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Q: How often must a new passenger car undergo its first mandatory vehicle inspection (자동차 검사) in South Korea?

After 4 years from the date of first registration. New passenger cars in South Korea must undergo their first mandatory vehicle inspection after 4 years, then every 2 years thereafter.

Q: After the first inspection, how frequently must passenger cars be inspected?

Every 2 years. After the initial 4-year inspection, passenger cars must be inspected every 2 years. Older vehicles (over 8-10 years) may require annual inspections.

Q: What happens if you drive a vehicle that has failed its inspection or the inspection has expired?

You face fines and your vehicle registration may be revoked. Driving without a valid inspection results in fines, and continued non-compliance can lead to vehicle registration revocation.

Q: What safety equipment is legally required in every passenger vehicle in South Korea?

Fire extinguisher, warning triangle, and first aid kit. Korean law requires vehicles to carry a fire extinguisher, warning triangle (삼각대), and first aid kit. These items are checked during vehicle inspections.

Q: What is the minimum legal tread depth for tires in South Korea?

1.6 mm. The minimum legal tread depth for tires in South Korea is 1.6 mm. Tires worn below this level are unsafe and fail inspection.

Q: What is the BAC limit in South Korea?

0.03% — one of the world's strictest, reduced from 0.05% in June 2019 under the Yoon Chang-ho Law (윤창호법). BAC 0.03–0.08%: licence suspension, up to 1 year imprisonment or fine up to KRW 5 million. BAC 0.08–0.2%: licence revocation, 1–2 years imprisonment or KRW 5–10 million fine. BAC 0.2%+: 2–5 years imprisonment or KRW 10–20 million fine. Refusing a breathalyzer is treated as BAC 0.08%+.

Q: What is the Yoon Chang-ho Law?

The Yoon Chang-ho Law (윤창호법) was enacted in June 2019, named after a 22-year-old KATUSA soldier killed by a drunk driver while on military leave in September 2018. It reduced the BAC limit from 0.05% to 0.03% and significantly increased penalties for drink driving — up to 5 years imprisonment and KRW 20 million in fines for causing injury while intoxicated.

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영등포구, Seoul, South Korea

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Quick Reference

Test Questions

40

Pass Mark

60%

Minimum Age

18

License Fee

~70,000 KRW total

Source: KOROAD · Last updated: 2026-03-15

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How often must a new passenger car undergo its first mandatory vehicle inspection (자동차 검사) in South Korea?

Emergency Numbers

Police Emergency (경찰)112

Fire & Ambulance (소방/구급)119

Road Rescue (도로구원)1588-2504

Government Hotline (정부민원)120

Speed Limits

Urban (도심) — Reduced from 60 km/h in 2021

Rural (지방도로) — 60–80 km/h depending on road class

Highway (고속도로) — Minimum speed 50 km/h

Expressway (자동차전용도로) — Urban expressways 80 km/h

School Zone (어린이보호구역) — Double penalties for violations

Road Hazards

South Korea's massive delivery culture means thousands of delivery scooters and motorcycles operate …

Many Korean cities have extremely narrow alleyways (골목길) in older residential and commercial areas. …

Korean urban driving can be aggressive — frequent lane changes, tailgating, and last-second merges a…

The summer monsoon season (장마, June–July) brings intense rainfall causing flooding and reduced visib…

FAQ

How much does a South Korean driving licence cost?

The total cost for a Type 1 Ordinary (car) licence is typically KRW 500,000–1,000,000 (~$370–740 USD). This includes: driving school tuition KRW 400,000–800,000, written test KRW 10,000, driving course test KRW 25,000, road driving test KRW 30,000, licence issuance KRW 10,000, and health certificate KRW 5,000–10,000. Additional road driving lessons increase the total cost.

What is the South Korean written test format?

The written test (학과시험) for Type 1 Ordinary licence consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. You have 40 minutes. You must answer at least 28 of the 40 questions correctly (70% for Type 1). Topics include traffic laws, road signs, vehicle maintenance, driving ethics, and emergency procedures. The test is available in Korean, English, Chinese, and other languages.

What are the speed limits in South Korea?

Urban areas: 50 km/h (reduced from 60 in 2021 under Safe Speed 5030). School zones: 30 km/h. Rural roads: 60–80 km/h. Highways: 100–110 km/h. Expressways: 80–90 km/h. Trucks have lower limits on highways.

What is the BAC limit in South Korea?