2026 Korean Driver License Guide – How to Get Your Korean Driver License: Exchange vs. New Test (Step-by-Step) [English Speaking Lawyer. LIBRO]

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Introduction: Do I Really Need a Korean License? (2026 Korean Driver License Guide)

If you are visiting for a short trip, an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued in your home country is sufficient. However, under Korean law, an IDP is valid for only 1 year from the date of entry.

To drive legally after that, or if you are a long-term resident (ARC holder), you generally must obtain a local Korean Driver License.

There are two ways to do this:

  1. Plan A (The Shortcut): Exchanging your foreign license.
  2. Plan B (The Long Way): Taking the full driving test (if your country is not on the recognized list).
Korean Driver License

Plan A: Exchanging Your Foreign License (The Shortcut)

If your home country has a “Reciprocal Agreement” with South Korea, you can simply swap your license without taking the written or driving tests.

1. Check Your Eligibility

  • Recognized Countries (e.g., UK, Canada, Australia, most EU): You skip the written and practical tests. You only need a simple physical check (eye test).
  • Unrecognized Countries (e.g., USA – varies by state): You must take the Written Test (Health check + Written Test). However, you skip the Function and Road driving tests.
  • Note: The list of recognized countries changes. Always check the latest list on the KoRoad Website before visiting.

2. Required Documents (The “Hard” Part)

Gather these before you go to the office. Missing one means you go home empty-handed.

DocumentNotes
1. Original Foreign LicenseMust be valid (not expired/temporary). You must surrender this to KoRoad.
2. PassportOriginal.
3. ARC (Alien Registration Card)Original.
4. Embassy Certificate OR ApostilleCRITICAL. Required to prove your license is authentic.
– Apostille: For Hague Convention countries (US, UK, etc.).
– Embassy Cert: For non-Hague countries.
Must be issued within 1 year.
5. Certificate of Entry/Exit“Chul-ip-guk Sa-sil Jeung-myeong-seo”. Proves you stayed in your home country for at least 90 days after getting your license. Get this at a Jumin Center or Gov.kr.
6. Color Photos (3)3.5cm x 4.5cm (standard passport size).
7. FeeApprox. 10,000 ~ 15,000 KRW (Health check + Issuance fee).

💡 What happens to my old license?

Generally, KoRoad will keep your foreign license. You can get it back when you present a flight ticket showing you are traveling abroad. Note: Some recent agreements may allow you to keep both, but assume surrender is the default rule.

3. The Process (Where to Go)

  1. Visit a Driver’s License Examination Office (KoRoad). (Police stations take much longer).
  2. Fill out the “Exchange Application Form”.
  3. Take the Physical Exam (Eye test) in the same building.
  4. Submit documents at the “Foreign License Exchange” counter.
  5. Receive your Korean Driver License immediately (usually within 30 minutes).

Plan B: Getting a License from Scratch (The Test)

If you don’t have a license, or your license isn’t valid for exchange, you must pass the 3-part exam. Don’t worry—you can do it all in English.

Step 1: Traffic Safety Education

  • What: A 1-hour video on safety.
  • Where: At the KoRoad office.
  • Cost: Free.
  • Note: You must bring your ID. While walk-ins are often possible, checking the schedule online is recommended.

Step 2: The Written Test (PC Exam)

  • Language: Available in English, Chinese, Vietnamese, etc.
  • Format: 40 Multiple Choice Questions (50 minutes).
  • Passing Score: 60/100 for Class 2 (Regular Car).
  • Cost: 10,000 KRW.
  • How to Study: Download the app “Driving License 2026” (Un-jeon-myeon-heo PLUS). The questions in the app are nearly identical to the real test.

Step 3: The Function Test (Course Test)

This takes place on a closed circuit. You are alone in the car, guided by a GPS voice system (English available).

  • Tasks: Operating lights/wipers, starting on a hill, emergency braking, and “T-Parking”.
  • Passing Score: 80/100.
  • Cost: 22,000 KRW.
  • Tip: Watch YouTube videos searching for “Korean Function Test T-Parking formula.” There is a specific formula to pass.

Step 4: The Road Test (Street Drive)

You drive on real roads with an examiner and another student.

  • Course: The tablet picks 1 of 4 random courses (A, B, C, D) around the testing center (~5km).
  • Tasks: Lane changing, turning, obeying signals, speed maintenance.
  • Passing Score: 70/100.
  • Cost: 25,000 KRW.
  • Tip: Exaggerate your head movements when checking mirrors so the examiner clearly sees you looking.

Bonus: The “English” Korean License

When you apply for your Korean license (Method A or B), you will be asked:

“Do you want the English ID on the back?”

SAY YES.

For a small extra fee (approx. 2,000 KRW), they print your info in English on the back.

  • Benefit: This card functions as a valid driving permit in approx. 37 countries (e.g., UK, Canada, Australia, Switzerland, etc.). You don’t need a separate paper IDP booklet for those specific countries!
  • Note: The list of countries changes. Always verify with the embassy before traveling.

FAQ: Korean Driver License

Q1: Can I drive a scooter/motorcycle with a Car License?

A: Generally, a Class 2 Ordinary (2-jong Bo-tong) license allows you to ride scooters under 125cc. However, laws regarding electric scooters and motorcycles change frequently. You must check the latest KoRoad or Police notice to confirm if your specific vehicle requires a separate license.

Q2: I lost my foreign license. Can I still exchange?

A: No. You must have the physical card to exchange it. If lost, you must re-issue it in your home country or take the Korean test from scratch.

Q3: How long is the license valid?

A: Usually 10 years. The validity period is printed on the card. You must renew it (simple eye test) during the renewal period, or you face a fine.

Q4: Can I use a rental car (Socar/Lotte) immediately?

A: Technically yes, but most car rental apps (Socar) require you to have held the license for at least 1 year. If you exchanged your license, upload your “Certificate of Driving Experience” (from your home country) to Socar customer service to prove you are not a new driver. Check the specific app’s policy.

Summary Checklist

  1. Check: Does Korea recognize my country’s license? (Check KoRoad list).
  2. Prepare: Get your Apostille or Embassy Certificate (issued within 1 year).
  3. Visit: Go to the nearest KoRoad office (not police station).
  4. Decide: Do you want the English text on the back? (Yes!).
  5. Drive: Enjoy exploring Korea safely!

Need help with the Apostille or Document Translation?

Getting documents verified from abroad can be a nightmare.

Contact LIBRO Global Client Services.

LIBRO Global Client Services

Attorney Paul

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