Car Rental in South Korea
Explore South Korea your own way, from Seoul to the volcanic landscapes of Jeju Island. Compare prices from local car rental companies and book online with transparent pricing and no hidden fees.
Cities: Korea
All cities with built-in car search. Each page has a ready search, prices by class and rental terms.
Rental terms in Korea
The basic rules of most rental providers in the country. Exact terms of a specific offer are shown in the city search before payment.
- Driver age — from 21 years.
- Driving experience — from 1 years.
- Drivers under 26 pay a young-driver surcharge.
- Fuel policy: “full-to-full”.
- Basic insurance (CDW/TP) is included in the price.
- A Full CDW package reduces the excess to zero.
- No-deposit rentals are often available.
- National driving licence.
- Driver’s passport.
- International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.
- A bank card in the driver’s name for the deposit.
Driving rules in Korea
A driver’s guide for the country — common traveler questions: currency, fuel, speed limits, toll roads.
| Currency | KRW |
|---|---|
| Speed limits | 50 city · 80 rural · 100 expressway · 110 motorway (km/h) |
| Blood alcohol limit | up to 0.3 ‰ |
| Daytime headlights | not required |
| Vignette (toll roads) | not required |
Traffic rules: Korea
- Drive on the right.
- Speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on rural roads, up to 100 km/h on expressways, and 110 km/h on selected motorways (up to 120 km/h on some sections).
- The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.03%, one of the strictest in the world. Serious offences may result in licence suspension or imprisonment.
- Seat belts are mandatory for all occupants.
- Mobile phones may only be used with a hands-free system.
- School zones are limited to 30 km/h under the Min Sik Law and are monitored by speed cameras with increased penalties for violations.
- Toll motorways are paid through the electronic Hi-pass system. Most rental vehicles are equipped with a transponder, and toll charges are billed to your card after the rental, usually with a small daily service fee.
Frequently asked questions about car rental in Korea
License, deposit, border crossing, driver age and toll roads.
Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in South Korea?
Yes. Foreign drivers must carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention together with their national driving licence and passport. IDPs issued by China, Indonesia, or Taiwan are not accepted.
What is the minimum age for renting a car?
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old with one year of driving experience. Some vehicle categories or drivers under 26 may be subject to an additional surcharge.
Is a security deposit required?
Yes. A security deposit is usually blocked on the driver’s credit card. Exact conditions are shown when selecting a vehicle.
Where can I pick up and return the car?
The most popular locations are Incheon, Gimpo, and Jeju airports, as well as Seoul, Busan, and other major cities. Hotel delivery may also be available.
Can I drive to neighbouring countries?
No. South Korea’s only land border is with North Korea, which is closed, so rental vehicles cannot leave the country.
What insurance should I choose?
Basic insurance is included in the rental price. Full CDW with zero excess is available for extra protection against minor damage.
How do I pay for toll roads?
Toll roads are paid automatically through the built-in Hi-pass system. Charges are billed after the rental period.
What is the fuel policy?
Most rental companies operate on a full-to-full fuel policy.
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