Let’s clear up the confusion first: Korea does not recognize a magical “international driver’s license.” What you need is an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued by your home country under the proper international conventions.
If you’re planning to rent a car, drive a friend’s car, or even just “maybe drive,” this post will save you from the two most common problems: (1) having the wrong document, and (2) assuming your IDP is valid longer than it actually is in Korea.
Official Links (Use These as Your Source of Truth)
- EasyLaw (Government legal info, English) – Using a Foreign Driver’s License: https://m.easylaw.go.kr/…
- KoROAD (official) – Driver’s License Exchange page (includes IDP notes): https://www.safedriving.or.kr/guide/rerGuideEng02.do
- Junggu District (Seoul) – International Driving Permit info (English): https://www.junggu.seoul.kr/english/content.do?cmsid=14866
Can You Drive in Korea with an IDP?
Yes—if your IDP is valid and issued under recognized frameworks. EasyLaw (English) states you may drive in Korea with a valid international driving permit or a mutually recognized foreign driver’s license.
EasyLaw also explains that an “international driving permit” refers to a permit issued under conventions such as the 1949 Geneva Convention or 1968 Vienna Convention, or relevant agreements.
The Rule Most People Miss: Validity Is Often “1 Year from Entry”
Here’s the key detail foreigners mess up: EasyLaw states that if you enter Korea with a valid IDP (or mutually recognized foreign license), you may drive motor vehicles for one year from the date of entry.
Junggu District’s English page says the effective period of an international driving permit is one year maximum from the date of entering Korea and that it is not renewed when it expires.
Human tip: If you’re living in Korea long-term, treat the IDP as a short-term bridge. If you want to keep driving after that, plan on exchanging your license or getting a Korean license.
What You MUST Carry While Driving (Don’t Gamble on This)
EasyLaw notes that while driving, license holders must carry their IDP (or mutually recognized license) and present it when requested by police.
KoROAD’s official guidance for international driving permits (issued in Korea for overseas driving) also warns that in many countries you can be treated as driving without a license if you don’t carry the supporting documents, and it explicitly recommends carrying three documents together: IDP + driver’s license + passport.
Practical checklist (keep these together):
- Your IDP (original)
- Your home country driver’s license (original)
- Your passport (original or as required by your situation)
What Counts as a “Valid IDP” (And What Does NOT)
EasyLaw states IDPs are issued by driving license authorities in your home country (not something you print online).
Real-life warning: If you bought something online called an “International Driver License” (not an IDP) and it didn’t come from an official authority in your home country, assume it won’t protect you.
Renting a Car in Korea with an IDP (What Usually Goes Wrong)
Most rental problems aren’t about driving skill—they’re document problems. The classic issues are:
- You brought the IDP but forgot the original home license.
- Your IDP is valid on paper, but your “Korea validity” has passed the 1-year-from-entry rule.
- Your name/spelling doesn’t match between passport and documents (common with hyphens/middle names).
Human tip: If you’re close to the 1-year mark since entry and you still want to drive, start the Korean license process now—don’t wait until a rental counter says “sorry.”
Staying Long-Term? Here’s the Clean Next Step
If you’re living in Korea (not just visiting), the smoother path is to transition to a Korean driver’s license (exchange if eligible, test if not). EasyLaw explains you may exchange your foreign license for a Korean license, and KoROAD provides the official process guides.
FAQ (Quick Answers)
Q1) Can I drive in Korea with an IDP?
Yes—if it’s a valid IDP issued under the proper conventions and you carry it with the supporting documents.
Q2) How long is my IDP valid in Korea?
A commonly stated rule is one year from your date of entry into Korea (even if the IDP itself shows a longer printed validity).
Q3) What documents should I carry?
Carry your IDP, your driver’s license, and your passport together.