Driving in Korea (2024)

BICYCLE

^[^{Bicycle Sample Image}^]
Any two or three wheel device having operative capability by human propulsion (pedals). When a bicycle is operated by a child under the age of 13, the bicycle is considered a play vehicle and may be operated on a sidewalk. Persons age 13 and older shall operate bicycles in bike lanes, on bicycle paths and on roadways when operating the bicycle on any USFK military installation. If a bicycle is motorized, it is considered a Personal Transportation Device.

MOTOR SCOOTER

^{[Traditional Motor ScooterSample Image]•[Electric Motor Scooter (>60KPH)Sample Image]}
Any powered two or three wheeled vehicle having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider having an engine size less than or equal to 125 cubic centimeters or equivalent size electric motor and capable of exceeding speeds of 60 KPH or greater on level ground. A motor scooter must be registered with the Korean vehicle registration office and must have a Korean license plate fixed to the vehicle. A motor scooter must also be registered in DBIDS.

MOTORCYCLE

^{[Touring MotorcycleSample Image]•[Sports MotorcycleSample Image]}
Any powered two or three wheeled vehicle having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider having an engine size greater than 125 cubic centimeters or equivalent size electric motor and that can exceed 60 kilometers per hour on level ground. A motorcycle is larger and heavier than a motor scooter and its engine lives in the frame. The driver’s feet sit on pegs on the outside of the motorcycle. A motorcycle must be registered with the Korean vehicle registration office and must have a Korean license plate fixed to the vehicle. A motorcycle must also be registered in DBIDS.

PERSONAL TRANSPORTATION DEVICE (PTD)

Any powered two or three wheeled vehicle designed to transport personnel but not registered as a motor vehicle, motorcycle, or motor scooter that propels the device at a maximum speed of not more than 60 kilometers per hour on level ground. Personnel must be at least 16 years old to operate a PTD and a PTD must be registered in DBIDS.
These devices include:

eScooter (known as Kickboards in Korea)

^{[eScooter/KickboardSample Image]•[eScooter/KickboardSample Image]}
A powered device with two or three wheels, handlebars and a floorboard that can be stood upon while riding, which is solely powered by an electric motor, gas driven motor, and/or human power.

Moped

^{[Modern Electric Moped Sample Image]•[Traditional Moped with pedalsSample Image]}
A powered device with two or three wheels that has a small electric or gas driven motor having a seat or saddle and a top speed of 60 KPH (35 MPH) or less. Traditionally, a moped has pedals; however, many newer models no longer have pedals installed.

NOTE:Some vehicles sold as PTDs may exceed speeds of 60 KPH on level ground. These vehicles are considered motor scooters and must comply with all motor scooter training, licensing, registration, and operating requirements. Additionally, Personal Transportation Devices do not include a device that is designed for and intended to be used as a means of transportation for a person with a mobility impairment, or who uses the device for mobility enhancement.

PLAY VEHICLE

^{[Motorized Child Play Toy Sample Image]•[Motorized Big Wheel Sample Image]•[Motorized SkateboardSample Image]•[Motorized Unicycle Sample Image]•[Segway-style Hoverboard Sample Image]•[HoverboardSample Image]}
Any motorized or non-motorized unicycles/monocycles (Ryono, Airwheel or Mobbo), powered or motorized skateboards, hoverboards, and other powered or motorized devices not equipped with a hand-operated steering device. Other items include but are not limited to: motorized small-scale vehicles designed to transport children, be operated by children or to be remotely controlled by another person; motorized and non-motorized roller blades, roller skates, shoes with retractable wheels; and children's bicycles, tricycles, and Big Wheels not intended for use on public roadways. Play vehicles may not exceed speeds of 20 KPH. Play vehicles are intended for use on sidewalks and are not authorized for use on any public roadways (or bike lanes) located on or off U.S. military installations.

PRIVATE MOTOR VEHICLE (POV)

Any motor vehicle designed for highway use which is not owned, rented or leased by DoD or service components. This includes individually owned vehicles, corporate owned vehicles and commercial vehicles (e.g. cargo trucks, buses, taxis, etc.).

Area I & II / USAG Yongsan-Casey
Camp Casey Licensing Center
Bldg. 201, Camp Casey
COMMERCIAL050-3322-5461(Korea)
DSN (315) 722-5461

K-16 Licensing Center
Bldg. 201, Seoul Airbase (K-16)
COMMERCIAL050-3322-5461(Korea)
DSN (315) 722-5461

Area III / USAG Humphreys
USAG Humphreys Licensing Center
Bldg. 7010, USAG Humphreys
COMMERCIAL050-3356-3615(Korea)
DSN (315) 756-3615

Area IV / USAG Daegu
USAG Daegu Licensing Center
Bldg. S330 - Rm. 309, Camp Walker/USAG Daegu
COMMERCIAL050-3363-0712(Korea)
DSN (315) 763-0712

Area V/ Osan Air Base
Osan Air Base Testing Center
Bldg. 1333, Osan AB
COMMERCIAL050-3384-4568(Korea)
DSN (315) 784-4568

FAQs

Is it difficult to drive in Korea? ›

The entire Korean territory is densely connected by highways and well-paved national routes, which poses almost no difficulty when you travel by car.

Read On ›

Can I use my US driver's license in South Korea? ›

USFK Regulation 190-1 allows you to drive the first 30 days after arrival on your state side driver's license. Beyond the first 30 days, you must have a valid International Driver's Permit, a Korean driver's license or a USFK Driver's License (USFK 134EK).

Discover More Details ›

What percentage of Koreans drive? ›

According to a survey conducted by Rakuten Insight, around 68.5 percent of the South Korean respondents stated to own a car as of January 2024.

What are the rules for driving in South Korea? ›

In South Korea, vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road, adhering to a standard right-hand traffic system. This means that the driver's seat is located on the left side of the vehicle, and overtaking or passing slower vehicles is typically done on the left side.

See Details ›

Is it worth renting a car in Korea? ›

While Seoul's public transportation is extensive, renting a car can be a more cost-effective and convenient option for those looking to explore beyond the city limits.

Find Out More ›

Can you turn right on red in Korea? ›

Red light: Regardless of pedestrians, drivers must make a full stop at the stop line. Then, after ensuring the way is clear of oncoming traffic and pedestrians, a right turn can be made.

Tell Me More ›

Can I rent a car in Korea with a US license? ›

In order to drive or rent a car in Korea as a foreigner you will need to have an International Driving Permit (IDP). This is in addition to your regular driving license from your home country (in my case, the UK). You must get one before you arrive in Korea as there is no way to apply for one once you're here.

Show Me More ›

How do you pay tolls in Korea? ›

Korea has a lot of tolls compared to most Western countries. In order to go through a toll booth, you must either pay in cash or install an RFID Hi-PASS tag as described above, which the toll can read and charge your bank card. How much you will pay for the toll depends on the distance you traveled on the toll road.

Explore More ›

What is the primary cause of accidents in Korea? ›

As a result of the experiment, the author showed that the major factors affecting traffic accident deaths were speed, location, and vehicle type. Several research efforts have been devoted to the analysis of traffic accidents in Korea.

How common are car accidents in Korea? ›

In 2022, Korea had a mortality rate of 5.3 road deaths per 100 000 population, ranking Korea 23rd among OECD countries. Korea had 1.0 road deaths per 10 000 registered motor vehicles and a fatality risk of 8.2 road deaths per billion vehicles-kilometre (Figures 3, 4 and 5).

Show Me More ›

What age can you drink in Korea? ›

Alcohol. The legal drinking age in Korea is 19 years of age. Although it is legal to drink alcohol in public, disorderly conduct under the influence of alcohol can result in hefty fines and a visit to the police station.

Read The Full Story ›

What is the alcohol level for driving in Korea? ›

South Korea's Road Traffic Act stipulates that one must abide by a police officer's request for a drunk driving test, also stating that “drunk” status constitutes a BAC level of 0.03 percent or higher.

See Details ›

What does blinking yellow light mean in Korea? ›

The right to proceed is subject to the rules applicable after making a stop. (8) Flashing yellow (caution signal). Drivers of vehicles may proceed through the intersection while exercising due caution. 4.

Get More Info Here ›

Can you turn left on green in Korea? ›

You can make a left turn on the left turn signal. You can make an unprotected left turn on a green light when there is no car on the opposite side. Making a left turn on a red or yellow light is a traffic signal violation. Illegal stopping or parking hinders the traffic flow and transit of vehicles.

Do Korean road signs have English? ›

Like other countries, the signs use pictograms to display their meaning. Any text included in signs will normally be in Korean and English. Signs are normally placed 1 to 2.1 meters high.

Can foreigners drive in Korea? ›

You need an international driving permit issued by a member country of the Geneva or Vienna conventions, as well as your driver's license from your home country and your passport. Pease make sure you have an international driving permit because we don't accept an international driver's license.

View Details ›

How to rent a car in Korea as an American? ›

Car rental Precautions

Passport and International Driving Permit(IDP) are REQUIRED for rentals. IDP should be issued by country under Geneva or Vienna Convention. EU International Drivers License cannot be used in Korea, EU IDL holders must present IDP to pick up the car.

Is South Korea easy to travel around? ›

Its relatively small size combined with some of the best transportation infrastructure in the world allows everyone to get from here to there with minimal hassle and expense. Compared to countries with similar economic standing, Korea's trains, buses and taxis are also surprisingly cheap.

Learn More ›