05 Jul
When I first moved to Korea, I assumed I could just drive with my foreign license. That assumption quickly changed when I learned I needed a Korean driver’s license to legally get behind the wheel.
If you’re also planning to drive in Korea, here’s everything you need to know—based on my personal experience.
Option 1: Exchange Your Foreign Driver’s License in Korea
If you’re from a country that has a reciprocal agreement with Korea, exchanging your license is by far the fastest and easiest route!
✅ Step 1: Check License Exchange Eligibility
Korea allows license exchanges without a written or road test for many countries, including:
United States (note: some states excluded)
Canada
Australia
Most of Europe
📌 Tip: Double-check your country’s eligibility with the Korea Road Traffic Authority (KoROAD) or your local embassy.
✅ Step 2: Prepare the Required Documents
You’ll need:
Your original foreign driver’s license
An apostille or embassy-issued confirmation letter (issued within the past year)
Your passport and Alien Registration Card (ARC)
Two recent passport photos (3.5 × 4.5 cm)
✅ Step 3: Visit a Driver’s License Test Center
There are four test centers in Seoul, and several throughout the country.
At the center, you’ll:
Submit your documents
Take a basic health and vision check (₩6,000–₩7,000)
If your country qualifies for direct exchange, no written or road test is required. If not, you’ll need to take both.
✅ Step 4: Pay the License Fee
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Regular Korean license: ₩8,000
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Korean license with English version: ₩10,000
Option 2: Get a Korean Driver’s License from Scratch
If your country isn’t eligible for exchange or you don’t have a license yet, you’ll need to go through the full licensing process.
✅ Step 1: Attend Traffic Safety Education
One-hour mandatory class held at the test center
Free of charge
Video includes English subtitles and is easy to follow
If you are brand new to driving and need to learn and practice, there are many Driving Schools you can attend that even use driving simulators to help you learn and practice!
✅ Step 2: Take a Health and Vision Check
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Cost: ₩6,000–₩7,000
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Required for all applicants
✅ Step 3: Pass the Written Exam
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40 multiple-choice questions
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Passing score: 60–70%
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English version available
📌 Pro tip: I passed without studying—it’s mostly common sense, but brushing up doesn’t hurt.
✅ Step 4: Driving Course Test (Closed Course)
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Fee: ₩25,000
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Performed on a test track
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You must correctly complete specific driving tasks
📺 Helpful video tutorial I used:
Watch the course test walkthrough
✅ Step 5: On-Road Driving Test
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Real-world driving with an examiner
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Retakes allowed every 3 days
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Fee: ₩30,000
I needed one retake—but passed the second time!
✅ Step 6: Get Your Korean Driver’s License
Once you pass, pay ₩10,000 and receive your official license. You can start driving immediately.
Final Thoughts: Which Option Is Better?
If your country qualifies for license exchange, take advantage of it. It’s much faster and avoids the stress of testing. You can also get your license in one day going this route, vs. a lengthier process going the traditional testing route.
While the full process takes more effort, it’s still manageable—and definitely worth it if you plan to live, work, or travel extensively in Korea.
Once you’re licensed, your weekend trips to Gangwon Province, Jeju, or the coast are just a car ride away!
Here’s a youtube video of an expat getting her driver’s license in Korea!
Michelle Duquette, Marketing Assistant
Michelle Duquette is from Toronto, Canada and moved to South Korea in 2015. She has a Bachelors in English literature and a Masters in ESL Education. Michelle has taught at Creverse campuses in Gangneung, Songpa, and Mokdong and currently works as a CDI and April Trainer. Michelle never set out to be a teacher but fell in love with Korean culture and the excitement of being in the classroom. Michelle lives in Seoul with her partner and two cats, Cherry and Frost.