korea, which will be valid for 10 years for residents under 60 years old.
5. Important tips to get a driver’s license in Korea
- You can exchange your foreign license for a Korean one as long as your foreign license is still valid in your home country. After that, you’ll be required to go through the full testing process.
- The process of obtaining a license from scratch can take several weeks due to the availability of testing schedules.
- If you’re not fluent in Korean, consider bringing a translator or seeking help at the Driver’s License Agency.
We hope that through this guide, you will gain insights on how to get a driver’s license in Korea! Contact us about living and studying in Korea, and remember to follow the Go! Go! Hanguk blog for more content.
