What it takes for foreigners to drive legally in Korea

South Korea’s extensive public transportation network makes it possible for visitors to get by without a car. But for those who plan to drive — whether for travel, work or a longer stay — the rules depend largely on how long they will be in the country and where their current license was issued.

Short-term visitors may be able to use an international driving permit, while longer-term residents can exchange a foreign license for a Korean one or apply for a Korean license from scratch.

If you have a valid driver's license from your home country, you may be able to use an International Driving Permit to drive in Korea.

An IDP is essentially a translation of a domestic driver's license and is not valid on its own. Drivers must carry both the original license and the IDP.

Korea recognizes IDPs issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention and the 1968 Vienna Convention. The two formats are not interchangeable, so travelers should check whether their country issues a permit recognized in Korea.

A list of countries participating in the respective IDP conventions can be found on the International Driving Permit website.

An IDP can generally be used in Korea for up to one year from the date of entry and cannot be renewed in Korea.

Drivers using a foreign license and an IDP can also have their driving privileges suspended by Korean authorities for certain violations, including traffic accidents or breaches of the Road Traffic Act.

Those planning to live in Korea long term may find it more practical to obtain a Korean driver's license.

Foreign residents can either apply for a Korean license from scratch or, depending on where their existing license was issued, exchange it through a simplified process.

Detailed information on exchanging a foreign license is available on the Korea Road Traffic Authority's English-language website under the tab “Exchange of Foreign Driver's License for a Korean Driver's License.”

Korea recognizes driver's licenses from 133 countries and jurisdictions, though requirements vary. The full list is available on KoRoad's Korean-language website.

For US license holders, eligibility can differ by state because driver's licenses are issued at the state level.

Depending on where the license was issued, applicants may only need to submit documents or they may also be required to take a written test or additional examinations.

The procedure generally involves a review of the foreign license and supporting documents, an aptitude test including a physical examination and, when required, a written test.

Applicants typically need their foreign driver's license, passport, residence card, recent photos, a certificate of entry and exit and documents verifying the validity of the foreign license.

If the license was issued in a country other than that of the applicant's nationality, proof of having stayed in that country for at least 90 days may also be required.

The issuance fee is 15,000 won ($11) for a mobile license and 10,000 won for a standard license. Physical examinations carry an additional fee.

Applications must generally be made in person at driver's license test centers.

KoRoad can also be reached at 1577-1120, while foreign-language consultations are available through its KakaoTalk customer service channel.

Foreign residents who cannot or do not want to exchange an overseas license can apply for a Korean driver's license through the regular testing process.

Detailed information is available in the “Driver's License Acquisition Procedure” section of KoRoad's English-language website.

Applicants generally need to provide identification, an application form and a recent photo.

The process includes traffic safety education, a physical examination, a written test, a practical driving test and a road test. The written exam is available in Korean, English, Chinese and Vietnamese.

Those who fail the written test can retake it starting the following day, while practical and road tests require a three-day waiting period before another attempt.

The types of tests available vary by test center. Applicants can find test centers and check available services through KoRoad's website.

Some centers handle only standard passenger vehicle licenses, while others offer testing for trailers, wreckers and other vehicle types.

Some driver's license services, including renewals and applications for mobile licenses, are also available at local police stations. New license applications and driving tests, however, must be handled at designated test centers.

Certified driving schools can provide classroom and practical training, and many also help with the application process. Services and facilities vary, so applicants should check what training and testing options are available before enrolling.