The rule that catches people out: in Korea, your national driving licence by itself does not let you drive. The Road Traffic Authority says so in as many words.
What you need
- An International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1949 Geneva or the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, or
- An IDP or licence recognised under a bilateral agreement between Korea and the issuing country
- It is valid for one year from the date you enter Korea, and only for the vehicle classes shown on it
- You may rent a car with it, but not drive a commercial vehicle such as a taxi or a lorry for hire
Source: Road Traffic Act, Article 96 (Korean)
Source: Road Traffic Authority — foreign licences (Korean)
Renting a car
According to the Korea Tourism Organization, rental companies ask for an IDP, a passport and a credit card in the driver's name, and drivers must be over 21. Some also ask to see your home licence, so carry it. These are company conditions rather than law, so check with the company you book.
Source: Korea Tourism Organization — driving in Korea
Rules of the road
- Drive on the right
- Everyone in the car must wear a seat belt, in every seat; infants need a child seat
- Drink-driving starts at a blood alcohol level of 0.03%, and the rule covers bicycles too. You must take a breath test if police ask
- Motorcycle riders and passengers must wear helmets
- Distances are in kilometres and speeds in km/h
Your home country's guidance may say more about your own licence. Germany's Federal Foreign Office says a German IDP together with the German licence is valid for up to a year; France's foreign ministry says the French licence alone is not accepted for renting a car. Taiwan's Bureau of Consular Affairs says Taiwan-issued IDPs are recognised in Korea for private cars. We found no official statement on licences from mainland China, so ask the rental company or the Road Traffic Authority before you rely on one.
Common questions
Can I drive in Korea with my national licence?
No. The Road Traffic Authority says a licence issued abroad is not enough on its own. Visitors need an International Driving Permit under the Geneva or Vienna Convention, or one recognised under a bilateral agreement.
How long is an International Driving Permit valid in Korea?
One year from the date you enter Korea (Road Traffic Act, Article 96).
More about K-ETA
After you land
K-ETA gets you on the plane. What comes after — arrival card, e-gates, cash, tax refunds, transport, healthcare, emergencies — checked with official sources.
Smoking, vaping, alcohol
Alcohol and tobacco are sold from the year you turn 19. Smoking or vaping in a non-smoking area costs KRW 100,000. Drink-driving starts at 0.03%.
Emergency numbers
112 for police, 119 for fire and ambulance. Which lines offer interpretation, the Emergency Ready App, and the English text alerts on your phone.
Healthcare
Tourists are not covered by Korea's national health insurance. Where to get treatment with an interpreter, which number to call, and why insurance matters.
What is K-ETA
K-ETA is an electronic travel authorisation for visa-free travellers to South Korea: what it is, who it applies to, and why many do not need it right now.
Do I need K-ETA?
Many nationalities are temporarily exempt from K-ETA. How to check your own passport, and what applies if you are not exempt.