Driving in Korea Made Simple – From IDP to License Exchange and the Written Test
If you’re a foreigner living in Korea, having a driver’s license can be a game-changer.
Whether you want to rent a car for a weekend getaway, drive to work, or simply enjoy the convenience of mobility, understanding how to legally drive in Korea is essential.
This comprehensive guide explains the process of getting a Korean driver’s license as a foreign resident in 2025 – including options for exchanging your existing license, taking the written test, or driving with an International Driving Permit (IDP).
🧭 1. Can Foreigners Drive in Korea?
Yes, foreigners can drive in South Korea legally – but how you do it depends on your situation:
- Short-term stay (under 90 days): Use an International Driving Permit (IDP).
- Long-term stay (visa holders): Exchange your license or take the Korean driving test.
🛂 2. Option 1: Driving with an International Driving Permit (IDP)
If you’re in Korea for a short time (typically under 90 days), you can use an International Driving Permit issued in your home country.
✅ Requirements:
- A valid foreign driver’s license
- An IDP issued by an authority recognized by the Geneva or Vienna Convention
- A valid passport
⚠️ Note: The IDP is valid for 1 year from the date of issuance and only valid with your passport and original license.
❌ Not eligible if:
- You’re staying in Korea for longer than 90 days
- You hold a long-term visa (D, F, E types, etc.)
🔁 3. Option 2: Exchanging Your Foreign Driver’s License
This is the most convenient option for long-term residents. Korea allows certain nationalities to exchange their home country driver’s license for a Korean one.
📌 Step-by-Step Guide:
① Prepare Documents:
- Passport
- Alien Registration Card (ARC)
- 3 color passport photos (3.5cm × 4.5cm)
- Your original driver’s license
- Official translated copy of your license (Korean translation)
- Proof of entry and stay (e.g., Certificate of Entry & Exit from the Immigration Office)
- Certificate of residency (can be issued at your local community center)
② Visit the Driving License Examination Office (운전면허시험장):
Locations: Seoul (Gangnam, Seobu, etc.), Incheon, Busan, etc.
③ Take the eye test (시력검사)
- Quick vision check at the center
④ Pay the fee:
- Around ₩12,000–15,000 KRW
⑤ License Issued (if eligible):
- Some nationalities are exempt from the written or practical test
- Others may need to take the written test only (in English or Korean)
🌍 Countries Eligible for Full License Exchange:
(Subject to agreements, always check the updated list at Korea Road Traffic Authority)
- United States (some states only)
- Canada (most provinces)
- United Kingdom
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Germany
- France
- Switzerland
- Japan
- Many EU countries
📝 For the U.S., only residents from states with mutual license recognition (e.g., Texas, California, New York) can exchange directly.
📝 4. Option 3: Taking the Korean Driving Test from Scratch
If your country does not qualify for license exchange, you’ll need to go through the entire driving test process in Korea.
📘 Step-by-Step Breakdown:
① Written Test (Traffic Law Test):
- 40 multiple choice questions
- Available in English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Russian
- Study using the Road Traffic Authority App or Korean Driving Test website
② Functional Test (Driving Simulator):
- Basic vehicle handling: brake, accelerator, signals
③ On-Road Test:
- Real driving in designated route
- Must use the vehicle provided at the center
④ Medical Check:
- Simple vision and hearing test
⑤ Cost Estimate:
- Application fee + training: ₩60,000–₩100,000+
- Test fee per attempt: ₩10,000–₩30,000
⏳ Duration:
- Typically 2–4 weeks depending on test availability and preparation
👶 Can I Use an International License While My Korean License is Processing?
No. Once you’ve applied for a Korean license (especially by exchange), your IDP or foreign license becomes invalid for driving in Korea.
🚗 Renting a Car in Korea as a Foreigner
Once you get your Korean license, renting a car is simple.
🧾 Required:
- Valid Korean driver’s license (or IDP)
- Passport or ARC
- Credit card
🏷️ Major rental companies: Lotte Rent-a-Car, SK렌터카, AJ Rent-a-Car, etc.
💡 Tips for Foreign Drivers in Korea
- Drive on the right side of the road
- Speed cameras are everywhere – and they work!
- Right turns on red are generally allowed after full stop
- Tolls are frequent on expressways – use Hi-pass or cash/card
- Traffic signs are mostly bilingual (Korean/English)
🧾 Common Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I drive with my U.S. license in Korea?
A1: Only if it’s accompanied by an IDP. For longer stays, you must exchange it.
Q2: What if my license is not from a reciprocal country?
A2: You must take the Korean driving tests.
Q3: How long does the exchange process take?
A3: Usually 1 day, if you pass the vision test and meet all criteria.
Q4: Do I need to renew my Korean license?
A4: Yes, typically valid for 10 years (or 5 years if under age 65).
🏁 Final Thoughts
Getting your Korean driver’s license as a foreigner may seem intimidating at first, but Korea offers multiple pathways to make it possible – whether through license exchange, written test, or full driving tests.
Once you have it, the freedom to explore Korea by car opens up scenic road trips, coastal drives, and the independence you’ve been missing.
Take it step by step – and drive safe!
