Korean Job Discussion Forums

majesticmako · Joined: 12 Oct 2008

Hello,

I have used the search function to find posts about getting a Korean driver's license, but I noticed that they were several years old and that laws might have changed.

So, could anyone give me a quick explanation of what I must do to obtain one? I have an American, New Jersey license at the moment and I live in the Gangnam area.

From what I understand, I am supposed to trade my current license in and take some sort of eye test? I'm not really comfortable with giving my American license in even if they're just going to hold onto it.

Thanks for any help.

CentralCali · Joined: 17 May 2007

You must:

Take a written examination in English. It's half the length of the Korean examination yet you have the same time to finish as those taking the Korean exam.
Take a squat test and a vision acuity exam.
Surrender your New Jersey license to the driver's license office. You will get that back when you relinquish your Korean license prior to leaving the country.

I don't recall how much I paid for the fees; however, they weren't much.

T-J · Joined: 10 Oct 2008 Location: Seoul EunpyungGu Yeonsinnae

Write in to your home state for a replacement license. Forward it through a friend or family in that state. Now you have two. Give one to the Korean DMV for your Korean license and you don't have to ever worry about getting it back.

Costs a little to get the replacement, but at least you don't have to worry about getting your license back.

majesticmako · Joined: 12 Oct 2008

thanks for the info.

anyone know where the nearest DMV is? i live by seolleung station on the green line.

also, is the written test ridiculously easy?

teachergirltoo · Joined: 28 Oct 2006

I am wondering if when you trade in your license if the renewal date on it corresponds to the renewal date on the Korean license? For example, my Canadian license is set for renewal next August. If I trade it in for a Korean license, will the Korean license also need renewal in August?

Chamchiman · Joined: 24 Apr 2006 Location: Digging the Grave

This information is probably recent enough to give you a basic idea of exactly what you'll have to do:

I got my Korean driver's license this past summer.

I turned in my home DL, paid a few thousand won, and submitted some photos. Then I went through a couple of different eye tests, squatted down on the floor and stood up again to prove that my legs and back were in working order, and that was that. (I didn't have to take any kind of written test.)

I wouldn't bother with the second license from your home jurisdiction. The exchange of licenses and the return of your home license later are both easy processes, and there's rarely any kind of wait at the "Foreigner's Counter" of the DL office. When you exchange your home license for the Korean license, be sure to make a few copies of both sides of your home license. You'll need a copy of both sides of your home DL to rent a car from big rental car companies in Korea as they have a policy that they won't rent a car to you if your Korean DL has been issued less than a year ago. Having a photocopy of your original DL to support the newly-issued Korean DL is sufficient.

Later, when you are leaving the country, if you bring your plane ticket in to the DL office they will return your home DL.

runthegauntlet · Joined: 02 Dec 2007 Location: the southlands.

runthegauntlet · Joined: 02 Dec 2007 Location: the southlands.

CentralCali · Joined: 17 May 2007

It depends on what your home country is if you have to take the written exam. US citizens must take the written exam.

The expiration date for the Korean license is not pegged to the expiration date of your home country license.

Underwaterbob · Joined: 08 Jan 2005 Location: In Cognito

Xuanzang · Joined: 10 Apr 2007 Location: Sadang

wormholes101 · Joined: 11 Mar 2003

CentralCali · Joined: 17 May 2007

Prescriptivist Answer: 30 km/h.
Descriptivist Answer: 60 km/h.

T-J · Joined: 10 Oct 2008 Location: Seoul EunpyungGu Yeonsinnae

Taeri1 · Joined: 20 Oct 2008 Location: Korea

Wow! Things must've changed a lot! I got my Korean license in 1996, and all I had to do was give them my DL from the States, which was returned to me when I picked up my Korean license. I had to take an eye exam, fill out a few forms, talk to some guy who didn't speak any English, and got my license in three days.

However, I was told that the policies vary from DMV to DMV. I got mine in Shingal, south of Seoul, and was perhaps one of the first foreigners to apply there. They were all a bit surprised when I walked in, but the process was quite painless.

I would question the practice of the DMV keeping your original DL. I have also heard that the Kangnam DMV requires a lot more than other DMVs due to the large amount of foreigners who go there.

I suggest going to a smaller DMV and see if they have the same requirements.

I also recommend that you drive defensibly but cautiously once you receive you DL.

I hope this helps.