License Types
Korean driver's licenses are classified into Level I (large, ordinary, small, special) and Level II (ordinary, small, motorcycles). Most foreigners need a Level II ordinary license for regular passenger cars.
Getting a New License: Full Process
To obtain a Korean license from scratch, you must pass three tests in order:
Step 1: Traffic Safety Education
A one-hour audio-visual course required before you can take the written exam. Bring your ID (passport, alien registration certificate). No fee.
Step 2: Health Check
Available at health check clinics inside driver's license examination offices or at hospitals. Fee: 6,000 KRW for most licenses (7,000 KRW for Level I large/special).
Step 3: Written Exam
40 multiple-choice questions on traffic regulations and safe driving. Available in Korean, English, Chinese, and Vietnamese. Results appear on screen immediately after the exam. Fee: 10,000 KRW. If you fail, you may retake the next day.
Step 4: Driving Course Test
Fee: 25,000 KRW for ordinary vehicles. If you fail, retake after three days.
Step 5: Student License
After passing the driving course test (for Level I/II ordinary), you receive a student license valid for one year. Fee: 4,000 KRW. You can practice driving with this license.
Step 6: Behind-the-Wheel Driving Exam
Fee: 30,000 KRW. If you fail, retake after three days.
Step 7: License Issued
If you pass all tests, the license is issued at the examination office.
Seoul Examination Offices
- Gangnam: 23 Teheran-ro 114-gil, Gangnam-gu
- Gangseo: 171 Nambusunhwan-ro, Gangseo-gu
- Dobong: 1449 Dongil-ro, Nowon-gu
- Seobu: 13 World Cup-ro 42-gil, Mapo-gu
Contact for all offices: Korea Road Traffic Authority 1577-1120 (www.safedriving.or.kr)
Exchanging a Foreign License for a Korean License
If your country accepts international driving permits (1949 Geneva Convention or Vienna Convention signatories), you can exchange your foreign license for a Korean one with just a health check — no written or driving test required.
If your country does not accept Korean licenses, you must also pass a written exam (40 multiple-choice questions in Korean, English, Chinese, or Vietnamese).
Documents Required (Foreigners)
- Foreign driver's license
- Passport (with entry/departure stamps)
- Alien registration certificate (or report card for F-4)
- 3 color photos taken within the past 6 months
- Embassy certificate of license or Apostille (varies by country)
- Certificate of entry into and departure from Korea (from birth to present)
- Fee: 8,000 KRW (Korean version) or 10,000 KRW (English version)
Note: When you receive a Korean license, you must submit your foreign license. It will be returned when you depart Korea, cancel your Korean license, or at the diplomatic mission's request. Unclaimed licenses are discarded after ten years.
International Driving Permits in Korea
An international driving permit issued by a country that signed the 1949 Geneva Convention or the Vienna Convention is valid in Korea. The permit is effective until its expiry date, with a maximum of one year from your entry date. It cannot be renewed — after expiration, you must exchange or obtain a Korean license.
Check which countries accept international permits: www.safedriving.or.kr/guide/larGuide051.do
Driving Classes for Foreigners
The Korean National Police Agency provides free driving classes for female immigrants and foreign workers at 17 police stations in Seoul, including Jongno, Gangnam, Gangdong, Mapo, and Nowon. Contact the nearest station for schedules.
Motorcycles
For motorcycles with 125cc or greater displacement, a Level II motorcycle license is required (age 18+). For less than 125cc, a Level I/II ordinary license is sufficient. Motorcycles are prohibited on expressways. Registration and insurance are mandatory — register at the Transportation Administration Division of your district office.