Buying a used car in Korea as a foreigner can feel overwhelming at first. Language barriers, unfamiliar paperwork, and concerns about trust and pricing can all be major hurdles. But once you understand how the system works and where to look, you’ll realize that buying a second-hand vehicle in Korea can actually be a smooth and affordable process.
This post is designed for expats living in Korea and international buyers interested in Korean used cars. Whether you’re looking to get around more conveniently or planning to export a vehicle abroad, you’ll find the most trusted platforms, insider tips, and buyer advice in this guide.
Why Buy a Used Car in Korea?
Korea’s car market is dominated by reliable local brands like Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. These vehicles are well-maintained thanks to Korea’s strict inspection system and high-tech service infrastructure. Many used cars on the market are less than 5 years old and have low mileage due to short commute distances.
In addition, Korean car owners often trade in their vehicles earlier than in many other countries, which means the market is full of affordable, well-maintained options.
For foreigners living in Korea, buying a used car gives you more flexibility for weekend travel or commuting—especially in areas with limited public transport.
Top Websites to Buy Korean Used Cars
Let’s take a look at the most trusted platforms that offer English support, transparent pricing, and verified vehicle history.
K Car
K Car is one of Korea’s largest and most reputable used car platforms. It operates both online and through physical dealerships. The website is available in Korean only, but Google Translate works quite well, and their inventory is vast and frequently updated.
What sets K Car apart is that they offer certified used vehicles, and many come with a limited warranty. Their prices are fixed, which helps eliminate the pressure of negotiation. You can also have the car delivered to your home and get a 3-day return policy.
Website: K Car
Encar
Encar is the most well-known online used car platform in Korea. It functions like a marketplace where dealers and individual sellers list their cars. While Encar doesn’t currently offer an English version, many international residents still use it due to its sheer volume of listings.
What to know: Encar provides detailed inspection reports with most listings. These reports include images and notes on everything from engine condition to tire wear. Look for the “성능 점검표” (vehicle inspection sheet) when browsing listings.
Website: Encar
Be Forward Korea
If you’re looking to export a used Korean car to another country, Be Forward Korea is a strong option. While originally a Japanese company, they have expanded into the Korean market and offer an English website focused on export buyers.
They handle all paperwork, customs, and shipping logistics, making it especially helpful for those outside Korea who want access to quality Korean vehicles.
Website: Be Forward Korea
Autowini
Autowini specializes in Korean used cars for international export and offers full English language support. It’s an ideal platform for foreigners planning to ship a Korean car to Africa, Southeast Asia, or the Middle East.
Autowini inspects each car and verifies the condition before listing. One major benefit is that they handle the export process, including customs clearance and shipping arrangements. The prices shown include CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) in many cases.
Website: Autowini
What You Need to Buy a Car in Korea as a Foreigner
If you’re currently living in Korea and want to purchase a used vehicle, there are a few documents you’ll need:
Alien Registration Card (ARC)
Valid Korean driver’s license (or an international driving permit, if eligible)
A local bank account
A Korean phone number
You’ll also need to handle car insurance and vehicle registration. Many dealerships offer to take care of registration and insurance paperwork for an additional fee. If your Korean isn’t strong, this can save a lot of hassle.
Tips for a Safe and Smart Purchase
Here are some useful tips to keep in mind when browsing Korean used cars:
Check the vehicle history: Make sure you ask for or check the vehicle inspection report. Most reputable sellers will provide this.
Avoid unregistered brokers: If someone contacts you directly through expat Facebook groups or forums, be cautious unless they represent a known dealership.
Use a trusted platform: Stick to platforms like K Car and Encar that have established reputations.
Test drive when possible: If you’re in Korea, make sure to test drive the vehicle before finalizing your purchase.
Watch out for hidden fees: Some platforms or brokers might quote a base price that doesn’t include taxes, insurance, or registration. Make sure you understand the full cost.
Should You Buy or Lease as a Foreigner?
For short-term stays under 12 months, leasing might be more practical. Several rental companies offer long-term rental plans with maintenance included. But if you plan to stay longer or want to export the car, buying used is usually the more economical choice.
Owning a car also gives you the freedom to modify it, resell it, or even take it abroad when your time in Korea ends.
Exporting a Korean Used Car: What You Should Know
If you’re located outside of Korea and looking to import a Korean car, make sure you check your country’s import regulations first. Each country has different rules about emissions, age limits, and customs duties.
Export-focused platforms like Autowini and Be Forward handle most of the heavy lifting for international buyers. They also provide documents like the bill of lading, customs declarations, and inspection reports. Still, it’s best to consult a local agent or customs expert in your home country to avoid surprises.
Understanding Car Prices and Depreciation in Korea
Cars in Korea tend to depreciate relatively fast compared to Western countries. A 3-year-old Hyundai or Kia may be available at 40 to 60 percent of its original price, depending on mileage and condition.
Luxury brands like Genesis, BMW, or Mercedes hold their value longer but may still be significantly cheaper than in other markets. This makes Korea a great place to shop for mid-tier to premium vehicles if you’re an informed buyer.
Additionally, electric vehicles like the Hyundai Ioniq or Kia EV6 are gaining popularity in the used market and may come with government subsidies or tax benefits even when purchased second-hand.
How to Navigate the Language Barrier
While English support is still limited on some platforms, many foreigners successfully use Google Translate or Chrome’s auto-translate feature to get by. For more complex negotiations or paperwork, you might consider hiring a bilingual consultant or bringing a Korean-speaking friend.
Some expat-friendly dealerships in areas like Itaewon or Hannam-dong also offer full English service.
Long-Term Considerations for Owning a Car in Korea
Before committing to a used car, consider the following:
Parking availability: Many apartment complexes charge for monthly parking.
Toll fees: Expressways in Korea are well-maintained but often come with tolls.
Maintenance: Korean cars are relatively cheap to maintain, and there are plenty of authorized service centers.
Also, remember that selling your car later can be done through the same platforms you used to buy it. Cars with low mileage, no accident history, and regular inspections sell more easily.
Recommended Strategy for First-Time Buyers
If you’re completely new to buying used cars in Korea:
Start by browsing listings on K Car and Encar to understand pricing.
Shortlist a few cars based on your budget and needs.
Contact sellers who provide detailed inspection reports.
Visit in person, if possible, or arrange video inspections.
Get help with paperwork from a bilingual service or expat group.
Being patient and doing your research can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars, and help you avoid common mistakes.
Where to Get the Best Value for Korean Used Cars
To summarize, here’s a quick comparison of the top platforms:
K Car: Best for local buyers wanting certified, low-risk options.
Encar: Best for price comparison and browsing a wide range of models.
Be Forward Korea: Best for export buyers needing all-in-one service.
Autowini: Best for global buyers with English support and shipping included.
These platforms provide different strengths depending on your situation, whether you’re living in Korea or shopping from overseas.
By choosing the right platform and understanding how the Korean used car market works, you’ll be well on your way to making a smart, safe, and affordable purchase.