Foreigner driver license conversion & issuance in Korea (2026)

Three ways foreigners can drive in Korea

Foreigners residing in or visiting Korea have three main legal options for driving. ① **International Driving Permit (IDP)**: An IDP issued under the 1949 Geneva or 1968 Vienna Conventions is valid for up to 1 year after entering Korea. This is the most convenient option for short-term residents and tourists. After 1 year it is no longer valid, and you must convert to a Korean license. ② **Foreign license → Korean license**: Licenses from approximately 140 countries can be converted to Korean licenses. Depending on the recognition group, conversion may require only an aptitude test or include written and driving tests. Conversion is available to foreigners residing in Korea (Alien Registration Card required). ③ **New issuance of a Korean license**: For those without a foreign license or whose license is not recognized, you must pass written, skill, and road tests to obtain a new license. This guide focuses on ② (license conversion), the path most used by foreign residents, with brief coverage of IDP for short-term visitors and new issuance.

Four pathways

• IDP

  International Driving Permit (short-term/tourist)

  An IDP issued by your home country before travel. Valid for up to 1 year after entering Korea, usable regardless of visa type. Cannot be issued in Korea — only at home. Becomes invalid after 1 year.

• Conversion

  Foreign license → Korean license

  For Alien Registration Card holders. Group A countries: aptitude test only. Groups B/C: additional written or skill tests. Typically 1–3 visits to the license center, fees roughly KRW 100,000–500,000.

• New issuance

  Korean license — new issuance

  For those without a foreign license or whose license is unrecognized. Three stages: written (60 questions) → skill (11 items) → road. Issued immediately on pass. Driving schools or self-study. Cost about KRW 300,000–1,000,000.

• Renewal

  Renewal of existing Korean license

  For current Korean license holders. Type 1 and Type 2 ordinary both renewed every 10 years; every 5 years for those 65 and older. Aptitude test + photo + fee. Online renewal at safedriving.or.kr.

Conversion procedure

Standard process for converting a foreign license to a Korean license. Available to foreigners residing in Korea with an Alien Registration Card. The level of exam exemption depends on the recognition group of your country.

1. 11. Prepare — Foreign license (original + copy), Alien Registration Card, passport, immigration record certificate, 3 color photos, application form. A foreign-license authenticity certificate from your country's embassy or consulate is usually required (1–2 weeks).
2. 22. Book — Reserve at safedriving.or.kr or by phone with a license center that handles foreigners (Seoul Gangnam, Incheon, Busan, Daejeon, etc.).
3. 33. Visit the center — Submit the application and take the aptitude test (vision and hearing). Group A (US, Canada, Japan, and most OECD): aptitude test only. Group B: additional written test. Some countries also require the skill test.
4. 44. Pay fees — Issuance KRW 13,000 (Type 1) or KRW 11,000 (Type 2); aptitude test KRW 6,500; written test KRW 10,000; skill test KRW 25,000. Photo and stamp fees separate.
5. 55. Issuance — Korean license issued immediately on pass. You can keep your foreign license (a few countries require surrender).

Recognition groups and exam exemptions

The Korea Road Traffic Authority recognizes licenses from about 140 countries for conversion, with the level of exam exemption varying by group. **Group A (aptitude test only)**: US, Canada, UK, Germany, France, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and most OECD members. Simplest path — single visit can suffice. **Group B (additional written test)**: China, Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, and some other Asian countries. Requires passing a 60-question written test (60%+). Typically 1–2 visits. **Group C (written + skill tests)**: Some countries in Latin America/Africa require both written and skill tests. The road test is usually exempt. Typically 2–3 visits. The classification updates annually — verify your country's current group on the 'Foreign License Recognition Country List' page at safedriving.or.kr. Also, the type of Korean license (Type 1/2/automatic) you receive depends on your foreign license type.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between an IDP and a Korean license?

An IDP is a temporary driving permit issued in your home country, valid for up to 1 year after entering Korea. A Korean license is the formal license issued by the Korea Road Traffic Authority, valid indefinitely in Korea and renewable. If staying more than 1 year, you must convert to a Korean license.

How do I get the foreign-license authenticity certificate?

Apply at your country's embassy or consulate in Korea; it usually takes 1–2 weeks and costs free–KRW 50,000 depending on the country. Some countries (some US/Canadian states) allow direct verification at the license center, eliminating the need for a separate document. Check with the Korea Road Traffic Authority.

Can I drive in Korea during short-term stays?

Short-term stays (no Alien Registration Card) cannot convert, but you can drive with an IDP issued at home for up to 1 year after arrival. Without an IDP or after 1 year, driving is illegal — unlicensed driving carries serious penalties (fines and possible detention).

Do I have to surrender my foreign license?

Korea does not require surrender. You can keep and use your foreign license even after getting a Korean license. However, some countries (UK, Germany, etc.) require you to surrender the home license — check your home country's policy.

Type 1 ordinary vs. Type 2 ordinary — which do I get?

Automatically determined by your home license. A manual-transmission home license maps to Korean Type 1; automatic-only maps to Korean Type 2 (auto). Type 1 covers passenger and some freight vehicles; Type 2 covers passenger only. The license center maps your home license automatically.

When and how do I renew?

Both Type 1 and Type 2 ordinary are renewed every 10 years (every 5 years if 65+). You can renew up to 1 year before expiration online at safedriving.or.kr or by visiting a center. Aptitude test (vision 0.5+) + photo + fee KRW 8,000–13,000. Within 1 year past expiration, no exams; over 1 year requires retaking written and skill tests.

Is there a special rule for F-6 (marriage migrants)?

There is no special exemption for F-6 holders; the same group-based conversion process applies. Because F-6 is a long-term status, you can apply for conversion immediately after receiving the ARC. Some local governments provide native-language written tests as part of multicultural family support.

Can I take the written test in a foreign language?

The Korea Road Traffic Authority offers written tests in Korean and 12 other languages — English, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai, Russian, and more (13 total). Supported languages vary by center, so confirm at booking. The same languages are available for new issuance.

Related tools and guides

• → K-ETA / short-term visa eligibility tool
• → Foreigner visa types & renewal guide
• → Transport tools for foreigners (T-money, subway, KTX)
• → View all guides