Info & Resources for Driving in Korea

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February 12, 2025

Drivers License - Staying Connected to the U.S.

It is difficult for some to renew or keep a valid stateside drivers license. Whether it's due to your states drivers license laws and policies, financial problems with flying back, or not having a real residence address in the U.S., staying connected can be at times difficult.

We here at RSO Korea will not attempt to list every possible way to stay connected to every state, but there are some websites and information we have found that may help some.

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI)

Here is an interesting site from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) about U.S. drives license renewal procedures and requirements for older people: https://www.iihs.org/topics/older-drivers/license-renewal-laws-table

Domicile for Nomads: Establishing a Legal Residence on the Road

Another interesting and potential resource is this Domicile for Nomads: Establishing a Legal Residence on the Road website for those without a fixed residence in the U.S., which affects many retirees and expats overseas: https://gnomadhome.com/domicile-for-nomads/

DakotaPost

Here is a website called DakotaPost for becoming a South Dakota resident if living overseas, which appears to be an easy way to maintain a state drivers license even if not living in the U.S.: way https://www.dakotapost.net

Warning About Tow Trucks
Warning about Tow Truck operators in Korea

Be Aware and Prepared

You will see them everywhere, sitting on the sides of roads and highways, waiting for that "call" or listening to their scanners.  And then you will see them flying down the road, lights on, loud exhaust sounds, heading to a destination they may, or may not, have been called to. First come first serve is the name of their game.

Do not allow an independently-owned (or any) Tow Truck to hook-up and move your vehicle, without first notifying your insurance company! Liabilities and payments can be tricky when dealing with local tow trucks. Always coordinate with your insurance company prior to using tow services. Most insurance companies have a Roadside Service call number.

Some Insurance Company's may not pay towing charges without notification first. And when there is any damage to the vehicle involved... wow, liability issues can arise easily, which makes payment issues that much harder.

T-Money Transportation Cards
Korea Transportation T-Money


The Korean T-Money Card is a prepaid transportation card that can be used to pay for public transportation in cities across Korea, including buses and subways. It provides cash-free travel around Korean cities, takes the hassle out of getting around Korea and buying tickets for each journey, as well as offering discounts in many places.

The T-Money Card can also be used to pay for a range of other items and services, including taxi charges, items in convenience stores, entrance fees for attractions, vending machines, and food and beverages in restaurants. Anywhere you see the T-Money logo (above), you can use the T-Money Card.

You can buy T-Money Cards at Incheon Airport or from convenience stores, including 7-11, GS25, and CU. You can 'top up' the card after you’ve bought it, and refill it at the same type of locations. You can also purchase and reload at the Tickets and Tours counter in the Dragon Hill Lodge on Yongsan.

T-Money Card Quick Summary
Purpose: electronic payment system that allows people to avoid using cash
Uses: transportation, shopping, entrance fees for attractions across Korea
Cost: 2,500 KRW (Korean Won) for the card (special designs may be more expensive)
Valid: all over Korea

 'VisitKOREA' Transportation Card Useful Tops at https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/TRP/TP_ENG_8_1_1.jsp
 T-Money Card Korea 2023: Where To Buy T-Money | How To Use https://inmykorea.com/t-money-card-korean-transportation-card/

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