Driving in South Korea
Complete guide for tourists and expats. Learn the road rules, speed limits, and essential information before you drive in South Korea.
Can You Drive in South Korea?
Accepted Licenses From
Validity Period: IDP valid for 1 year from date of issue.
Important Note
South Korea ONLY accepts IDPs based on the 1949 Geneva Convention. IDPs from countries that only issue Vienna Convention (1968) permits are NOT valid. US, UK, Canada, Australia IDPs are accepted. Must carry your home license alongside the IDP.
What to Carry in Your Car
Mandatory Items
- Warning triangle
- Fire extinguisher
- Insurance certificate
Recommended Items
- First aid kit
- Dashcam (extremely common in South Korea)
- Hi-pass card for toll roads
- International Driving Permit
Speed Limits
Urban Areas
km/h
Rural Roads
km/h
Highways/Motorways
km/h
Toll Roads
Payment Methods
Average Cost
KRW 1,000–KRW 30,000 depending on distance (Seoul to Busan approximately KRW 25,000 one way)
Hi-pass is the electronic toll system. A Hi-pass card and OBU (on-board unit) can be rented from rental car agencies. Without Hi-pass, use cash or credit card at toll booths.
Parking
Line Colors
Parking Tips
- Use Kakao Map or Naver Map to find real-time parking availability in cities
- Many parking garages are underground — look for 주차장 (juchajang) signs
- Avoid parking in residential areas with narrow streets — your car may be boxed in by double-parked vehicles
Average Cost: KRW 2,000–5,000 per hour in city centers; many department stores offer free parking with purchase
Common Mistakes Tourists Make
- 1Using a non-Geneva Convention IDP — South Korea only accepts IDPs based on the 1949 Geneva Convention, not the 1968 Vienna Convention
- 2Not having a Hi-pass card and getting stuck in cash-only toll lanes during peak hours
- 3Ignoring aggressive driving culture in major cities — frequent lane changes and tight merging are common
- 4Aggressive lane changes on expressways
- 5Parking in no-parking zones — enforcement is strict
Traffic Fines
Speeding
KRW 30,000–KRW 120,000+ depending on speed over limit; demerit points applied
No Seatbelt
KRW 30,000 (driver); KRW 30,000 (passengers)
Phone Use
KRW 60,000–KRW 70,000
Red Light
KRW 60,000–KRW 70,000
Illegal Parking
KRW 40,000–KRW 50,000
Ready to Drive in South Korea?
Take a quick quiz to test your knowledge of the road rules.
Emergency Contacts
Police
112
Ambulance
119
Fire
119
Roadside Assistance
Korea Road Assistance: 1588-2504; Tourist hotline: 1330 (multilingual)
Partner link – opens GetYourGuide.com
Want to Master South Korea Driving Rules?
Practice with our driving test questions and learn all the rules before you drive.
