To legally drive in Korea, foreigners must hold either an International Driving Permit (IDP) or a Korean driver’s license. Many expatriates who stay in Korea for several years on long-term visas choose to obtain a Korean license.
There are two ways for foreigners to get a Korean license:
- By taking the written and driving tests at a local driver’s license center.
- By exchanging their home country license (if eligible) without testing.
Since most expatriates and foreign employees already have a valid license from their home country, the exchange process is the more common option. Applications are submitted at a driver’s license examination center.
However, depending on the country that issued the license or the type of visa you hold, license exchange may not always be possible. It is recommended to check with the Korea Road Traffic Authority (KoROAD) or to check with agents in advance.
Required Documents
- Original foreign driver’s license
- Original passport
- Original Residence Card (ARC)
- Three color ID photos (taken within the last 6 months; photo booths are available at the test center)
- Embassy confirmation letter or Apostille for the foreign license
- Certificate of Fact on Entry and Departure (from birth to present) – This document can be issued from the immigration office or closest community government office.
- Application fee and medical check-up fee
For certain countries such as Canada or Australia, a driving experience certificate is also required. Please confirm details with KoROAD or the test center.
Most of the required items are documents you already have or can be issued quickly. The embassy confirmation letter for the license must be obtained from your embassy in Korea, but processing may take some time, so apply early.
Please note that some embassies—such as the UK Embassy and the Korean Consulate in Hong Kong—no longer issue confirmation letters. In that case, you must obtain an Apostille from your home country instead. This process may take longer.
Application Procedure
(The steps may differ slightly depending on the test center you visit.)
(The steps may differ slightly depending on the test center you visit.)
- Prepare all required documents
- Visit a driver’s license examination center
- Take a queue ticket for the foreign license desk
- Submit your documents for review
- If everything is in order, you will receive an application form
- Complete the form and attach your photo
- Take a vision test at the medical check-up office
- Return the form and documents to the foreign license desk, then pay the fees
- Wait 30–40 minutes to receive your Korean driver’s license
Important Notes
- Since this is an exchange process, your original foreign license will be kept at the test center.
- If you need to use your foreign license again—for example, for a business trip or vacation abroad—you can present your flight ticket at the test center to have it returned.
- Once it has been returned, you can keep both the foreign and Korean licenses without needing to hand anything back.
