Do you need an International Driving Permit in South Korea?

South Korea and the road traffic conventions

Which vehicles your permit covers in South Korea

South Korea applies the vehicle classes set out by the 1949 Geneva Convention. Your permit only covers the classes that are already on your national licence, so a category you do not hold at home is not granted by the permit.

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E

What each category covers under the 1949 Geneva Convention

What to carry when you drive in South Korea

An International Driving Permit never replaces your national licence. It is a standardised translation that local police and rental desks can read, and it is only valid alongside the licence it was issued against. Carry both, and keep your passport handy at rental pickup, since most rental companies ask to see all three before releasing a vehicle.

Our document reproduces your licence details across 12 languages in the booklet format the conventions describe, so an officer who reads none of them in your alphabet can still find your name, date of birth and vehicle classes:

• English
• French
• Spanish
• Portuguese
• Italian
• German
• Russian
• Arabic
• Chinese
• Japanese
• Thai
• Vietnamese

What the road rules say in South Korea

The UK Foreign Office and the Government of Canada both advise carrying an International Driving Permit alongside your national licence in South Korea.

Blood alcohol limit

0.03%

Emergency services

police 112, ambulance 119, fire 119

The UK Foreign Office names the 1949 convention for South Korea, which matches the United Nations depositary record above.

Common questions about driving in South Korea

How long is an International Driving Permit valid in South Korea?

Up to 1 year. South Korea joined the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic on 14 June 1971 by succession, and that convention sets the maximum at 1 year from the date of issue, or until your national licence expires if that comes first.

Can I drive in South Korea on my national licence alone?

The UK Foreign Office states: "You’ll need to have both the 1949 international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car when you drive in South Korea." Rules differ by the country that issued your licence and by how long you stay, so confirm with South Korea's road authority before you travel.

What do I dial in an emergency in South Korea?

Reach police on 112, ambulance on 119, fire on 119. The UK Foreign Office publishes these numbers for South Korea. Save them before you drive, since you will not want to be searching for them at the roadside.

What is the drink-drive limit in South Korea?

0.03% blood alcohol. That is lower than many drivers expect, and a single drink can put you over it.

Does the permit replace my driving licence in South Korea?

No. It is a translation of the licence you already hold and has no effect on its own. You must carry your original national licence with it at all times.