Can foreigners buy a car and get car insurance?

Yes, foreigners can buy a car and get car insurance. Foreigners can get car insurance on the same terms as Koreans. The conditions for signing up may differ by insurance company.

I could not find any rule in my materials that bans foreigners from buying a car. For how to register a vehicle, check with your district office (구청) or the car registration office.

You must have insurance

• A car owner must have liability insurance (compulsory insurance). It pays for damage when an accident kills or injures another person.
• A car without compulsory insurance cannot be driven on the road.
• If you drive without insurance, you may have to pay a fine. If you cause an accident, you are also legally responsible.

What to check when you sign up

• Besides compulsory insurance, there is comprehensive insurance (optional insurance). It adds cover for damage to your own car, injury to yourself, and more.
• Compare the coverage, the premium, the range of drivers, and whether damage to your own car is covered.
• You can compare premiums on Insurance Damoa (보험다모아).

⚠️ Warning

To drive, you also need a driver's license that Korea accepts. An international driving permit alone is not enough. You must also carry your valid home-country driver's license and your passport. With an international driving permit, you can drive for 1 year from the day you enter Korea. After 1 year, you must get or exchange for a Korean license. For details, check the Korea Road Traffic Authority (한국도로교통공단) (Safe Driving Integrated Civil Service).

Next, compare premiums on Insurance Damoa. If you want to know how to exchange your license, ask me next.