Can Foreigners Rent and Drive in Korea? Requirements, Safety Tips, and Money-Saving Rental Hacks
1. Can Foreigners Rent a Car in Korea?
✔️ ① Passport
For identity verification.
✔️ ② International Driving Permit (IDP)
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Must follow the 1949 Geneva Convention format.
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Accepted for most travelers from the U.S., Europe, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, etc.
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Expired IDPs are not accepted.
✔️ ③ Valid Driver’s License from Your Home Country
Must be presented together with the IDP.
✔️ ④ Korean Driver’s License (for long-term residents)
Long-term residents (workers/students) can exchange their home-country license for a Korean one.
Once exchanged, you can drive without an IDP.
2. Where Can Foreigners Rent a Car in Korea?
Most international and domestic rental companies support foreign drivers:
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Lotte Rent-a-Car
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AJ Rent-a-Car
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SK Rent-a-Car
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Local Jeju rental companies (usually cheaper)
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Global brands: Hertz, Avis, Enterprise
You can easily pick up a car at Incheon Airport, Gimpo Airport, and Jeju Airport.
3. Important Driving Rules & Safety Tips in Korea
🚦 ① Right-side driving
Same as the U.S. and most Western countries.
🚫 ② Strict DUI laws
Blood alcohol limit is 0.03% — extremely strict. Foreigners are not exempt.
📱 ③ No mobile phone use while driving
Using a phone without hands-free = fine.
🚙 ④ Many speed cameras
Korea has extensive speed-camera coverage → safe but requires attention.
🅿️ ⑤ Limited parking in big cities
Especially in Seoul. Check hotel/apartment parking availability in advance.
4. Required Insurance in Korea
Foreign renters must purchase Korean rental insurance.
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CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) – for car damage
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Liability insurance – included by law
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Deductible – some plans offer “zero deductible” (recommended but pricier)
5. How to Rent a Car Cheaply in Korea (Money-Saving Tips)
💡 ① Book early (2–4 weeks before travel)
Especially in Jeju Island, early bookings can be 30–50% cheaper.
💡 ② Use local Korean rental companies
Usually cheaper than global brands.
💡 ③ Use credit card insurance
Some international cards (e.g., VISA Signature) include CDW coverage → saves money.
💡 ④ Choose a small car
Compact cars (Morning, Ray) have cheaper rental fees and fuel costs.
💡 ⑤ Avoid peak seasons
Off-peak bookings can reduce prices by 20–40%.
💡 ⑥ Check discount platforms
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Klook
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Rentalcars.com
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Local platforms for Jeju rentals
They frequently offer promo codes and seasonal discounts.
6. When Should Foreigners Avoid Driving in Korea?
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Rush hour in Seoul (07:30–09:00 / 17:30–19:30)
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First-time visitors unfamiliar with busy city traffic
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Heavy rain or winter snow
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Areas with limited parking
Seoul’s public transportation is excellent, so renting is best for Jeju, Busan outskirts, Gangwon, and countryside trips.
Conclusion: Foreigners CAN Drive in Korea Easily
With an IDP, passport, and your home-country license, foreign visitors can legally and safely drive in Korea. Roads are well maintained, signs are bilingual, and rental procedures are simple. With the right insurance and smart booking strategies, renting a car in Korea can be affordable and convenient for travel.
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