Korean Driver's license

For foreigners residing (short term/long term or permanent) in South Korea, the easiest way to obtain a Korean driver's license is to exchange your driver's license from your home country to Korean driver's license, but only if you are from a country that recognize Korean driver's license. (List of acknowledge countries) Exchanging means that you are going to hand in your foreign driver's license in exchange for a Korean driver's license which can be returned when you leave Korea, when you present your passport and airline ticket.

I am from a country (Philippines) that recognizes the Korean driver's license. After I have completed the requirements, I went to the nearest Road traffic office in the area where I live to exchange my foreign driver's license to a Korean one. I didn't have to do the written and actual driving test which saves a lot of time and pressure. The only test I did was the eyesight test which cost me 6,000 won. The process was simple and quick, and the people in charge were very responsive and helpful.

 

 

A korean driver's license (2012~2022)

Here are the exchange requirements:

1. Original driver's license issued from your home country
2. Three 3x4cm color photos
3. Alien Registration Card
4. Passport and documents to prove entry/Departure (in order to prevent fraud or forgery, the date on the passport/document must prove that you are present in your home country at the time of the issuance of the original license)
5. A notarized translation of the driver's license (must include the license issuance date and the effective period. Licenses written in the English language excepted.)
6. Confirmation letter from the embassy of your home country Contents Remarks.

***Take note***
You must be a legal resident in Korea to apply. Your application won't be accepted without an Alien Card or ACR. Proxy is not allowed, the applicant must apply in person. Make sure your license is not a student, temporary, motorcycle etc., it should be a full license such as a non-professional driver's license. One last thing is, if your license was issued from other than your home country, you will need to prove that you lived in the issuing country for more than 90 days.

For more information visit the official website of the Korea Road Traffic Authority.

Should you have any inquiries or suggestions, feel free to leave a comment below or email me at apinayblog@yahoo.com.