How Does Driving Rules Work in South Korea?
Last verified: 2025-06 · Asia
1The Quick Answer
South Korea drives on the right side, an International Driving Permit is required, and Kakao Maps is far more accurate than Google Maps for navigation.
2What You Need to Know
An International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your home licence is required to legally drive in South Korea. Traffic drives on the right, and the road infrastructure is modern and well-maintained. Toll roads are extensive and cashless payment is handled by the Hi-Pass system — rental cars may include a Hi-Pass transponder. GPS navigation in English is limited in quality; Kakao Maps or Naver Maps in Korean (or with romanized input) dramatically outperform Google Maps for Korean roads. Driving in central Seoul is not recommended for tourists due to congestion and complex one-way systems.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1Use Kakao Maps for all navigation in South Korea — it has real-time traffic, accurate Korean road data, and an English interface.
- 2Confirm your rental car includes a Hi-Pass transponder for toll roads, or carry cash as a backup for toll booths.
- 3Consider renting a car only for rural areas or national park access — cities are far better navigated by subway and KTX.
Important Warning
Speed cameras are pervasive across Korean highways and urban roads; strictly observe posted speed limits as fines are issued automatically and can be charged to your rental car company.
How does this compare?
Driving Rules rules in nearby and similar countries:
Drive on the left. An International Driving Permit (IDP) plus your original license is required. Traffic laws are strictly enforced.
Thailand drives on the left; an international driving licence is required, but scooter rental is common and accident rates among tourists are very high — always wear a helmet.
Singapore drives on the left, has strict speed enforcement and ERP toll charges for the CBD, but most visitors are better served by MRT and Grab than by renting a car.
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