How to Rent a Car in Korea — A Complete Guide for Foreign Travelers

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 — the International Driver's License. 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.

The subway is fast in downtown Seoul

💳 2. Documents — Without this paper, your journey ends at the counter

The only thing Korean car rental companies accept from short-term travelers is an International Driver's Permit (IDP) issued in accordance with the 1949 Geneva Convention 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, at AAA it 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: at least 21 years old + 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

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.

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, getting a 0-won-deductible comprehensive auto insurance plan (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.

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, since the Hi-Pass device is attached to your vehicle, if you drive straight through the blue Hi-Pass lane, the toll will be automatically charged to your card after you return the car.

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, you will be billed at the premium rate of 2,500–3,000 won per L.

✨ 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, VisitKorea.