Korean Job Discussion Forums

[dogshed]

Below is an email I received in response to my question about how the driver license trade works. It seem you are supposed to get it back the first time you leave South Korea and then you just keep both.

Dear Jeff,


Based on the Korean Road Traffic Act, on exchange you have to submit your US license, which will be returned when you leave Korea.



However, when you get back your US license you don�t need to submit your Korean license. So, I don�t think there is a change of driving without your Korean license. and, we Keep foreign licenses in a safe box so there will be no chance of losing your US license.



Lastly, please understand that each country has different rules. For example, US doesn�t even recognize Korean license so, Korean license holders cannot get any exemption when they apply for US license.



Best wishes,



Soyong Lee

[Pyongshin Sangja]

[Sucker]

I went through the process of getting a Korean drivers license last year. I went into it thinking that I would not have to exchange my Australian license, but I ended up having to do so.

Just my experience, but I hope that it helps you:

From memory, I needed my alien registration card, original license (Australian), and a letter form the Australian embassy confirming that my license was real (some countries don�t need this).

After taking a physical (eye test, etc) and a written test, they took my Australian license and gave me a Korean one. The woman at the counter told me that she had to keep my Australian one. I was not happy about this as I had read on the internet (Dave�s ESL actually) that while people form some countries (US citizens included) had to exchange their drivers licenses, Australians did not have to.

I spoke to several different people there and they all assured me that they would have to keep my license. No mention was given of me getting it back when I left the country (I did ask).

Anyway, I went back to Australia over Christmas for a visa run. My first stop was the local RTA (drivers license office). I simply showed them my passport and told them that I had been living in Korea and I no longer had a physical copy of my license. They looked me up on the computer, told me that my license was still valid and issued me a new one on the spot.

[cangel]

For Americans we cannot exchange our license. We must take the physical tests (eye, squat) and pass the written. There is no driving test. In addition, you must surrender your American license, which I believe is their bad interpretation of the law since we Americans aren't exchanging but actually taking the tests to get the license. Anyway, take your ARC, some small pictures and cash, the tests are easy although the wording on the written can be utterly confusing.

[Beej]

I cant imagine what they test for here on a driving exam: red means go, its A-Ok to drive on the sidewalk, no need to stay within your lane.....

[moosehead]

i have a korean drivers license - no one kept my american license - ? when did they start doing that? anyone know? they do change the laws frequently enough - mine was issued in 2004; good for 10 years - is that still the case?

[cangel]

Right... I think because most people, everyone other than Americans, can do a straight swap, they automatically assume that that's the case with us Yanks as well. But hey, it may be different in other cities. Yes, 10 years.

[Masta_Don]

I'm an American and they kept my US one (got it about 4 months ago). What did I care, it was a bad picture and suspended.

[kimchi story]

[seoulsucker]

I was under the impression that you can use a Korean license to drive in the States. Something about a 1972 reciprocal agreement between a bunch of countries?

I enquired with a rental company in the States about using a Korean license to rent a car, and after a quick check on their policies was told that it was no problem. This was in Septmeber, I believe.

[OiGirl]

$10 gets me a duplicate US DL online. Who cares if the Korean office keeps mine?

[xCustomx]

Is there an office near Bundang or Gangnam? I'm planning to get a car soon and have the day off tomorrow so I'd like to get it taken care of

[pest2]

[J.B. Clamence]

[Wangja]