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How to Rent a Car in Korea — A Complete Guide for Foreign Travelers
Success or failure hinges not on the car, but on a single sheet of paper.
Hello. 😘
Today, I’ve put together a step-by-step guide on how to rent a car in Korea, written from the perspective of a foreign traveler.
To cut to the chase—the success or failure of a car rental isn't determined by the model or the price, but by a single piece of paper, International Driver's LicenseIt depends on...
And that paper can't be made after it arrives in Korea.
🚗 1. Start by deciding whether you need a rental car for this trip
Public transportation in Korea is so good that there are actually some areas where renting a car can be more of a hassle.
Before you open the schedule, take a look at this chart first.
Region | Need for Rent | Reason |
|---|---|---|
Seoul and Busan | Almost unnecessary | The subway and bus networks are extensive, and parking in the city center is expensive and difficult |
Jeju Island | Essentially a must | Bus intervals are long, and it’s impossible to get around the coastal road and the oreum without a car. |
Gangwon Province and the South Coast | It would be a big advantage if you have one | Traveling between cities is possible, but getting from one spot to another is inefficient without a car. |
Small cities such as Gyeongju and Jeonju | Selection | The city center is within walking distance, but this is ideal for exploring outlying historic sites and nearby areas. |
The subway is fast in downtown Seoul
💳 2. Documents — Without this paper, your journey ends at the counter
What Korean car rental companies offer to short-term travelers is The 1949 Geneva Convention It's only an International Driver's Permit (IDP) issued in accordance with the standards.
It can be obtained in most countries that are signatories to the Geneva Conventions, such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Japan; in the case of the United States, AAAIt is issued the same day for around $20.
International Driving Permit (IDP) — 1949 Geneva Convention version, valid for one year from the date of issuance
Original driver's license from your home country — An IDP is not valid on its own
Passport
Credit card in your name — Some businesses accept only credit cards
Four Things to Check at the Counter
I guess I'll just make it when I get there. — This is the most common mistake.
Since the IDP is a physical paper document, it cannot be received via email, and it cannot be issued within South Korea.
Make sure to get your IDP before you leave the country. — If there’s one thing to remember from this post, it’s this.
Most companies require the following qualifications: 21 years old At least + 1 year of driving experience.
Some companies and luxury vehicle models require drivers to be at least 26 years old, so please check the reservation screen.
📍 3. Where to Rent — Each Company Has Its Own Style
Where | English Support | Features | To someone like this |
|---|---|---|---|
English for Web and Apps | One of the largest networks of branches nationwide, with airport counters | The security of a large corporation, airport pickup | |
Web English | Branches Nationwide: The Two Giants Alongside Lotte | A Must-Have for Comparing Prices | |
Klook Reservation platforms, etc. | All in English | Compare and prepay for multiple local businesses on a single screen | First-time visitors who want to finish in English |
App Focused on Korean | Car-sharing by the minute | Essentially for residents only (see below) |
From Jeju Airport, take the company shuttle to the rental car office.
For inquiries by phone, please contact Lotte Rent-a-Car 1588-1230, SK Rent-a-Car 1599-9111.
Both locations have established procedures for renting with a foreign driver's license (IDP).
💰 4. Costs and Insurance — Where to Save and Where Not to Save
This is just a rough range to give you an idea.
Rates vary widely depending on the season and vehicle type, so please check the official channels or the booking screen at the time of reservation for exact prices.
Item | Approximate range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Subcompact Car 1-Day Rental | 45,000–130,000 won | Based on Jeju — There is a significant difference between the off-season and peak seasons (cherry blossoms, summer, and fall foliage) |
Comprehensive Auto Insurance | 20,000 to 40,000 won per day | Varies by provider and compensation limit; check the reservation screen |
Highway Tolls | Reimbursement Claims | Depending on the Hi-Pass device, some providers may charge a small service fee |
Return without refueling | Charged 2,500–3,000 won per L | It's much more expensive than regular gas stations |
The above prices are subject to change — please check each provider’s official channels for exact rates
It depends on the insurance policy.
Since basic rental rates often exclude coverage for damage to your own vehicle or have a high deductible, a plan with a 0 won deductible Comprehensive Auto InsuranceGetting (full-coverage CDW) is the standard practice for foreign travelers.
On unfamiliar roads with unfamiliar signs, even a single scratch can cost more than several days' worth of insurance premiums.
Insurance Selection Signature Section — This Is Where the Decision to Check "Comprehensive Auto" Comes Into Play
📱 5. Real-World Driving — Navigation, Tolls, and Fuel
Google Maps does not provide driving directions in South Korea.
It's because of restrictions on exporting map data, and for travelers, this is the biggest hurdle when renting a car.
App | English Support | Car Navigation System | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
Naver Maps | English, Japanese, Chinese | Support | The safest option for foreigners—no Korean phone number required |
Kakao Maps | English | Support | The interface is more Korean-centric than Naver's |
Google Maps | — | Not supported | For searching locations and checking reviews only |
Here’s a handy tip—if you search for a place in English on Google Maps, copy the Korean name from the details page, and paste it into Naver Maps, you’ll almost never get a search failure.
The standard setup for a car navigation system is a smartphone mount combined with Naver Maps.
You hardly have to worry about tolls.
In most rental cars, Hi-Pass Since the device is attached to your vehicle, if you drive straight through the blue Hi-Pass lane, the toll will be refunded and automatically charged to your card.
There are just two things to keep in mind when refueling.
First, check the vehicle's fuel type — Accidents involving putting gasoline in a diesel vehicle are a common occurrence among foreign renters.
Second, Fill up the gas tank right before returning the car. — If you return it without filling it out, as shown in the table above, 2,500–3,000 won per L You will be billed at the premium rate.
✨ 6. Final Checklist Before Departure
IDP Issued — Check for "1949" on the cover
Your home country's driver's license, passport, and credit card—all in one pouch
Check if the car rental reservation includes comprehensive insurance (zero deductible)
Install the Naver Maps app and set the language to English
Save the Korean name of your first destination in advance
Verify that the driver meets the age and experience requirements (21 years of age or older, at least 1 year of driving experience)
As long as you have all the necessary documents, the rest can be done on-site in 30 minutes.
Eighty percent of car rentals in Korea are completed before departure.
Just renting a car completely changes the scope of your trip to Korea.
Use the subway in the city and a rental car in Jeju and other regions—with this combination, you’re all set without needing to look any further.
For more information on driving regulations, please refer to the Korea Tourism Organization’s official guide. VisitKoreaPlease refer to [...].