How To Rent A Car In Korea: The Complete Guide For Foreigners

In Korea, especially in Seoul, public transportation is excellent, so you usually don't need to rent a car. However, if you're planning to travel freely between cities or with family, a rental car can be necessary. Recently, a colleague from Australia asked me about renting a car in Korea, like what an IDP is and where to book. After researching, I found no single article covered everything, so I've compiled this guide for those looking to rent a car in Korea.

IDP (International Driving Permit) + passport + credit card are all you need to rent a car in Korea. However, the IDP must be obtained in your home country before arriving in Korea. There's no way to get it after you arrive.

Required Documents & Qualifications

International Driving Permit (IDP)

To rent a car in Korea as a foreigner, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is essential. Korean rental companies do not accept foreign driver's licenses alone. The IDP must be obtained before departing from your home country — there's no way to get it after landing at Incheon Airport.

One important thing to note is that Korea only recognizes IDPs issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. IDPs from China, Taiwan, and Indonesia are not valid in Korea. Make sure to check that your IDP is issued under the correct convention before you get it.

Here are the IDP issuing authorities for major countries:

USA: AAA (American Automobile Association) in person or by mail
UK: Post Office
Australia: NRMA, RAA, RACV, etc., by state automobile associations
Canada: CAA (Canadian Automobile Association)

TIP: When applying for an IDP, specify that you need the "1949 Geneva Convention" version. Some countries also issue the 1968 Vienna Convention version, but the 1949 version is the one recognized in Korea.

Essential Document Checklist

Valid home country driver's license (must be carried with the IDP)
International Driving Permit (IDP)
Passport (original required at pickup)
Rental car reservation confirmation
Credit card — must be in the driver's name (debit cards often not accepted)

Age & Driving Experience Requirements

Most Korean rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. For luxury cars, SUVs, and large vans, the minimum age is often 26. A minimum of 1 year of driving experience is also required. SK Rent-a-Car and Lotte Rent-a-Car allow IDP holders to rent only within one year of entry into Korea.

Comparison of Major Korean Rental Companies

Searching for Korean rental cars on Expedia or Booking.com often yields poor results because major Korean rental companies are not well-listed on these global platforms. For foreign travelers, Klook is the de facto standard booking portal.

Company	Features	Foreign Friendliness	Booking Method	Best For
SK Rent-a-Car	Top in Korea, diverse vehicles, nationwide branches	★★★★☆	Website / Klook	General domestic travel
Lotte Rent-a-Car	Convenient airport pickup, reliable service	★★★★☆	Website / Klook	Airport travelers
Hertz	Global brand, English service	★★★★★	Hertz.com	Global card users
Avis	Global brand, English service	★★★★★	Avis.com	Global card users
Klook Intermediary	English interface, compare multiple companies	★★★★★	Klook app / web	All foreign travelers

Price-wise, small cars typically cost around ₩40,000–₩60,000 per day, mid-sized cars ₩60,000–₩90,000, and SUVs over ₩90,000. Prices rise 20–30% during peak seasons like summer, Chuseok, and Lunar New Year, so book as soon as your plans are set.

TIP: Booking through Klook provides clear cancellation policies and English vouchers. Booking directly through company websites often means dealing with Korean-only operations, which can complicate the pickup process.

Step-by-Step Booking Guide

Confirm IDP Issuance — Apply in your home country 2–4 weeks before departure. Mail issuance takes time.
Access Klook or Rental Company Website — Enter pickup date, time, and location.
Select Pickup Location — Most companies have pickup counters at Incheon and Gimpo airports. For Seoul city pickups, check branch locations in advance. If you're curious about getting from the airport to the city without a rental car, check out our Airport Limousine Bus vs Subway Comparison Guide.
Choose a Vehicle — In Korean cities with narrow alleys, small cars are much easier to park. For driving in Jeju, a mid-sized car or larger is recommended.
Select Insurance Options — Basic insurance is included, but adding CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) is strongly recommended to significantly reduce your liability in case of an accident.
Payment and Save Reservation Confirmation — Save the voucher on your smartphone or take a screenshot.
Submit Documents at Pickup — Present your IDP + home country driver's license + passport + credit card at the counter. The staff will check the vehicle's exterior with you; make sure to photograph any existing damage.

TIP: Airport pickup is convenient, but returning the car to a different location in the city incurs significant extra costs. Round-trip bookings with the same drop-off location are much cheaper. Plan your itinerary accordingly.

What To Know About Driving in Korea

Navigation: Don't Use Google Maps

Using Google Maps for navigation in Korea is a hassle. It doesn't reflect real-time traffic data, so you can't avoid congested areas, and some roads don't appear at all. Use Naver Maps or Kakao Map instead. Both apps support English and integrate perfectly with Korea's real-time traffic information.

Navigation devices included with rental cars are often in Korean only. Bring a smartphone holder or ask if an English navigation option is available at pickup.

Unique Korean Traffic Rules

Left Turns: In Korea, you can't turn left on a green straight signal. You can only turn left when there's a separate left-turn arrow signal. This is one of the most common traffic violations by foreigners.
Right Turns: You can turn right on red if there are no pedestrians, except at intersections with a no-right-turn sign.
Hazard Light Culture: In Korea, hazard lights are used not only for emergencies but also to say thank you or wait a moment. Don't be alarmed if the car in front suddenly turns on its hazard lights.
School Zones & Silver Zones: Speed is limited to 30 km/h, and speed cameras are concentrated in these areas. Slow down immediately when you see a child protection sign.

HiPass & Highway Tolls

Korean highways are toll roads, and you pay tolls for each section. The most convenient way is using a HiPass card, which you can buy and recharge at convenience stores like CU and GS25. Without HiPass, you can pay with cash or credit card in regular lanes.

Refueling

Gas stations in Korea are either full-service, where attendants fill your tank, or self-service, which is usually cheaper. The most important thing when refueling is to check the fuel type. Confusing gasoline with diesel can ruin the engine, and the rental company will charge you the full repair cost.

TIP: Confirm the fuel type verbally with the staff when you receive the vehicle. It's a costly mistake to put gasoline in a diesel car.

Common Mistakes & Warnings

Note: Arriving in Korea without an IDP — there's no way to get one locally. You won't be able to rent a car. Make sure to get your IDP before leaving your home country.

Note: Using Google Maps for navigation — it doesn't reflect real-time traffic data. Use Naver Maps or Kakao Map instead.

Note: Left turns on a straight signal — in Korea, turning left without a separate signal will get you caught by automated cameras. The rental company will charge the fine to your credit card after return.

Note: Speeding in school zones — fines are double those on regular roads. Always drive under 30 km/h in school zones.

Note: Not checking one-way return costs — returning the car to a different location from pickup can incur significant extra costs. Always check before booking.

Note: Not photographing the car's exterior at pickup — without evidence, you may be held responsible for pre-existing damage. Take photos of the entire car immediately upon pickup.

FAQ

Can foreigners rent a car in Korea?

Yes, they can. With an IDP, passport, and credit card, most Korean rental companies allow foreign travelers to rent a car.

Where can I get an IDP?

You can get it from your home country's automobile association. In the USA, it's AAA; in the UK, it's the Post Office; in Australia, it's NRMA, etc. You can't get it after arriving in Korea, so prepare it before you leave.

Is renting a car in Jeju different?

The procedure is the same. Jeju has fierce rental car competition, often making it cheaper than the mainland. A separate rental car complex operates near Jeju Airport, accessible by shuttle. Driving along Jeju's coastal roads is an experience you can't have with public transportation.

How does car rental insurance work in Korea?

Basic insurance is usually included. CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) is optional but strongly recommended to greatly reduce your liability in case of an accident. Lotte Rent-a-Car requires CDW for foreigners.

Is booking through Klook cheaper?

Not necessarily cheaper, but the English interface, clear cancellation policies, and English vouchers make it the most convenient option for foreign travelers. You can also compare multiple companies at once.

Does Google Maps really not work in Korea?

It's not completely unusable, but it doesn't reflect real-time traffic data, making it practically useless for navigation. Use Naver Maps or Kakao Map instead. Both apps support English.

Can I rent with an IDP from China or Taiwan?

No, you can't. Korea only recognizes IDPs issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. IDPs from China, Taiwan, and Indonesia are not valid in Korea.

In summary, just make sure to get your International Driving Permit before entering Korea.