Korean Job Discussion Forums

Lekker · Joined: 09 Feb 2008 Location: Seoul

I had to trade in my U.S. drivers license when I applied for the Korean license back in June of last year in order to drive legally for my job. My boss at the time was hounding me to drive all the time so I coherced him into taking me to get the Korean license. They (people at the drivers license center) told me that I would have to bring back my Korean drivers license to get my U.S. license back whenever I wanted it.

Problem is that I no longer have my Korean drivers license. I no longer have the wallet it was in either. It was snagged from a bar in Itaewon, another reason why I can't deal with Itaewon.

I took the drivers test at the location in Gimpo. When I do a search for the drivers center in Gimpo, nothing shows up. Anyone know where the drivers center in Gimpo is?

All I want is my drivers license back. I am going back to the U.S. for a bit soon and I'm going to need it when I get there. Is the drivers license center going to throw a stink and refuse to give it back to me? Is there any way I can do a dance for them, or sing them a song, brighten their day, and they can bend the rules a little, just this once?

matthews_world · Joined: 15 Feb 2003

Life seems to be unbearable for you. If you can't get over a stinking license then go home! Korean's not for you.

Lekker · Joined: 09 Feb 2008 Location: Seoul

ulsanchris · Joined: 19 Jun 2003 Location: take a wild guess

why on earth did you have to give up your license. that seems very unusual. I didn't have to trade mine in. Granted I am canadian and that might make a difference.

Lekker · Joined: 09 Feb 2008 Location: Seoul

That's what they told me in person, you have to forfeit your license. It has nothing to do with your nationality. Maybe though, just maybe, being Canadian has it's advantages, but I'll never know, seeing that I am American and all.

nautilus · Joined: 26 Nov 2005 Location: Je jump, Tu jump, oui jump!

komtengi · Joined: 30 Sep 2003 Location: Slummin it up in Haebangchon

I had to do the same as an Aussie...
to get it back take your plane ticket to the licence place and they will give it back...
replacing your Korean licence will only take a day as well

ulsanchris · Joined: 19 Jun 2003 Location: take a wild guess

I got my Korean license a few years back so maybe things have changed. I think I would have asked to be shown that rule in writing. It seems very odd to be and you know how some government employees here have no idea what they are doing. Especially when it comes to foreingers.

Lekker · Joined: 09 Feb 2008 Location: Seoul

So do you think I have a chance in getting it back? There is no way I can apply for a new one in the States without having a residence there, in addition I would have to go all the way up to Alaska where I lived last to get a replacement in person and I really don't feel like doing that. I just want my license back. Cars and Korea weren't meant to be together.

nautilus · Joined: 26 Nov 2005 Location: Je jump, Tu jump, oui jump!

Lekker · Joined: 09 Feb 2008 Location: Seoul

esetters21 · Joined: 30 Apr 2006 Location: Seoul

Bibbitybop · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Location: Seoul

esetters is right.

When you get a K license, you trade in your home license. Or, you take ALL the K tests, a huge waste of time.

To get your home license back, you go to the office with a ticket out of the country and some other stuff. I can't remember if the K license is included.

OP, why not get a replacement from your home country through the mail, if that's available. Most countries or states understand globalization and will do this for you.

Tobias · Joined: 02 Jun 2008

Just contact those guys in Alaska and tell 'em you lost your license and need a replacement. They'll send it to you here to boot, I'm sure. Call 'em up using Skype, which is about 2 cents per minute, and request a new license.

Kikomom · Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2008 8:16 am Post subject:

Get yourself an International Driver's Permit, essentially an English translation of your Korean license.