Destinations / South Korea
Driving in South Korea as a visitor
Usually yes. South Korea expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Standard delivery included. Need it sooner? Express lands by for $25 more.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What South Korea expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva |
| Valid for | 1 year |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 112 (police), 119 (ambulance) |
| Top speed limit | 100–120 km/h expressways |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Expected. Hand it over with the licence, never instead of it. |
| Booklet format they know | 1949 Geneva |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in KRW. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Speed | Extensive speed and red-light camera network. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.03% alcohol limit; licence revoked above 0.08%. |
| Right of way | Bus lanes restricted during set hours. |
| Documents | Carry passport, IDP and home licence. |
On the road in South Korea
At the pump
Stations sell '가솔린/휘발유' (petrol, regular ~92 octane) and '경유' (diesel); both attended and self-service ('셀프') pumps are common and cards are accepted everywhere. Petrol typically runs around 1,600-1,750 KRW per litre.
After a crash
Call 112 for police and 119 for ambulance/fire; for any injury or insurance claim file a police report and do not leave the scene. Photograph vehicle positions before moving, and avoid privately settling with the other party as fault is determined for insurance.
Sources: inmykorea.com · haniseoul.com · english.visitkorea.or.kr · en.wikipedia.org
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in South Korea?
Usually yes. South Korea expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Which IDP format does South Korea accept?
South Korea recognises the 1949 Geneva format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in South Korea ask for one?
1949 Geneva IDP requested at all rental desks.
How fast can you get one?
Express orders are emailed within 5 minutes. The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay and the order is refundable for 30 days.