Thinking about driving in Korea as a foreigner? You’re not alone. Many expats wonder if they can get a Korean driver’s license — and whether it’s worth the time and money.
The good news? Korea offers one of the most affordable and efficient ways to get licensed, even for foreigners. Whether you want more freedom to explore, a valid local ID, or access to car-sharing services, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know in 2025.
And don’t worry — the written test is available in English, Chinese, and Vietnamese, so you don’t need to be fluent in Korean to get started.
Let’s break it down step by step — no confusing terms, no fluff.
Table of Contents :
- Introduction
- Why You Should Get a Korean Driver’s License in 2025
- Who Can Apply? Eligibility for Foreigners
- What to Prepare Before You Start
- Which Test Center Should I Choose?
- Step-by-Step: How to Get a Korean Driver’s License
- Total Cost Breakdown (Without Driving School)
- Language Options & Test Format
- Converting a Foreign Driver’s License
- Tips for Foreigners Taking the Test
- FAQ: Common Questions
- Is It Worth It?
Why You Should Get a Korean Driver’s License in 2025
Getting a driver’s license in Korea as a foreigner can be a smart decision.
Compared to many Western countries, the process is cheaper, faster, and more accessible than you might expect.
Lower Costs: In the U.S., Canada, or Europe, driving school and license fees can total 2–3 million KRW ($1,500–$2,500). In the UK or Germany, it often exceeds $2,000. In Korea, you can complete everything for under 100,000 KRW if you self-study, or around 700,000–1.2 million KRW with a driving school.
Valid Local ID: A Korean license is widely accepted for identification at banks, post offices, and even online verification.
Car Sharing & Rentals: You can use services like SoCar or GreenCar freely with a Korean license.
Travel Flexibility: Korea’s transport is great, but driving helps especially in rural areas or islands like Jeju.
Who Can Apply? Eligibility for Foreigners
You can apply if you:
Hold a valid visa (D-2, E-2, F-2, F-4, F-6, etc.)
Have an Alien Registration Card (ARC)
Are not a tourist or short-term visitor
Tourists cannot apply for a Korean license. Long-term residents, however, are fully eligible.
Important: You must be at least 18 years old to apply. There are no restrictions based on nationality, as long as your visa and ARC are valid.
What to Prepare Before You Start
Before heading to the test center, make sure you have the following:
Alien Registration Card (ARC)
Valid Passport
ID Photos (3.5×4.5 cm, white background)
Certificate of Entry and Exit (출입국사실증명서)
Health check results (if done externally)
Application fees in cash (some centers don’t accept cards)
Pro Tip: Some test centers require an online reservation. Check in advance to avoid surprise delays.
Which Test Center Should I Choose?
Not all test centers are the same. Consider these when choosing where to apply:
Language Support: Larger cities like Seoul, Busan, and Incheon often have better English service.
Wait Times: Some Seoul locations may be fully booked for weeks. Nearby provinces may have faster availability.
Facilities: Certain centers offer simulator practice or driving prep courses.
Check online reviews on Reddit or try searching on Google using keywords like “Korean driver’s license test center [city name] review.”
Step-by-Step: How to Get a Korean Driver’s License
1. Health Check (신체검사)
Done at driving centers or nearby clinics
Tests vision, hearing, and general health
Cost: ~6,000 KRW
2. Written Test (학과시험 or 필기시험)
40 multiple-choice questions
Languages: English, Chinese, Vietnamese
Pass score: 60% for automatic (Type 2), 70% for manual (Type 1)
Cost: ~10,000 KRW
Study using using apps like ["운전면허 PLUS" (Android: Google Play, iOS: App Store) or online mock tests
Difficulty: Moderate. Most questions are logic- or rule-based, not memory tests.
3. Driving Course Test (기능시험)
Basic driving skills on a test track
Includes parking, start/stop, right turns
Cost: ~25,000 KRW
Tip: Watch YouTube test walk-throughs
Difficulty: Easy to moderate. With practice, most pass on the first or second attempt.
4. Temporary License (연습면허)
Allows driving with a supervisor
Valid for 1 year
Cost: 3,500 KRW
5. Road Test (도로주행시험)
Drive on actual roads with an examiner
Cost: ~25,000 KRW
Instructions in Korean → Learn key Korean driving terms
Difficulty: Higher than other steps. Strict on safety habits and signal usage.
6. Final License Issuance
Issued same day or mailed
Cost: 8,000–10,000 KRW
Total Cost Breakdown (Without Driving School)
| Step | Cost (KRW) |
|---|---|
| Health Check | ~6,000 |
| Written Test | ~10,000 |
| Driving Course Test | ~25,000 |
| Temporary License | 3,500 |
| Road Test | ~25,000 |
| Final License | 8,000–10,000 |
| Total | ~77,500–79,500 ($58-$60 USD) |
Optional Costs: ID photo prints (~10,000 KRW), translation fees, re-test fees if you fail.
Language Options & Test Format
Written Test: English, Chinese, Vietnamese available
Driving Tests: Only in Korean → Basic Korean terms help a lot
Helpful Apps:
["운전면허 PLUS" (Android: Google Play, iOS: App Store)
["Driving License Exam Korea" (iOS: App Store)]
Official Info: KoROAD
Converting a Foreign Driver’s License
If you already have a foreign license, you may qualify for conversion without taking tests.
Documents Needed:
Foreign license + translation (or apostille)
Passport
ARC
3 passport-sized photos
Immigration entry/exit certificate
Fee: ~10,000 KRW
Check with KoROAD or your embassy. Some countries (e.g., U.S., Canada, Germany) have agreements that simplify the process.
👉 Already have a foreign license? Then you may not need to follow the full steps in this article. Check the section above for conversion options and save time.
Tips for Foreigners Taking the Test
Use Online Practice: Simulated tests are available in English
Watch YouTube Walkthroughs: Especially for the course and road tests
Learn Basic Korean Terms: Helps during driving tests
Don’t Rush: Give yourself 2–4 weeks to prepare properly
Common mistakes:
Not fully stopping at STOP signs
Poor lane discipline
Forgetting seatbelt or handbrake
Not checking mirrors or using turn signals
Panicking during road test → Stay calm and drive slowly
Pro Tip: Drive like a robot. Slow, safe, by-the-book driving is what examiners expect.
FAQ: Common Questions
Q: Can I drive in Korea with an automatic-only license from another country?
A: Yes. Most cars in Korea are automatic, and there's no issue using an automatic-only license. If you're taking the Korean test, just make sure to choose an automatic test car unless you're experienced with manual.
Q: Can I use my Korean driver’s license to drive in other countries?
A: Yes, but you must apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Korea. It’s valid in over 100 countries and easy to get at most local DMVs.
Q: Are there night or weekend test options?
A: Most test centers operate Monday to Friday, 9AM to 6PM. A few larger centers may offer Saturday slots, but you should book early — they fill fast.
Q: What happens if I fail the test?
A: No worries. You can retake the test (written, course, or road) after a short waiting period, usually a few days. Just pay a small re-test fee (~10,000–15,000 KRW).
Q: Can I use a translation app during the test?
A: No. Use of phones or translation tools is strictly prohibited during testing. For the road test, memorize key Korean commands in advance.
Q: Can I use an international license in Korea?
A: Yes, but only for 1 year from entry. After that, a Korean license is required.
Q: How long does it take to get a license?
A: 2–3 weeks if self-studying. 4–6 weeks with a driving school.
Q: Is a Korean license valid in other countries?
A: Yes, you can apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) after getting a Korean license.
Q: Is driving difficult in Korea?
A: Cities can be crowded, but roads are safe. Navigation apps help a lot.
Q: Do I need a driving school?
A: Not necessarily. Many foreigners have passed without attending one, though it can help with preparation and confidence.
Is It Worth It?
Yes — especially if you're staying over a year. You’ll save money, gain mobility, and have a local ID. It’s easier than many expect, with English support and affordable options.
If you plan to explore Korea beyond Seoul, having a license is a real advantage.
Start preparing now — and good luck on your road to independence!
