How long can I drive in Korea with an International Driving Permit?

You can drive for up to 1 year from the date you enter Korea. Korea is a party to the Geneva Convention, so you can drive for 1 year from your entry date with a valid International Driving Permit issued by a Geneva Convention country. An International Driving Permit issued by a Vienna Convention country is also accepted, and the period is the same: 1 year from your entry date.¹

⚠️ Things to watch out for

• You must carry your International Driving Permit, your home country driver's license, and your passport together when you drive. If even one is missing, you may be punished for driving without a license.¹
• If the English name on your International Driving Permit is different from your passport, it is not recognized.¹
• Only an official "International Driving Permit" is accepted. Look-alike licenses with "INTERNATIONAL DRIVING LICENSE" printed on the front cannot be used.¹
• You cannot drive with an International Driving Permit during a period when you are disqualified from holding a Korean license.¹

💡 Helpful information

• If you want to keep driving after 1 year, you need a Korean driver's license. You can exchange your foreign license for a Korean license, or get a new one in Korea.²
• Conditions differ by country, so it is a good idea to check in advance with the Korea Road Traffic Authority (한국도로교통공단) (Safe Driving Integrated Services (안전운전 통합민원)).