Korean Job Discussion Forums

jurassic82 · Joined: 21 Jun 2006 Location: Somewhere!!!!

I was wondering if anyone could help me with trying to get a drivers license in Korea. I live in Seoul and would like to get one but have no idea where to start. I would appreciate any and all help. Very Happy

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

basplar · Joined: 14 Jan 2006 Location: Seoul

I got my license back in February here in Seoul. A lot depends on where you're from and the reciprocity laws. Because I'm an American, Korea doesn't recognize American Drivers license because the U.S. doesn't recognize Korean drivers licenses, therefore, I had to take a computerized test of the driving laws(in English) and fill out paperwork, get my drivers license translated and stamped by a notary(there's a bunch near Gangnam station, you just have to look) Luckily, anyone that has a foreign license doesn't need to take the RIDICULOUSLY expensive road test. I think Canada and the U.K. DO recognize Korean drivers licenses, so you only have to take care of the paperwork. You'll also have to have a bunch of those little i.d. size photos and pay about 30,000 won total for everything(price subject to change daily as there is NO consistency in Korean governmental agencies). I'd recommend getting one of your Korean friends to help you with the paperwork, and go with you to the Korean DMV. You'll also have to take an eye test(which is easy). The whole process is actually rather painless, just really time consuming. As for driving here, it's a pain in the @#$. Korean drivers were voted the WORST DRIVERS IN THE WORLD during the 2002 World Cup, and several times since then. The polls are DEAD ON accurate. It's a convenience(well...neccesary if you teach out in the boondocks like me), but it is nice to have the freedom to go where you want, when you want. Just be aware of a few things. First, gas and insurance are EXPENSIVE here!! Second, the BAC level for a DUI is .05(that's 1 drink in 1 hour for a 170 pound man) and they're VERY VERY strict about it. Usually DUI checkpoints set up EVERYWHERE on the weekends....so....be careful and if you choose to drink, DO NOT DRIVE....even with one drink. Even if you've let an hour pass, then it will still be enough to set off the alcohol detectors that the police use and it's a hassle having to go through a sobriety test and breathylzer. Anyway, hope this info was helpful. Let me know if I can be of any more help.

Peace.

Wangja · Joined: 17 May 2004 Location: Seoul, Yongsan

Anubody who believes that Koreans are the wrost drivers in the world has travelled very little.

Juregen · Joined: 30 May 2006

aldershot · Joined: 17 Jul 2006

skdragon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003

I lived in Incheon when I got my Korean license. I had a Korean friend ring the equivalent of what I'd call the main branch of the DMV. We were told all of the paperwork to bring down. THen, we get there and turns out we need not just the notarized license, and all the other paperwork and photos we were told to bring, but also a confirmation from the DMV in in my hometown that the license is still valid and has no points against it (for DUI, speeding, whatever). Either I could arrange that, or the clerk would handle it (but it'd take 1 month). I chose to let the clerk handle it and everything else to do with me getting the license.. That same day I paid w8,000 and they gave me a physical (eye and finger dexterity test). A month or so later the Korean license was ready, and they posted it out. No written or driving test involved, and the license is valid for 8 years.