Driving in Korea

An IDP issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. Get it at home before you travel.

Valid up to 365 days from entry.

An IDP issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention.

Valid up to 365 days from entry.

Korea has bilateral IDP agreements with Taiwan and Vietnam — you still need an IDP issued there, not just your licence.

Valid up to 365 days from entry.

Not on Korea’s Geneva, Vienna or bilateral lists (Foreign Ministry, Aug 2026), so a visitor cannot drive on that country’s licence or permit.

Cannot drive in Korea as a visitor.

Not valid for driving in Korea (KoROAD). You need a recognised IDP — or a Korean licence.

Cannot drive in Korea as a visitor.

Exchange your licence at a Driver’s License Examination Office. Licences from recognised countries need only a medical check; others also take a written test (in Korean, English, Chinese or Vietnamese). Bring your licence, passport, residence card, 3 photos and an embassy certificate or apostille.

Korea drives on the right. On a plain green light you may go straight or turn right; turn left only on a green arrow or where an "unprotected left" (비보호) sign allows it.

Turning left on a plain green without that sign is a signal violation.

Speed cameras are fixed and mobile. Camera fines for a car depend on how far over the limit you were.

Up to 20 km/h over: ₩40,000 · 20–40: ₩70,000 · 40–60: ₩100,000 · over 60: ₩130,000.

Children’s protection zones (어린이 보호구역) can be limited to 30 km/h.

Higher fines from 08:00 to 20:00 — camera fines of ₩70,000–160,000 for a car, depending on speed.

Right turn on red is allowed only after a full stop, and never while a right-turn arrow shows red. Stop for anyone crossing or about to cross.

The mandatory stop at a red light has applied since 22 Jan 2023.

Using a handheld phone while driving: ₩60,000 fine and 15 penalty points (car).

If a camera catches it instead, the fine is ₩70,000.

The drink-driving limit is a blood alcohol level of 0.03%.

Don’t drink at all if you are driving.

Children under 6 must ride in a child safety seat.

₩60,000 fine. Ask the rental company for a seat when you book.

Hi-Pass

Hi-Pass lanes charge an in-car Hi-Pass device automatically. Ask at the rental counter whether your car has one.

Unpaid tolls

If you pass without paying, settle it later at a tollgate office, a service-area information desk, a convenience store, a bank, the toll app or excard.co.kr (Korea Expressway call centre 1588-2504).

Penalty

An extra charge of up to 10× the toll applies only once the overdue notice’s deadline passes — or immediately from the 20th unpaid toll in a year.

How much?

Tolls depend on vehicle class and distance — check your route on ex.co.kr before you go.