Korean Job Discussion Forums

[naturegirl321]

My husband and I will be coming to Korea in March. He would like to buy a car or a truck. About how much would it cost to buy one? Also, is it difficult for foreigners to buy cars?

[bassexpander]

The best site for car shopping: www.encar.co.kr

You will have insurance fees yearly (550,000 on my tiny car for full coverage), as well as a bi-yearly tax to pay (60,000 won for my little car).

You also need to do a full check-up every 2 years, which you must be sure to do, or you get hit with MASSIVE fines. The check-up is administered by the gov't, and they sent me notice of it by mail. So make SURE your mailing address is up-to-date. That check-up was around 40,000 I think.

[rebmetpes]

is it mandatory to get a full coverage insurance? or will a third party liability insurance do?

[bassexpander]

I was able to get liability for maybe 60% of the price of full coverage?

[Emark]

You may not decide upon getting a gasoline powered car. There are pleanty of diesels out there that make fantastic cars. For example, My Hyndai Grace van (diesel) costs the same amount in fuel to operate as my Kia Pride (small 4cyl. gas car). The van is nearly indestructable and has cost myc less in maintenace than my Kia Pride. I drive about 35,000 km each year. Diesels are a seriously good choice here, however, they need inspections every 6 months. Those cost about $50.

Insurance? Buy a cheap vehicle and go with basic insurance. PL/PD (public liability and damage or type A or B here in Korea)

When you get here, I can advise you about the right car and set you up with my insurance agent. She speaks English and takes really good care of me. You will need more things to make you car purchase that hasn't been told to you here. Korean DL, AID card, and other stuff. THese are all little things, but really annoing if you are not fully prepared.

Keep in touch.