Korean Job Discussion Forums

[rok_the-boat]

I am thinking of getting a second-hand car.

Is my international licence ok to use until I get a Korean one?
What docs do I need?
Do I need to get something from immigration?
Where can I get insurance?
Where do I got to transfer ownership? My city hall, or the seller's city hall? Or both? Or where?

Any info appreciated. Cheers ...

[rok_the-boat]

Registration must be in the buyer's district of residence (as per her/his alien registration card). Registration centers are open during weekday business hours only (government hours).

1. Required documents:
a. Car registration certificate
b. Used car transfer contract (the legal form for the certificate of transfer) and alien registration card (or a certificate of alien registration). For those who have not yet acquired an alien registration card, two Korean sponsors and a certificate of entry will be acceptable in lieu.
c. Certificate proving you have purchased a liability insurance policy and public bonds.

[rok_the-boat]

When buying a used car, buyers should check the original registration and any outstanding balance for taxes. This can be done at the district office (gu) where the car is registered to confirm that any car loan has been fully paid off. The buyers can check all this information on the Ecar website (in Korean)

Documents needed when buying a new or used car:
•Foreigner registration card (if the buyer has one); without this, the buyer must have two Korean sponsors
•Copy of passport
•For used cars only, certificate of residence in Korea (issued by local office, Dong Sa Mu So or Gu)

Car Taxes

There are a number of taxes to be paid when buying a car in South Korea
•Registration tax (7 percent), to be paid within 15 days of purchase
•Acquisition tax (2 percent of the price paid for the vehicle)
•Government bonds - the cost varies depending on the size and model of the vehicle

Selling a Car

A used car can be sold privately or through an agency in South Korea. For private sales, the seller can use advertisements in car magazines, in newspapers or on websites.

Documents needed when selling a car:
•Foreigner registration card
•Copy of passport
•Certificate of residence in Korea (issued by local office, Gu or Dong Sa Mu So)
•Certificate of vehicle registration
•Certificate of vehicle tax payment for the last six months (issued by the district office or from the Ecar website (in Korean)

[Died By Bear]

Never bought a used car in Korea, but there was someone on these forums about five six years ago that was burned on a purchase because the seller had outstanding parking tickets. Maybe what you wrote about checking the original registration has something to do with that? Not sure

[Lazio]

[rok_the-boat]

Interesting. Maybe it can be done at any office?

[Steelrails]

Try SK Encar. I got my car through there. Works just like a cars.com or whatever.

Educar or Chartis for insurance.

If you're from the US, there's a handful of states that have reciprocal drivers license treaties with S. Korea and I don't think you need a new license. At worst you have to get an affidavit from the US Embassy and take it over to the nearest Korean DMV and trade it in. You might be able to skip the Embassy part if you have a reciprocal if you do have to exchange it. Either way, no road or book test. Just a 10 minute physical and wait for an hour while they process your paperwork and manufacture your license.

[rok_the-boat]

Thanks ... but I am British ... with an NZ licence. And an international one. I'm sure it'll work out.