Driving in South Korea: the licence you need and what to know before you take the wheel

Thai visitors can drive in Korea with an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued in Thailand and still valid, together with their passport. The Korea Tourism Organization says a licence from a country with a Geneva agreement with Korea can be used for up to one year, and drivers must be 21 or older. Rental firms add their own conditions on top.

Which licence can Thais use to drive in Korea?

An IDP works. The UN Treaty Collection lists Thailand (accession 15 August 1962) and the Republic of Korea (succession 14 June 1971) as parties to the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic.

In Thailand the Department of Land Transport issues the IDP. Check directly with the Department of Land Transport how long your permit is valid and under which convention before you book a car. For general IDP background, see the guide “What an International Driving Permit is, how to get one, and whether it really lets you drive abroad”.

Is driving in Korea hard, and which side do you drive on?

Korea drives on the right with the driver's seat on the left, the opposite of Thailand. The Korea Tourism Organization driving guide adds that speeds are shown in km/h, as in Thailand.

• Drive slowly at first and rehearse turns in the opposite direction, especially when leaving the car park.
• Big cities like Seoul have heavy traffic, so consider the subway in town and a rental car only for days outside the city.
• Island and regional areas such as Jeju suit self-drive trips best, because the sights are spread far apart and buses may not link them neatly.

What do you need to rent a car in Korea?

You need an IDP and your passport, and some firms may also ask for your Thai licence. Visit Jeju says the IDP must be issued in your home country and valid for the whole rental.

How do speed cameras and Hi-pass tolls work?

Speed cameras are widely used in Korea. According to the Korea Tourism Organization, typical limits are 30 km/h in school zones and 50 km/h downtown unless posted, so always follow the signs.

• Expressways charge tolls.
• Without Hi-pass, take a ticket on entry and pay at the exit booth.
• Hi-pass lanes are marked with a blue line, and you drive through without stopping.
• Check current toll rates from official sources.

Should you drive yourself or use public transport?

Driving suits trips with many stops outside the cities, while the subway is usually easier inside Seoul and Busan. In an emergency call 112 for police or 119 for fire and ambulance, and the 1330 Korea Travel Helpline supports Thai among its languages.

How long does it take to drive from Seoul to Busan?

Real driving time depends on traffic and rest stops, so let Naver Map or KakaoMap estimate it before you leave. For comparison, the Korea Tourism Organization gives about 2 hours 30 minutes by SRT from Suseo, about 3 hours 20 minutes by KTX from Seoul Station and about 4 hours by express bus to Busan.

Check the KORAIL timetable for current train times before you decide.

How do you use data and navigation while driving in Korea?

Visit Jeju says Google Maps navigation does not work in South Korea and recommends KakaoMap or Naver Map. The Korea Tourism Organization also recommends both for English navigation. Both need mobile data to search destinations and show live routes.

• Set the destination while parked, not while driving.
• Install the apps and test your data connection before picking up the car.
• Physical SIMs are sold at airport roaming centers, while eSIMs are bought online and set up with a QR code. Check that your phone supports eSIM.
• Navigation drains the battery fast, so keep a car charger handy.

For a comparison of the apps, see the guide “Map apps by country: Naver, Kakao, Amap and Baidu”.

Ver planes de eSIM para Corea del Sur