Korean Job Discussion Forums

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

Has anyone changed their driving license to a Korean one recently?

I have found some info on the web about the procedures that are required,
but I would be very grateful if someone who has done already this could give me a brief run-down (pardon the korean-driving pun Embarassed

).

Many thanks,
Ken

ps- I would also be interested to hear any info about (international?) motorcycle tests, for >125cc .

PimpofKorea · Posted: Sun Dec 10, 2006 3:21 am Post subject:

3 months in country...I had my license switched over....brought a Korean girl with me...hooked it up pretty simply. When you go to the driver's license office, you'll have a physical/eye exam and they schedule for a written test. I would recommend studying a little before you take it. I passed on the first try but there was this white ding-dong there who had failed the thing 3 frikken times before...and then failed once again.....so be prepared son....be prepared

coulter · Joined: 21 Apr 2004 Location: Gangwon-Do

It depends on your nationality due to the arrangements Korea has with your country. I'm Canadian and i went in with my American friend. He had to take a written test. All I had to do was show my driver's licence and passport, look at an eye chart, and pay 10,000 won. I heard that New Zealanders have to actually take a driving test, but I'm not sure.

thelaststraw · Joined: 07 Nov 2006

yeah, if your canadian no big deal at all, and as for the 125cc theres no test its included in the regular drivers licence. Anything bigger and you have to do the motor bike test but not for that size.

Cheonmunka · Joined: 04 Jun 2004

Yeah, Kiwis and Ozzies take a written test. It's pretty easy and standard. It's on a computer and there are 20 questions, multi-choice.
Some questions may trip you up. Like:
Where is it okay to stop on an intersection?
a. Where there is a guy patrolling traffic.
b. To let people on an off.
c. When the light changes red.
d. some other strange thing.

Definately you must:

-read about the prison term or fine for drunk driving and injury (death?)
I put 5 yrs and 20 million won. Maybe it was right.
-The green arrow for turning left with care.
-There was something about old-age drivers and eyesight.
-Use common sense for other questions.

I got 90%.
I only need 60% (12 correct answers out of 20) to pass.

Then have to hand over NZ licence and they give you a Korean one after a few hours wait.
As usual, have to bring many thumbly passport sized photos with you.

eamo · Joined: 08 Mar 2003 Location: Shepherd's Bush, 1964.

Brits only need to show their Euro licence, do the eye-test, and pay 10,000. Takes 30 minutes to get a 10 year Korean licence.

Yikes! · Joined: 15 Oct 2004

I'm an American and I THOUGHT I was supposed to take the written test, but all they had me do was fill out a form, show my passport, and take the physical exam. I was in and out in less than an hour -- except waiting for the license to be prepared.

ysl · Joined: 31 Aug 2006

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

Thnaks for that.

I am a UK citizen, so I will get to a test centre with my Korean wife.

YSL, thanks-if you still have the book, I would like to buy it off you?

I currently live in Sungbukdong, Seoul, and hope to get a new job in January.
If you still have it, we could make arrangements to meet?

Thanks,
Ken

spliff · Joined: 19 Jan 2004 Location: Khon Kaen, Thailand

I have a Korean license and a Thai one, my US one ran out
15 years ago! Very Happy

eamo · Joined: 08 Mar 2003 Location: Shepherd's Bush, 1964.

Satin · Joined: 26 Oct 2006 Location: Texas

If you're American you can get an international license permit for 10 bucks for a year and you don't lose your state license. Just download the form from AAA, fill it out, attach two passport sized photos, a copy of the front and back of your state license, and send a check or money order for $10. Of course, if you're still stateside, just go in to any AAA office and have it done. There is one other company legally allowed to do this, but I don't remember their name.

Any other web advertisements for international permits for the U.S. are scams.

ysl · Joined: 31 Aug 2006

lawyertood · Posted: Mon Dec 11, 2006 1:38 pm Post subject:

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I was under the impression that international driving permits are for temporary visitors to a country where they don't have a valid license. As a resident, I would think you would have to get a valid license for that country. Not that you couldn't get by on an international driving permit.

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

Thanks YSL and eamo, it was good to hear that no test is to be done. Smile

I will just drop by a centre with my wife and pick up a Korean lisence.

I got a International Driving Permit, IDP, in the UK (5 pounds & valid for one year), which is valid for many countries.
On honeymoon in Jeju, my wife who doesn't drive hired a car for the week we arrived.
When the 2 young lads at the airport carpark asked to see my license, I promptly showed them my UK one and the IDP. They looked pretty blankly at it, then I noticed there were about 8 languages on it, but NO Korean! Confused

Cheers,
Ken