Korean Job Discussion Forums

[superacidjax]

I'm sure this has been covered, but does anyone here drive a car in Korea? I've driven in Seoul before, but I am mostly interested in the average cost of whatever insurance is required. Also, if you buy a car in Korea, what's the process (registration, etc..)

Is there a recommended website with the requirements?

Also, I know it varies greatly, but what's a ballpark estimate for parking expenses, say for an officetel in Ilsan.. or parking at E-Mart or places like that.

Thanks!

[superacidjax]

I found some info on my own and thought I'd share it in case anyone is interested..
--
For more information about driving regulations, penalties, or to understand a ticket and how to pay it, the Seoul Global Center can be reached at 1688-0120 for general information, or the driver's license specialist can be reached at (02) 2075-4127.
--

[b-class rambler]

Re insurance, it's an impossible question to answer. It depends on so many factors - size of engine, your age, who will drive it, what you're going to use the car for, your previous driving record etc. etc.

One problem a lot of foreigners will have is that as far as the Korean insurer is concerned, they're a newbie driver with zero experience on record, and therefore the premiums are of course higher. However, some insurers will accept documents from overseas insurance companies to prove any years you have of claim-free car insurance.

I'd previously been in Japan and my insurer (Samsung) said they'd accept a statement from my insurer in Japan that I'd had no accidents or claims when I was driving there. That got me almost 40% off what I would have otherwise paid. That document was actually in Japanese, so I'd imagine English documentation for this purpose wouldn't have been a problem.