Driving in Korea (2024)

Driving in Korea (1)BICYCLE

[Bicycle Sample Image]
Any two or three wheel device having operative capability by human propulsion (pedals). When a bicycle is operated by a child under the age of 13, the bicycle is considered a play vehicle and may be operated on a sidewalk. Persons age 13 and older shall operate bicycles in bike lanes, on bicycle paths and on roadways when operating the bicycle on any USFK military installation. If a bicycle is motorized, it is considered a Personal Transportation Device.​​

Driving in Korea (2)MOTOR SCOOTER

[Traditional Motor ScooterSample Image][Electric Motor Scooter (>60KPH)Sample Image]
Any powered two or three wheeled vehicle having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider having an engine size less than or equal to 125 cubic centimeters or equivalent size electric motor and capable of exceeding speeds of 60 KPH or greater on level ground. A motor scooter must be registered with the Korean vehicle registration office and must have a Korean license plate fixed to the vehicle. A motor scooter must also be registered in DBIDS.

Driving in Korea (3)MOTORCYCLE

[Touring MotorcycleSample Image][Sports MotorcycleSample Image]
Any powered two or three wheeled vehicle having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider having an engine size greater than 125 cubic centimeters or equivalent size electric motor and that can exceed 60 kilometers per hour on level ground. A motorcycle is larger and heavier than a motor scooter and its engine lives in the frame. The driver’s feet sit on pegs on the outside of the motorcycle. A motorcycle must be registered with the Korean vehicle registration office and must have a Korean license plate fixed to the vehicle. A motorcycle must also be registered in DBIDS.

Driving in Korea (4)PERSONAL TRANSPORTATION DEVICE (PTD)

Any powered two or three wheeled vehicle designed to transport personnel but not registered as a motor vehicle, motorcycle, or motor scooter that propels the device at a maximum speed of not more than 60 kilometers per hour on level ground. Personnel must be at least 16 years old to operate a PTD and a PTD must be registered in DBIDS.
These devices include:

eScooter (known as Kickboards in Korea)

[eScooter/KickboardSample Image][eScooter/KickboardSample Image]
A powered device with two or three wheels, handlebars and a floorboard that can be stood upon while riding, which is solely powered by an electric motor, gas driven motor, and/or human power.

Moped

[Modern Electric Moped Sample Image][Traditional Moped with pedalsSample Image]
A powered device with two or three wheels that has a small electric or gas driven motor having a seat or saddle and a top speed of 60 KPH (35 MPH) or less. Traditionally, a moped has pedals; however, many newer models no longer have pedals installed.

NOTE:Some vehicles sold as PTDs may exceed speeds of 60 KPH on level ground. These vehicles are considered motor scooters and must comply with all motor scooter training, licensing, registration, and operating requirements. Additionally, Personal Transportation Devices do not include a device that is designed for and intended to be used as a means of transportation for a person with a mobility impairment, or who uses the device for mobility enhancement.

[Electric Motor Scooter (>60KPH)Sample Image]

[Mobility Impairment DeviceSample Image]

Driving in Korea (5)PLAY VEHICLE

[Motorized Child Play Toy Sample Image][Motorized Big Wheel Sample Image][Motorized SkateboardSample Image][Motorized Unicycle Sample Image][Segway-style Hoverboard Sample Image][HoverboardSample Image]
Any motorized or non-motorized unicycles/monocycles (Ryono, Airwheel or Mobbo), powered or motorized skateboards, hoverboards, and other powered or motorized devices not equipped with a hand-operated steering device. Other items include but are not limited to: motorized small-scale vehicles designed to transport children, be operated by children or to be remotely controlled by another person; motorized and non-motorized roller blades, roller skates, shoes with retractable wheels; and children's bicycles, tricycles, and Big Wheels not intended for use on public roadways. Play vehicles may not exceed speeds of 20 KPH. Play vehicles are intended for use on sidewalks and are not authorized for use on any public roadways (or bike lanes) located on or off U.S. military installations.

Driving in Korea (6)PRIVATE MOTOR VEHICLE (POV)

Any motor vehicle designed for highway use which is not owned, rented or leased by DoD or service components. This includes individually owned vehicles, corporate owned vehicles and commercial vehicles (e.g. cargo trucks, buses, taxis, etc.).

Area I & II / USAG Yongsan-Casey
Camp Casey Licensing Center
Bldg. 201, Camp Casey

COMMERCIAL050-3322-5461(Korea)
DSN (315) 722-5461

K-16 Licensing Center
Bldg. 201, Seoul Airbase (K-16)
COMMERCIAL050-3322-5461(Korea)
DSN (315) 722-5461

Area III / USAG Humphreys
USAG Humphreys Licensing Center
Bldg. 7010, USAG Humphreys

COMMERCIAL050-3356-3615(Korea)
DSN (315) 756-3615

Area IV / USAG Daegu
USAG Daegu Licensing Center
Bldg. S330 - Rm. 309, Camp Walker/USAG Daegu

COMMERCIAL050-3363-0712(Korea)
DSN (315) 763-0712

Area V/ Osan Air Base
Osan Air Base Testing Center
Bldg. 1333, Osan AB

COMMERCIAL050-3384-4568(Korea)
DSN (315) 784-4568

Driving in Korea (2024)

FAQs

Driving in Korea? ›

First of all, the driver's seat is located on the left side, which means you drive on the right side of roads. Distance is measured in kilometers and speed is indicated in kilometers per hour. The driving environment is safe for the most part and drivers show good manners.

Can a foreigner drive in Korea? ›

- Korea is a Geneva Convention country. A person with a valid international driver's permit issued by a Geneva Convention country can drive in Korea for a year from the date of entry (Since January 1, 2002, the Republic of Korea has allowed a person with an international permit to drive in Korea for a year).

Is Korea left or right hand drive? ›

In South Korea, vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road, adhering to a standard right-hand traffic system. This means that the driver's seat is located on the left side of the vehicle, and overtaking or passing slower vehicles is typically done on the left side.

Can I rent a car in Korea with US license? ›

Passport and International Driving Permit(IDP) are REQUIRED for rentals. IDP should be issued by country under Geneva or Vienna Convention.

Can you turn right on red in Korea? ›

South Korean allows right turns on red, but previously, there hadn't been any legal clause on whether cars should fully stop before turning. Prior to the revision, the law had stated that a car could turn right at an intersection if it does not obstruct other vehicles progressing in accordance with the traffic light.

Can I drive in South Korea as a tourist? ›

You need an international driving permit issued by a member country of the Geneva or Vienna conventions, as well as your driver's license from your home country and your passport. Pease make sure you have an international driving permit because we don't accept an international driver's license.

Is it easy to rent a car in South Korea? ›

Renting a car

It is easy to find rental car companies at airports as well as near train stations, bus terminals, and various places around the city. Rental car costs vary depending on the region, car type, season (peak season or off-season) and company. Typically, rental costs are calculated by day or a 24-hour period.

Do I need an international driver's license in Korea? ›

To drive a car in Korea, people need a driver's license or an international driver's license from their own country. International driver's licenses are valid for a period of one year.

Does South Korea drive on the same side as the US? ›

Both North Korea and South Korea use RHT since 1946, after liberation from Japanese colonial power.

How long is the drive from Seoul to Busan? ›

Can I drive from Seoul to Busan? Yes, the driving distance between Seoul to Busan is 403 km. It takes approximately 4h 17m to drive from Seoul to Busan.

Is it expensive to rent a car in Korea? ›

On average, renting Small car in Seoul costs $58 per day.

How do you pay tolls in Korea? ›

Motorway tolls can be paid using cash, major credit cards, or a Hi-Pass card. The Hi-Pass system allows drivers to pay tolls without having to stop at the toll. To use it, drivers must have both an On Board Unit (OBU) which is installed at the front of the vehicle, and a Hi-Pass card which is inserted into the OBU.

Is parking expensive in Seoul? ›

On-street parking here costs 1000 Won per 10 minutes (US$0.90 or so - meaning $5.40 per hour). On-street parking pricing in Seoul is via parking attendants who wield digital handhelds. Surprisingly, there is a lot of free parking outside the major business districts.

What does flashing red light mean in Korea? ›

(7) Flashing red (stop signal).

Drivers of vehicles must stop at the marked stop line.

What is the blue lane in Korea? ›

Many entry and exit gates will clearly label the Hi-Pass lane in bright blue. These lanes are designated for cars with a Hi-Pass OBU (onboard unit) and Hi-Pass card. Not all HiPass lanes have the same speed limit. Notice, the speed limit for going through the HiPass gate has been painted on the road over the blue line.

Are road signs in English in Korea? ›

Like other countries, the signs use pictograms to display their meaning. Any text included in signs will normally be in Korean and English. Signs are normally placed 1 to 2.1 meters high. South Korean road signs depict people with realistic (as opposed to stylized) silhouettes.

Do I need international driving license in Korea? ›

Popular countries that require an additional International Driving Permit are: Japan. South Korea. Taiwan.

What is required to drive in South Korea? ›

All drivers must possess a physical Korean Driver's License card or an International Driving Permit. It is possible to acquire a Korean driver's license by also demonstrating legal residency and sitting for a (Korean / English) "rules of the road" examination.

How do I get a Korean driver's license with a US license? ›

Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the USA

Therefore, U.S. citizens or Koreans with a valid U.S. driver's license can exchange their U.S. driver's license for a Korean driver's license by taking a simplified version of the written exam. (This written exam can be provided in English.)

Can you self drive in Korea? ›

Driving is easy in South Korea. Just use Kakao Maps and it will guide you in English to your destination. Do note you only need a car for self-drive in Korea from day 5 until day 13. The other days in Seoul and Busan you can use taxi or metro.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Catherine Tremblay

Last Updated:

Views: 5861

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (67 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Catherine Tremblay

Birthday: 1999-09-23

Address: Suite 461 73643 Sherril Loaf, Dickinsonland, AZ 47941-2379

Phone: +2678139151039

Job: International Administration Supervisor

Hobby: Dowsing, Snowboarding, Rowing, Beekeeping, Calligraphy, Shooting, Air sports

Introduction: My name is Catherine Tremblay, I am a precious, perfect, tasty, enthusiastic, inexpensive, vast, kind person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.