Korean Job Discussion Forums

[jonhan]

I am trying to get a clear answer about this and it is not easy!

I believe the international driver's permit is valid for one year without any question......but then it gets complicated. I am being told that if I am a long term resident I should (never MUST so far) get a Korean license.

I argued with the driver's office that as Korea never permits us to stay longer than a year at a time (we have to ask permission to extend), that should mean we do not need the Korean license by law as technically no-one is a long term resident.

Even the driving license lady had no answer to that.

I just want to know which law (if any) says we must exchange our licenses for if I do not have to, I won't. (I have been here 3 years now)

My main fear is if I do have an accident, my insurers will try to invalidate the insurance as I have the International license.

Anyone know?

[ttompatz]

If you are RESIDENT (have an ARC) then you need to get a Korean license.
It is not that difficult to do.

IF you are non-resident (do not have and are not required to get an ARC) then you can use your IDP for your stay(s) even if your stay is longer than 90 days (Canadians as an example get a 6-month tourist stamp and do not need to get an ARC during their stay and can use their IDP for the duration).

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[jonhan]

Thanks TTompatz - I think I will go ahead and exchange my license, although I will get a friend to phone my insurance company also as when all is said and done, they are the only ones to worry about here.

You are right in that exchanging is not so difficult, but now you need a letter from your embassy (more expense) and for me a day off work to get it done.

But yes, it certainly will cover all bases getting it done.

[CentralCali]

[jonhan]

[sammykorea]

[ttompatz]

Translated excerpts (incomplete) from the various "Acts" posted on Facebook by an insurance salesman focused on selling plans to foreigners are not the law nor are they going to be recognized as an authority in a competent (having jurisdiction) court of law.

You can take your chances or you can do it the right way
(but we all know foreigners under 30 don't need to follow the laws... the laws are merely a suggested set of guidelines for them to follow.)

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[sammykorea]

Well, i think it is the same content with the following.
http://oneclick.law.go.kr/CSM/OvCnpRetrieveP.laf?csmSeq=504&ccfNo=1&cciNo=4&cnpClsNo=1