Korean Job Discussion Forums

ccikulin · Joined: 23 Mar 2008 Location: Sunae-dong, Bundang

Anybody know where I can pick up a Korean driver's license? I have a U.S. license and I just want to convert it to a Korean license. I've heard it's pretty easy to do, just wondering if anyone on here has done it. If you did, where did you do it? and what did you have to bring? Thanks.

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

ccikulin · Joined: 23 Mar 2008 Location: Sunae-dong, Bundang

Very much appreciated.

yeremy · Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2009 8:48 pm Post subject: Drivers License

I went to Gangnam's DLA a little over a year ago to get my Korean driver's license. I went on a Saturday and was able to do it in one morning. All you have to do is 1) register and fill out the paperwork for the tests, 2) stand in line (1 hour + during which I reviewed the driver's manual for the written test) for the vision and "physical reflex" test, 3) take the written test (20 to 25 questions on a pc) after you have taken the physical tests, 4) go back to the counter where you registered and give them your pictures and they'll make your license for you on the spot if they have time.

Basically, this is what I recall I had to do. I lived in Gyeonggi do at the time but I went to Gangnam with my wife because they could do it all in one day. Other DLA offices require you to return a second time. Good luck. It really was the easiest driver's license I have ever gotten in my life and I've had them in NYS, MA, CA, WA and now Korea. The good news is that if you have a valid US drivers license, you do not have to take the road test, though that would not be anything to worry about, i think. The downside is that you will have to surrender your US license to the DLA, which they will hold onto until you want to take a trip home and then i suppose you would give them your Korean license to hold onto until you return to Korea and then they would give your Korean license back to you and you would re-surrender your US license. i don't know why they won't allow you to have dual or more driver's licenses, but that's the deal in Korea. Good luck.

livinginkunsan · Joined: 02 Dec 2006

The holding of driver's licenses is a new phenomenon. When I got mine 3yrs ago.. they just issued me a Korean one.

They seem to go backwards at times. Confused

bigdave79 · Joined: 10 Apr 2009

Check out this website...

All the info you need...

http://global.seoul.go.kr/global/view/living/liv05_02.jsp

I took my British licence to the Global center filled in the forms, walked 15 minutes to a near by clinic to get an sight and hearing test done. Went back to the Global center and she issude me with a Korean driving licence.

The only drawback is you have to hand over your home country licence. This you can get back when you return to the centre with a valid plane ticket stating your leaving Korea.

Very Very easy... and the staff are very helpful. I'm not sure how it applies to Americans, but I met a Canadian guy in there doing the same. So you shouldn't have any problems

Good luck and safe driving. Very Happy