Quick answer: If you hold an international driver’s license — usually called an International Driving Permit (IDP) — issued abroad under the 1949 Geneva Convention or the 1968 Vienna Convention, you can drive in South Korea for 1 year from the day you entered the country, limited to the vehicle categories shown on the permit (Road Traffic Act, Article 96(1)). You may drive a rental car, but not commercial vehicles such as taxis, buses or freight trucks (Article 96(2)). If your license comes from a country that is in neither convention, such as mainland China, you cannot drive on it in Korea — you need to register as a resident and exchange it for a Korean driver’s license, or get a new one.
Which foreign licenses work in Korea
Article 96(1) of the Road Traffic Act recognizes two kinds of documents:
| Type | What it is | How long you can drive |
|---|---|---|
| International driver’s license | Issued by a foreign authority under the Geneva (1949) or Vienna (1968) Convention, or under an IDP recognition agreement with Korea | 1 year from entry |
| Mutually recognized foreign license | Your national license itself, where Korea and that country have agreed to recognize each other’s licenses | 1 year from entry |
- You may only drive the vehicle categories listed on the IDP or license.
- IDPs from Vienna Convention countries have been accepted since 1 January 2002. IDPs issued in Hong Kong and Macau are also accepted (KoROAD).
- Even if your IDP is valid for longer, the limit in Korea is 1 year from your entry date. And if the IDP itself expires sooner, you must stop driving then.
- “IDP-style” booklets sold by unofficial websites are not accepted. Make sure yours is a genuine “International Driving Permit” from your country’s authorized issuer.
- Mutual recognition agreements change over time — check with your embassy or a Korean driver’s license test center.
When you cannot drive
- Commercial vehicles — vehicles used for passenger or freight transport business (taxis, buses, commercial trucks) are off-limits. Renting a car from a rental company is the stated exception (Article 96(2)).
- During a Korean disqualification period — if you are still within a disqualification period (for example after a DUI), an IDP does not let you drive (Article 96(3)).
- After a driving ban — if you skip or fail a required aptitude test, cause a crash, or break traffic law, the provincial police can ban you from driving on your IDP for up to 1 year and you must hand the permit in to the police (Article 97).
- More than 1 year after entry — driving after that can count as driving without a license.
Renting a car: what to bring
- Your original IDP
- Your original national driver’s license (an IDP is meant to be carried with it)
- Your passport (to show your entry date)
- A credit card in your name for payment and deposit
Minimum age and years of driving experience are set by each rental company. When booking, confirm that they accept an IDP and check their conditions.
If your license is from China or another non-convention country
Mainland China has not joined the Geneva or Vienna Convention, so a Chinese license — or any document issued in mainland China — does not allow you to drive in Korea (checked October 2026). Hong Kong and Macau IDPs are an exception. Your options:
- Exchange for a Korean license — after alien registration, apply at a driver’s license test center. Mainland China is not on KoROAD’s list of countries that recognize Korean licenses (checked October 2026), so you take both the aptitude test (physical check) and the written test (40 questions). The written test is available in Chinese. Documents, fees and the country-by-country list are in our license exchange guide.
- Get a license from scratch — see the new license guide.
Staying longer than a year
Your IDP only covers the first year after entry, so long-term residents should switch to a Korean license. For many people the exchange takes just an aptitude test, plus the written test where required. Documents and fees are in the license exchange guide.
Getting an IDP in Korea to drive abroad
If you hold a Korean driver’s license (other than a motorcycle (원동기장치자전거) license or a student license), you can get a Geneva Convention international driver’s license (Road Traffic Act Article 98; Enforcement Rule Article 98).
- Go to any driver’s license test center or police station. Incheon and Gimhae airport centers, some local government offices (only together with a passport application) and online applications (daily cap, about 14 days) are also available.
- Submit the application form and one photo, and show your ID.
- In-person applications are usually issued the same day.
| Item | Details (checked October 2026) |
|---|---|
| Fee | 9,000 won (Enforcement Rule Annex 36) |
| Bring | Passport (copy OK), Korean driver’s license, 1 passport photo taken within 6 months |
| Valid for | 1 year from issue (Article 98(2)) |
| Can be refused | If you have unpaid traffic fines or penalties (Article 98-2) |
Foreign residents with a Korean license can apply too, with passport, driver’s license, alien registration card and a photo. Abroad, carry your IDP, Korean license and passport together.
FAQ
How is “1 year from entry” counted?
The law says 1 year from the date you entered Korea, based on your passport entry record. How re-entry after leaving is treated can depend on the case, so if you live here long term, exchanging for a Korean license is the safe choice.
Can I ride a motorcycle on my IDP?
Only if the two-wheeled vehicle category (A) is listed on your IDP. You can drive only the categories shown.
Can I work as a delivery, taxi or designated driver with an IDP?
No. Commercial vehicles are excluded (Article 96(2)). That kind of work needs a Korean license and the relevant qualifications.
Will a translated or notarized Chinese license let me drive?
No. A translation or notarization does not turn it into an IDP. You need to exchange it or get a Korean license.
Do I need my IDP to exchange my license?
No. The exchange is based on your original national license, not the IDP.
If Korean road rules are new to you, practice with our written test mock exam before you exchange or apply.