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expatLicense.hero.countryTitle
expatLicense.hero.countrySubtitle
expatLicense.countryPage.quickAnswer.title
expatLicense.countryPage.quickAnswer.yesFor expatLicense.countryPage.quickAnswer.afterThat expatLicense.countryPage.quickAnswer.testInEnglish
expatLicense.countryPage.keyFacts.title
| expatLicense.countryPage.keyFacts.testAuthority | KOROAD (Korea Road Traffic Authority (도로교통공단)) |
| expatLicense.countryPage.keyFacts.officialTestLanguage | Korean, English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, Indonesian, Cambodian, Russian, Japanese |
| expatLicense.countryPage.keyFacts.gracePeriod | IDP valid for 1 year |
| expatLicense.countryPage.keyFacts.theoryTestRequired | expatLicense.countryPage.keyFacts.yesIfNoExchange |
| expatLicense.countryPage.keyFacts.practicalTestRequired | expatLicense.countryPage.keyFacts.notForExchange |
| expatLicense.countryPage.keyFacts.medicalExam | expatLicense.countryPage.keyFacts.required |
| expatLicense.countryPage.keyFacts.totalCost | KRW 25,000-50,000 (exchange with test) or KRW 500,000-800,000 (driving school) |
| expatLicense.countryPage.keyFacts.processingTime | 1-2 days (same day possible) |
expatLicense.countryPage.eligibility.title
🇪🇺 expatLicense.countryPage.eligibility.euEea
Can exchange with written test only if license held for 1+ year.
🇺🇸🇬🇧 expatLicense.countryPage.eligibility.usUk
USA/UK: Can exchange with written test only. Relatively straightforward process.
🌍 expatLicense.countryPage.eligibility.nonEu
Can exchange with written test only if license held for 1+ year. Practical test waived for many countries.
🎓 expatLicense.countryPage.eligibility.students
Can use IDP during studies. Can apply for Korean license with ARC.
expatLicense.countryPage.exchangeAgreements.title
✅ expatLicense.countryPage.exchangeAgreements.directExchange
Most countries can exchange with written test only, USA, UK, Canada, Australia, EU/EEA countries, Japan, China
❌ expatLicense.countryPage.exchangeAgreements.noAgreement
Very few countries have no exchange path
expatLicense.countryPage.requiredDocuments.title
- ✓ARC (Alien Registration Card)
- ✓Original foreign license (held 1+ year)
- ✓Valid passport
- ✓Passport photos
- ✓Health check certificate
expatLicense.countryPage.costsBreakdown.title
| expatLicense.countryPage.costsBreakdown.conversionFee | KRW 7,500 (written test) + KRW 7,500 (license fee) |
| expatLicense.countryPage.costsBreakdown.medicalExam | KRW 5,000-10,000 |
| expatLicense.countryPage.costsBreakdown.translation | Not required if license in English |
| expatLicense.countryPage.costsBreakdown.totalEstimated | KRW 25,000-50,000 (exchange with test) or KRW 500,000-800,000 (driving school) |
expatLicense.countryPage.tips.title
- 💡Written test available in ENGLISH - major advantage for expats
- 💡Relatively easy exchange process compared to most countries
- 💡Very strict DUI laws - 0.03% BAC limit
- 💡ARC (Alien Registration Card) required before applying
- 💡Same-day license issuance possible
expatLicense.countryPage.officialResources.title
expatLicense.sections.faq.title
Can I take the Korean driving test in English?
Yes! The written theory test is available in English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, and several other languages. This makes South Korea one of the more accessible countries for foreign license exchange.
Do I need to take a practical driving test?
In most cases, no. If you have a valid foreign license held for 1+ year, you only need to pass the written test. The practical test is waived for exchanges from most countries.
What is an ARC and do I need one?
ARC (Alien Registration Card) is your foreign resident ID in South Korea. You must have one to apply for a Korean driving license. It is issued by immigration when you register as a resident.
How strict are DUI laws in South Korea?
Very strict. The legal BAC limit is 0.03%, much lower than most Western countries. Penalties include heavy fines, license suspension, and potential imprisonment.
expatLicense.cta.hubTitle
expatLicense.cta.hubDescription