Korean Job Discussion Forums

Soccerstar · Joined: 21 Nov 2006 Location: Kyungsangnamdo

Got an important question I couldn't find any info on using google or the (ridiculous) search function. I really appreciate this site and find it very helpful except for this silly search system. Unfortunately I don't have any constructive advice about how to build a better search function.
So we are going to Canada soon for the summer, and I only have my Korean license, since I had to trade in the Canadian one to receive this one. I plan on driving in Canada, so do I have to go trade in my Korean one before we leave? It is time-consuming to have to keep trading back and forth with each visit.
Any advice would be appreciated.

jiyull · Joined: 21 Mar 2008 Location: Seoul

You will have to go to one of the Korean consulates and fill out some forms.

Hanson · Joined: 20 Oct 2004

What about just getting an international driver's license from the Korean Driver's License authorities? 7,000won, your passport +ARC and a picture (or two) + a few forms is all you need. I think there's also the issue that you have to have lived in Korea for 3 years, or something like that, but I showed no proof - they just punched me up on their computer...

Of course, this international license is only good for a year, so you'd have to get a new one each trip, which is what I've done two years straight. Some of the rental company employees back home have never seen one before... Very Happy

Harpeau · Joined: 01 Feb 2003 Location: Coquitlam, BC

I totally agree with Hanson. Especially if you are a non-Resident Canadian, it will be virtually impossible to get a license in Canada. You likely need to have a Canadian address and be also paying the exhorbidant taxes as well. Hav a nice trip.

Soccerstar · Joined: 21 Nov 2006 Location: Kyungsangnamdo

Thanks guys. I'm an American citizen with a Canadian wife, -and she has an expired Canadian license so we have a tough situation. I guess an international license would be the way to go. I'll try to get one at in Pusan.

rebmetpes · Joined: 30 Oct 2006 Location: Geoje-Si

You can get your canadian license back if you go to the office where you applied your korean license. Bring your plane ticket and passport, tell them your going for vacation and they will give your license back. No need to exchange your Korean license and you don't have to surrender your Canadian license again after you return from your trip.

enns · Joined: 02 May 2006

nobbyken · Joined: 07 Jun 2006 Location: Yongin ^^

I exchanged my UK photocard section to get a Korean licence.
The only way to get it back is too exchange it in Gangnam (initially exchanged). Outwith Mon-Fri they are only open on Saturday mornings, so a lot of hassle for me to change.
I ordered a replacement photocard section on the UK driving licensing site.

I figured having a complete UK licence (and a Korean one) would be better for travelling outwith Korea, whilst not having to exchange for holidays.
I never thought that it might not be required to exchange for a holiday.

Captain Corea · Joined: 28 Feb 2005 Location: Seoul

smwood · Joined: 28 Mar 2006 Location: Over Here.

As far as I recall you can't get an International license in Korea if you aren't Korean. You'll need to get one in Canada... using, uh, your original license... all is not lost, however. If your wife goes into a Canadian d/l center she will be able to get a temporary license enabling her to drive until her replacement arrives. Mine took a week for the new one to arrive.

As far as using your Korean license to drive in Canada (I have one) you may find it difficult to get insurance on a car other than a rental.

~ smw