Destinations / South Korea
Driving in South Korea as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. South Korea commonly asks foreign drivers for an IDP issued in their home country alongside their national licence.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What South Korea expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| 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 | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| 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?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. South Korea commonly asks foreign drivers for an IDP issued in their home country alongside their national licence.
Which translation format is used for South Korea?
South Korea uses the 1949 Geneva convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in South Korea ask for a translation?
1949 Geneva IDP requested at all rental desks.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for South Korea?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Asia
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.