Korean Job Discussion Forums

[jmadtownweb]

So I realize I need to go to the embassy and get a form and then take that to the Korean licensing office. But I'm reading I need to take a written test, and pass a physical exam? Is this physical exam just a quick eye test at the drivers office or is it an exam at a hospital?

I'm an e2 visa holder, and I want a license.

Going to Jeju next week and We're renting a car. If its too much hassle I'll skip the rental... Thanks in advance for the advice.

[goreality]

Physical test is done at the center. They mostly just check your vision.

[jmadtownweb]

Thanks. So if i make an appointment at the U.S. embassy, will I get the form that day? Wondering if this can be done before next Wednesday... The process seems ok, just not sure on the time amount...

[Lazio]

Everything is done in the same building. If you don�t prepare an ID photo than you can get it done there.
At some rental companies they don�t give cars to beginners. I think you should have a license for at least 2 years or something. And they don�t care how long you�ve had a license back home, it�s not written on your Korean license. Well, it�s just a policy and not necessarily followed.

just saw the follow up question. My embassy serves a lot less people than yours so don�t take it as something certain but I was also in a hurry and asked them kindly to do it fast. It took 30 minutes. Basically they have a form already done and just need to fill in your data and print/stamp. Shouldn�t take long but �

[kardisa]

I'm also American. I had a 1:30pm appointment with the US Embassy in Seoul and was finished by 2:10pm. Was able to get my driver's license the same day. It was a bit rushed (traffic sucked on the way to the driver's license office) but it's definitely doable.

[globusmonkey]

The written test is in English, and is fairly easy. If you can pass the written at home, you can pass it here. Although, they do throw a few curveballs. One question I got was what is the load limit for a cargo truck in kilos. I had to stifle a laugh at the test office when I saw that one. Go slow and think about each answer and you should pass. I got a 70, which is good enough.

The physical is just eye exam, and if you know your numbers (il, i, sam, sa, etc.), it's also easy. The biggest problem you will have is filling out the forms. If you have a korean friend or co-teacher, take them with you in exchange for lunch or something. It'll speed things up. Also, go to Emart and get photos. 6 is 10,000 or so, just ask for passport pictures. That will make it faster, too. Being prepared and having my K friend with me, the whole process took an hour. But that's in Changwon, so Seoul could take longer. Good luck!

[globusmonkey]

BTW, if you're going to Jeju, rent scooters instead of a car, if you're comfortable with riding. It will probably be easier to do, also, if the new driver thing is an issue. Korea is immensely more pleasurable on a scooter...

[ArgentineDreams]

I am a US citizen here in Korea on an E2 Visa. I have had a Korean driver�s license for about 4 months now, and I have rented a car in Jeju. The process of getting the license was very easy. I started around 9 am, and finished around 2 pm, giving me time to make it to my hagwon for classes at 4 pm.

First off, you obviously need your valid driver�s license from your home state. (Mine is California.) Make an appointment on the US embassy/ consular services site. Make sure you print out the form they tell you to, it�s what they check when you enter the embassy. My appointment was at 9:45 am if I remember correctly, I waited maybe 20 minutes. I had to show ID, and then they made me sign a sworn statement stating I do actually have a valid driver�s license from California. Then I had to pay a fee at another counter. (I can�t remember how much, either 50,000 or 60,000 won) It didn�t take long. Make sure you bring cash. I remember having to get cash since they didn�t take a local Korean debit card.

Now, MAKE COPIES of your driver�s license. I will explain why later. Also make sure you have passport photos ready too.

From there, and assuming you�re in Seoul, you go to Gangnam Driver�s License Test Site Subway Line 2. Samseong Station (Exit. 1) - walk towards the river. Make sure you have cash; I believe I paid less than 20,000 for all the small fees involved. This part is a little tricky if you don�t speak Korean, or can�t read it well. Basically the Korean DMV place isn�t hard to find, but once you get inside, almost everything is written in Korean. Go to the second floor, and you will see a special counter for exchanging foreign driver�s licenses to Korean ones. (That sign is in English.) They should speak English well here. They will give you a form, fill out your information, add a few passport sized photos, and then they will tell you go to a.) Do a vision test and then b.) Do a computer (not written) test. (It�s in English of course.)

These may sound time consuming, but it�s actually fast and very easy. I believe the vision test was in the basement. I was the only foreigner there when they �checked� my vision. The lady pointed at the numbers, and when I responded in English she just shook her head, I am not sure if she understood me to tell you the truth. After 30 seconds, they stamp your paper work, and then you go to the 4th floor I believe, (again, ask the counter for directions, I am trying to remember everything) Show them your ARC, and Korean driver�s license paperwork, they will confirm that you want to take the test in English. Then you answer I believe 20 short questions on a computer. It�s basic driving common sense, like showing you a picture of an intersection, and then asking you to point out the most dangerous aspects, or what is the best thing to do when somebody cuts you off, etc. When I went, some of the English on the test was worded awkwardly, but it�s completely understandable.

After you pass, they stamp another one of your forms. Bring all this back to the counter on the second floor, turn in your American driver�s license (They keep your old license on file for 3 years, or until you leave Korea for good before that) ~ wait 25 minutes and boom, you now have an awesome looking Korean driver�s license =)

When you go to Jeju and rent a car, remember to bring you Korean driver�s license AND a photocopy of your valid American driver�s license. You need both of these to rent a car. Korea has some law saying that you need to have had your Korean driver�s license for 1 or 2 years before you can rent a car in Korea with just a Korean driver�s license. Renting a car for the 3 day weekend I spent in Jeju was one of the best experiences I have had here. I really missed the freedom of driving I had in California. Also, all cars come with GPS, so anywhere we wanted to go and site see, we put in the address and followed the directions. (The GPS is only in Korean, my GF helped with that part lol.)

I hope this helps because I found a lot of random information on the internet before I went through the process. Good luck, and have fun in Jeju!

Eat lots of delicious mandarins, and black pig samgyupsal~

[goreality]

Some places may refuse to rent a car to you without experience. In this case book online through a large international company and once you have the reservation they will not refuse you anymore.

[jmadtownweb]

[jonpurdy]

[b-class rambler]

[ArgentineDreams]

Hey~

Like I said in my post, the car rental company required my Korean driver�s license, and a photocopy of my valid Californian driver�s license. My Korean girlfriend looked up the requirements and talked to the company before we got there to make sure we had no problems. The Korean car rental dude just looked at my Korean license and checked that my photocopy showed that my original Californian license was still valid. I had my Korean driver�s license for only about 2 weeks before I went to Jeju. They offered us optional rental insurance for only 40,000.

I honestly don�t know many foreigners with Korean driver�s licenses, so I haven�t heard many other people�s experiences. I can�t say anything about scooters or motorcycles because I have only rented cars.

[grainger]

I had to do my full license in Korea since I hadn't completed my Canadian license and it had expired anyway.

The written and the physical components were as described above. Really easy.

Then I had to to a test on the little track they have. The car natters on at you in Korean and keeps score if you miss something. This part I did have to do twice because the first time I didn't fully understand the steps though they did try hard in their limited English to explain everything that needed to be done; I just came back again the next day and passed, no problem.

Then you do the road test which is literally: drive here, turn right, park, done. Here's your license.

I did all this in Wonju in about a week.

[globusmonkey]