| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
Norith
Joined: 02 Nov 2007
|
 Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2008 2:30 am Post subject: International Driving Permit |
 |
|
I got an International Driving Permit before I came to S. Korea...haven't used it yet, but I've been curious about something.
An IDP is really just a translation of your license....but my IDP doesn't have Korean as one of the translations. It looks like it has Chinese and Japanese...but no Hanguel. It says that it's valid in S. Korea, but does anyone think I'll just be scoffed at for showing them a translation into other foreign languages?
Does anyone that uses an IDP have Korean in theirs? I know that technically, we aren't allowed to use IDP's with an Arc Card...but I'm pretty sure that would go over better than not having a valid license at all.
Thanks. |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
haute 4 teacher
Joined: 19 Nov 2007
|
| Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2008 2:37 am Post subject: |
|
|
I'm renting a car to travel this week and I showed the company my IDP.
They looked at it briefly, asked if it means I can drive in Korea, then rented me the car.
Another friend used her US license to rent a car no problem, and she's under 26 too (that was one of the categories in the car-rental agreement)
Hope that helps. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
CentralCali
Joined: 17 May 2007
|
| Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2008 3:24 am Post subject: |
|
|
| If you're resident here, then you're supposed to be using a Korean license. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
sweetsheed36
Joined: 05 Sep 2007
|
| Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 10:48 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Can you really use your U.S. driver's license to rent a car?
I want to rent a car to drive down in Jeju, and I'm debating whether to get a IDP or a korean license. I'd like to get whichever one requires less effort/money!
Where does one go to get an IDP? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Bibbitybop
Joined: 22 Feb 2006
Location: Seoul
|
| Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 11:21 pm Post subject: |
|
|
An International Drivers License is good in Korea if accompanying your home Drivers License.
You do NOT have to get a Korean License.
You CAN drive legally with an IDL and a home DL. Your visa status does NOT matter.
http://english.seoul.go.kr/residents/transport/trans_07driv_01.html
| Quote: |
To drive in Korea with your state-issued driver�s license, you have to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) in your country before coming to Korea. Be sure to get your IDP before leaving your home as it must be issued in your home country. An IDP is not a license itself, merely a piece of paper that translates your information into the local language. If you are stopped by law enforcement officials here, you must present both your IDP and your state-issued license. The IDP is valid just for one year.
If you are planning to stay in Korea for over a year, it is recommended to change your license into the Korean one. Those holding the license issued from a country that recognizes a Korean driver's license are exempt from all the tests but an aptitude test. But, those having a license issued from a country that doesn't recognize a Korean driver's license are obliged to take the written test as well as the aptitude test. The written test is available in English, Chinese and Japanese as well as Korean |
Like the website says, a IDL will expire after 1 year from the issue date. You have to get a new one every year, but you can get it through the mail by having a family member or friend send it to you. AAA (issuing authority in the USA) won't ship it overseas. Korea recommends you get a Korean license, and it is easy. But for motorcycle drivers of bikes of 125cc, Korea will NOT "swap" your motorcycle endorsement. That's why I choose to keep my home license and IDL, I don't want to take all their crappy tests (which don't test your true road ability). |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Cracker006
Joined: 11 Feb 2008
|
| Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 11:33 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Sorry if I'm thread jacking, but can someone tell me where I go to get a Korean license?
With a translator, can it be done north of Seoul? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
valkyrian2
Mod Team
Joined: 15 May 2007
|
| Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2008 12:01 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Cracker006 wrote: |
Sorry if I'm thread jacking, but can someone tell me where I go to get a Korean license?
With a translator, can it be done north of Seoul? |
The Korean licencing center.
http://www.dla.go.kr/english/index.jsp
The details and locations are listed on the website. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
aphasia83
Joined: 13 Apr 2007
|
| Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2008 10:23 am Post subject: |
|
|
| I have an international license that should expire around December 2008. Does anyone know if you can get another within Korea, or does it have to be applied for in your home country? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Bibbitybop
Joined: 22 Feb 2006
Location: Seoul
|
| Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2008 4:48 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| aphasia83 wrote: |
| I have an international license that should expire around December 2008. Does anyone know if you can get another within Korea, or does it have to be applied for in your home country? |
I was told by AAA I could mail in all the documents and the IDL could be sent to an address in the USA, but they wouldn't send it overseas. My family could then mail it to me.
You will have to get the documents by mail, too, so plan early. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
crazy_arcade
Joined: 05 Nov 2006
|
| Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2008 5:08 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Next question:
With an international permit and home license--can one register/get a plate for a bike? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Bibbitybop
Joined: 22 Feb 2006
Location: Seoul
|
| Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2008 7:15 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| crazy_arcade wrote: |
Next question:
With an international permit and home license--can one register/get a plate for a bike? |
My bike mechanic helped me get my plate. I had to get insurance (144,000 won a year!) and he took my info to the government office. I never once showed anyone my drivers license. All you need is the title, bill of sale and proof of insurance, plus the registration money for the plate. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
