Korean Job Discussion Forums

[peemil]

OK. So I went out to the place where you can get a Korean licence today. Apparently you can't change an Australian licence as Australia does not recognize Korean licences. And you need certification from the Embassy.
Too. There is a test.

Right. My problem is that I am in the sticks.

Any Australians in Seoul who could help me please. Or Busa.

1. Does anyone in Busan know if the consular office does certifications.

2. If I get a certification for this licence when can I do the written test next week. I am on holiday. Does Seoul or Busan have them everyday. I am in the sticks and they said only twice a month. That is no good. I have the car now. Too, and if it is possible to do the test in Seoul where is the drivers license testing centre in Seoul. I was thinking of going on Monday.

3. What is the test? Is it difficult. I need to know if I have something to worry about.

4. Australian experiences and advice. Please. This is driving me up the wall as I can't seem to find any answers.

Thank you.

[jaebea]

Crap peemil, would have loved to give you more info here, but we took the easy option.

Got an International Driver's License from the NRMA (RASV or equivalent), supplied a passport photo and $20. It lasts for only 12 months though. :/

I'll ask around though, I think dad might know.

jae.

[bjonothan]

Most Koreans couldn't pass a p plate test and you are worried about getting a licence here?? I understand your problem.....you are out in the sticks. There must be somewhere closer you can do it. I don't know because I am in a pretty big city, but getting it shouldn't be a problem.....only getting there......

[peemil]

Hello.

Further to your post. I am still looking for any information. The story goes like this. I went to the license place near my city. No-one spoke any English. Except for a guy that they grabbed from the back.

I was told that being an Australian, my license is no good in Korea as a Korean license is not recognized in Australia.

I was told that I need to get my license certified from the Australian embassy. I looked at the Australian embassy website and that is true.

So I am going up to Seoul to get that done. So while I am there I might as well go to the license place in Seoul.

What I don't know though is. Has anyone ever done this test? I don't like to walk into anything blind. Especially when I am handing over money. Or. Was I just getting the old run around which is pretty normal around here.

I know that I can use an International license. But I have been here for more than a year so that screws that up.

Any advice from anyone who has done it? Does the license place in Seoul do it regular. I mean I was told at the place near mine. For a simple test that is only going to take a few minutes that they only do it twice a month. So I had to book. And it's when I am supposed to be working.

At the end of the day I am sick of worrying about this. I have the car in the driveway. I want the paper to drive it.

[wanderer]

..

[matesol]

I think the particular beaurocrat in charge was just trying to give you a hard time. I had an international driver's license at first, but got a Korean one before it expired. When I got my Korean driver's license, the person working there continually asked me one dumb question after another.

1) Why is the license good for five years? (How should I know? Why is a Korena license good for seven years?!)

2) (I have a class 4 driver's license in Canada as I used to drive taxi as a student). Are you going to drive taxi in Korea? (Of course not! Just because I drove taxi when I was a student, doesn't mean I want to drive one in Korea now that I have a Master's degree and work at one of the top three universities in Korea!)

3) Can you drive an autto? Why doesn't Canada license diferently for "autto" and "stick"? (How show I know, see above. Do I look like a Korean ajumah who is 45 years old and has just learned how do drive. I've been driving since I was 16, i.e. when almost everyone in Korea was still a hand to mouth rice farmer and when cars were only available for the comparatively rich. By the way, I also know how to parallel park within less than 30 cm of the curb. I also turn my wheels when parked on a hill so my car doesn't roll down and kill someone and since I'm from Canada, I DON'T put chains on my tires when there is but the smallest skiff of snow on PAVED roads and I sure as shooting know that everyone in this country DO NOT need a 4x4 Jeep! Sheesh, these people could make the roughest redneck loggers blush!

I just kept asnwering her dumb quesions until she couldn't think of anymore and they finally gave me the license.

My recomendation, go to another office if the beaurocrat is giving you a hard time, or go with a Korean and have your Korean friend ask in Korean to speak with his/her supervisor. That should solve the problem really fast.

[peemil]

Thanks for the help. But it still isn't answering the fundamental question. Who has done it with an Australian license? And done the test?
I am going to Seoul in five hours so I'll find out then.

Anyone who helps still would be appreciated. Does anyone know where the Driver's license place in Gangnam Seoul is?

[wanderer]

..

[peemil]

For those who are interested. I did it. You do need to take a test. It is easy but a pain. Did it in Seoul too. They said that the law changed in July. Anyhow...

[jaebea]

Congrats

Sorry I couldn't be more of a help. All's well that ends well I guess..

jae.