Driving in South Korea is not difficult

Western style driving

Driving in Korea is pretty much a typical western style of driving such as driving on the right side of the road, somewhat normal size roads and highways, electronic drive-thru method of paying tolls, and of course lots of traffic in the cities.

Car Ownership in Korea

Registration Authorizations

Retirees are authorized to register one vehicle for base access as a non-sofa status individual (without ETP). However, retirees are required to first register the car downtown on the economy, which includes paying tax on vehicles. So, you register your vehicle downtown, then request base access and a bardcode sticker from Pass&ID offices. More info on this follows below, and your local Pass&ID office (DBIDS) has all the details.

Purchasing Authorizations

A Non-SOFA status retiree cannot purchase vehicles from the Exchange's Military Car Sales (MCS) on base. The price of cars on the Korean economy, however both new or used, are reasonable, and there are many to choose from to include Korean, American and European made cars. A non-Korean car will be more expensive because of the import tax added. And there is an annual registration tax, which is typically roughly $500 a year or so, but it varies. Just be prepared for an annual registration expense.

Safety Inspections

Cars driven in Korea require a Korean Government Safety Inspection every two years. There are two types of Safety Inspection processes that affect expats in Korea: SOFA and Non-SOFA.

SOFA
SOFA vehicle owners must have their Safety Inspections done on-base i.e. Osan AB, USAG Humphreys, Camp Casey etc. The Pass&ID offices will not accept a Safety Inspection accomplished from a downtown Korean shop. 

For those SOFA members working in the Seoul area (Yongsan, K-16, etc) you must have your inspections done at Osan, Humphreys or Casey.

Non-SOFA
Non-SOFA vehicles such as non-working retirees have, are registered and inspected downtown off-base. The Korean vehicle registration offices will not accept a base-issued Safety Inspection. 

Car Insurance

Car insurance in Korea can be more expensive than in the U.S. depending on the type and make of vehicle. While there are several available, there are not as many insurance companies like in the U.S., but honestly I don't hear too many folks complain about insurance costs, so it really isn't that different. The insurance companies also have discounts based on if you have a black box (dash cam), drive less than xxx miles a year, etc. So shop around. You will also pay Korea Road Tax during registration, with the amount varying based on the size of the engine.

Helpful Links
Learn more on our Transportation Around Korea page.

SUGGESTED AUTO PURCHASE LOCATIONS (not an endorsement, just suggestions)

• Military Auto Source (MAS) Overseas Military Sales https://militaryautosource.com/
• BMW Factory Direct Military Sales http://www.bmwdsskorea.com/military_overview.do
• Gorilla Motors (Humphreys, Casey, K-16, Osan, Kunsan, Walker) https://www.facebook.com/groups/gorillamotors/
• CarMax Center Humphreys http://www.carmaxcenter.com

Non-SOFA Vehicle On-base Registration

How to Get a Base Access Decal

As previously stated USFK authorizes retirees to obtain a vehicle decal for base access. 

SOFA to Non-SOFA
If you retire from a SOFA status job in Korea with a SOFA registered vehicle and wish to keep the vehicle, you must have it inspected at Incheon, pass that inspection, and pay the tax on the vehicle from the time it was brought into Korea. It can be very expensive. Once you pass this inspection, and pay the tax, you still have to get it inspected at your local Korea Inspection Station before going to the local Korean DMV to register it.

Base Decal Requirements for Non-SOFA Vehicles
A retiree living in Korea with a Korean registered vehicle can go to a Pass&ID office to obtain a base decal (barcode sticker) for base access for one (1) vehicle without an Exception To Policy (ETP). There is no requirement during this process to show or have the downtown Vehicle Safety Inspection certificate.  The only requirements for a retiree to obtain a base decal (barcode sticker) are:

- Korean Vehicle Registration document
- Retiree ID Card
- Proof of Insurance
- Fill out a Pass&ID Request Form to Register

To initiate the vehicle registration process at the Pass&ID office on-base, you must visit the base's Visitor Center and inform them you are on your way to register the vehicle on base. They will give you a one-day pass FOR THAT SPECIFIC PURPOSE. An individual is not authorized to Escort their own vehicle on base, except for this purpose. Once registered, your one (1) authorized vehicle has base access. Attempting to escort your own vehicle, when you can actually register it, is a red flag to law enforcement you are trying to bring in a second car.

If you purchase a vehicle from another retiree the seller must de-register the vehicle and then do a transfer to the buyer. The buyer pays for registration fee, taxes, etc.

Bottom line HINT: it may not always be the best move to keep your previously SOFA status vehicle. Purchasing a vehicle after you retire could save money.

Registering a Previously SOFA Registered US Spec Vehicle Off-Base

U.S. spec cars that were brought to Korea via SOFA agreement do not have Korean Import taxes levied on them.  So, if you wish to purchase and register such a vehicle under non-SOFA status, you must first "import" the car, which will require Korea inspection, import and custom fees, and then Korean taxes and registration fees. It can take a month or more to go through all this.

The following IS NOT an endorsement, just an example of a company someone has used to do all this - HB Motor Sports, cell phone 010-8703-0933, land line phone 031-905-0937 (phone numbers are from about 2014, so may have changed). Company's such as this will do all the work, you just have to pay;  As an example several years ago, payment to this company to process a 2003 Ford Explorer that was imported into Korea in 2013 was about 1.2 million won, which allowed HB Motor Sports to the vehicle through all the import inspections. The import fees themselves were then another 1.4 million won, which at the time was 35% of the vehicles current value. Then to get the vehicle plated was another 300,000 won.

Bottom line: A U.S. car brought to Korea under SOFA is not cheap to take out of SOFA and register on the Korean economy. However, a Korean purchased vehicle, not SOFA registered, is pretty simple at DMV.

Navigation Apps

There are some common smart phone navigator apps in Korea, but Waze is a popular one for expats due to it mapping on-base locations. It is a smart phone app with all the same type of bells and whistles most NAV Apps have like multiple languages, audio voice and alarm warnings, speed cameras warnings, speed limit and speed trap displays and warnings, allows you to send traffic jam and road construction warnings up for all to see  etc. But what makes Waze stand out from the others is its complete mapping of all military installations in Korea. You want to know where building 4305 is on Yongsan? Waze will show you! Free download.

T-Map and Naver are common Korean smart phone apps, although not English friendly and do not map military installations. Both have better pictures and graphics than Waze and some like this better than Waze if they speak Korean.  It is one of those "try them yourself" and see what you like.

International Drivers License - IDL

You can get an International Drivers License (IDL) while in Korea from either a DMV office who issues Korean Drivers License, or from a Regional Police Station such as the Pyeongtaek Police Station for those living around USAG Humphreys and Osan AB.

The process appears to be pretty simple, and the same regardless of which option above you use to get a license. Just bring:

• Passport
• alien registration card
• Korean driver's license
• pictures
• Korean Won between 8-10K

Getting a Korean Drivers License

Go to the Drivers License page for details on obtaining a Korean drivers license.

Parking - Know Where NOT To Park

Street Parking
The streets are pretty much just an extension of parking lots, typically with parked cars on both sides. A 2-lane road in a housing area will usually be just a single, or narrower, lane because cares are parked on each side. Drivers must pull over and navigate around each other as they approach each other coming from opposite directions.

Apartment Parking Areas
Most apartments do not have designated parking, although it is becoming a more common trend to have them. Apartment parking lots are often overcrowded. Almost all cars in Korea now have the owners cell phone number in the windshield. So, if you are blocked in, you call them. The old days of blowing your horn until someone comes out is long gone.  As are the days of everyone leaving their manual transmissions (there are none now) in neural and moving the cars around yourself!

Korean Government Buildings
The day of the week plus the last digit of your license plate number determines when you are allowed to park in Korea Government Building parking spaces. There are signs, in Hangul (Korean) of course, that outline the rules.

Women's Parking Spaces
Established to make women feel safer, women’s parking spaces can be found nationwide. These spots are usually in an area under closed-circuit surveillance and are wider and longer, allowing women with children and strollers to have enough space to get out of their vehicles. You’ll recognize these as they tend to have hot pink outlines and are marked with the standard woman symbol.

Elderly drivers These spaces marked in yellow are for elderly drivers, especially those who have mobility difficulties. These spots, while necessary, are not easy to distinguish from other parking spaces, as they are marked with ‘어르신 우선 주차 구역’ meaning “elderly parking space.” Recently, signs with an elderly person logo have gradually started to appear, but they vary by region.

Pregnant woman This type of space is increasing in many government office parking lots around South Korea. Like a women’s priority parking lot, these parking spaces are wider than regular parking lots and are bordered with hot pink outlines and marked the pregnant woman logo.

Electric/Hybrid vehicles The rapidly increasing number of electric vehicles or plug-in hybrid vehicles has made parking spots of this nature more common. Usually marked in English as EV or an simple plug logo, parking in these spots could get you a fine as there are limited parking spots for recharging.

Handicap Parking Placard

Here is the form for your doctor to complete to get a handicap parking placard from the Korean Government. It will need to be completed in Korean. Once completed by your doctor take the form, your Korean driver’s license, Korean Registration Card, and Korean vehicle registration to your local Gu Office. There will be another form to complete at the office. They may ask for additional documents.

The Korean Handicap Parking Placard will expire on the same date as your Korean Registration Card. To renew your handicap parking placard at expiration, you will need to resubmit all the required paperwork again with your updated Korean Registration Card.

The small blue handicap parking decal you receive on base/post has no expiration date, BUT is only good on USFK installations. The Korean Handicap Parking Placard has an expiration date and is good both off and on post. You can have both on your vehicle.

Click Here or on the form above to open/download the PFD form.

Hi-PASS Electronic Toll Collection

  Hi-Pass On Board Unit (in English) 

Highway tolls can be paid using credit cards, cash, or a Hi-Pass card in Korea. The handy Hi-Pass system allows you to pay tolls without having to stop at every toll gate.

This collection system uses an On Board Unit (OBU) placed at the front part of the vehicle (normally on the car dash board or around rear-view mirror), and requires a Hi-Pass Card that is inserted into the OBU. Most vehicles today purchased in Korea have an ETC unit (Electronic Toll Collection) built into the rear-view mirror, which eliminates the need for an OBU. You can purchase a Hi-Pass card from any convenience store selling OBU such as GS25, CU, 7/11 and others. You can recharge the currency amount on the card at these same places.

You can also purchase a prepaid Standard Hi-Pass card, that is only available to pay tolls, or get a Hi-Pass Plus credit card that is linked to Hi-Pass service. Both cards are available at rest stops on highways or on Camp Humphreys (Bldg. 449). The Standard Hi-Pass card can be recharged at the same convenience stores that sells them. The Hi-Pass Plus card can be topped up (recharged) in advance at any bank or major highway rest area. Highway rest areas often have small machine kiosks where you can check your remaining balance and top up your Hi-Pass Plus card.

The other way to use a Hi-Pass card is to use it independently, by itself, without an OBU and use it on the automatic RFID readers in the non Hi-Pass lanes. Just hold the card against the reader and off you go. You of course must stop to do this, but in todays "everyone has a Hi-Pass" OBU, these lanes are almost always empty and your stop is but seconds.

A Standard Hi-Pass card is a pay-as-you-go card, but can also be connected to your bank account; you will receive a bill every month for any tolls you used. The cost for a bank-connected Hi-Pass card is a small fee you pay yearly, usually around 5,000 won. Some banks are easier to connect to the Hi-Pass card than others, and some banks do not allow foreign nationals to connect their cards. You can check with your bank, or use the Hi-Pass helpline (Korean) for more information.

T-Money Transportation Cards

 '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/

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-less travel around Korean cities, 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.

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

Driving Tips Before Hitting the Roads in Korea

Here are a few main differences you’ll notice when driving in Korea, and how to prepare for those differences while on the road.

Lanes

The first thing you'll notice when driving in Korea is that the lanes are much narrower than lanes in the US. It’s not unusual to wind your way through claustrophobic back streets that can only fit one car, even if it's a wide street the chances of parked vehicles up and down both sides is good, so it sill becomes a single lane driving experience.  Pulling over to let cars by you, or visa-versa, is common.   If you’re a US driver who typically drifts towards one side of the lane, that’s something you’ll have to be aware of in order to drive safely.

Take some time on familiar roads to get used to the dimensions of your car and how much space you’ll need on all sides.

Defensive Driving

Driving within cities and towns in Korea requires you to be mentally “on” all the time. It can be very tiring to constantly be aware of your surroundings, but it's a necessity.

In towns and cities, cars may suddenly brake and do a U-turn in the middle of the road, people may jay-walk or bicycle unexpectedly across the road, and cars often make turns without signaling. You also have to watch out for taxis, which sometimes stop without warning to pick up passengers.

On the highway, it's generally much easier and you can relax more. Drivers tend to signal more often when they merge, and unexpected stops or swerves are uncommon.

Tolls

Korea has a lot of tolls compared to most Western countries. In order to go through a toll booth, you must either pay in cash or install an RFID Hi-PASS tag as described above, which the toll can read and charge your bank card.

How much you will pay for the toll depends on the distance you traveled on the toll road. If you do not have an electronic Hi-Pass card in your car, you can go through the cash lane. Some roads require you to pay the toll up-front, while longer-distance toll roads will issue you a paper slip which has the toll you entered from. When you exit the toll road, the cashier will take the slip and calculate your amount based on the distance traveled.

Buses

On Korean roads, buses are king. They will not yield for you, let you over, or stop if you’re in their way. They will blare an impossibly loud horn at you if you’re in the way. If a bus is crossing several lanes of traffic, let them do it, and try not to get hit.

On the highways, be aware that highways that have left lanes with blue stripes are designated as a bus-only lane. Do not use these lanes.

No Stop Signs

In any small intersection, you have to always be watchful and hope for the best. This is especially true in the back roads of villas, where some people drive very quickly through the small intersections without looking.

Approach all small intersections with caution, as cars may be coming through at any speed. Some do not stop or look at all, and some do a rolling stop. The “right of way” rule for intersections (the first car to stop is the first car to proceed) is largely ignored, so keep your eye on what the other driver is doing.

Turn Lane Indications

Korea roads indicate which lanes are turn lanes by arrows painted on the street.  Also, Korean highways now commonly have long painted lines and arrows to indicate exits.

Roundabouts

It's kind of a new thing in Korea, and they are still getting used to them.

The typical rule for roundabouts is that you yield to cars in the circle before you proceed into the circle. While this rule is taught in Korean driving schools (and some younger drivers follow it), in practice, it is the opposite. You must expect cars in the circle to keep stopping to allow cars in – kind of how they do with 'merging'.  This inevitably leads to a clogged circle and frustrated drivers. While younger drivers are slowly turning the tide by using roundabouts correctly, be wary of cars flying into the circle without stopping. They will often not yield for you.

Left turn signs

You’re in the left turn lane, waiting for the little green arrow to appear. Suddenly, the person behind you lays on their horn – wait, why are they so angry?

Next to traffic signals up above you, look for a blue sign that says “비보호”. This means that if the light is green and oncoming traffic is clear, it’s okay to make the turn.

Car Accidents

The way car accidents are treated in Korea is remarkably different from the US. Fender benders happen quite frequently and are treated as run-of-the-mill occurrences. Drivers typically do not become stressed or angry. Korean car insurance coverage is quite excellent, so they don't seem to worry about it much.

Most cars now are equipped with black box cameras, as almost all insurances require it. This can give you some peace of mind if the accident was not your fault; there is video evidence to corroborate your story. Even if the accident was your fault, Korean insurance coverage usually is still good enough to cover some of the costs for you.

The first thing to do is get out of the car and calmly ask the other driver for his or her information. Then, take pictures or video of the damage right away; any street markers, the affected area on the car, the other car’s license plate, and your car. If the accident is minor and in an inconvenient location (such as in a turn lane), it’s normal for both drivers to agree to drive to a nearby parking lot to assess the damage and exchange information. If the other driver drives off instead (which is very uncommon), you still have the photo evidence and their license plate number, so they won’t get far. Exchange information with each other, then call your insurance company to report the claim and any damages to your vehicle. It is quite common for the other person to offer cash instead; it’s recommended that you don’t take it, as this would void your right to a claim, and any health issues such as whiplash that you suffered will not be covered.

If the accident is medium to severe in damages, and especially if you are injured, take as many pictures as you can of the crash, being careful of oncoming traffic. Find a safe place nearby to sit, and immediately call the police. If the other driver is at fault, they may insist on bringing you to a hospital or paying cash; do not accept. Don’t worry about “bothering” the police; they deal with car crashes frequently, even if the damage is minor. They are typically very patient and understanding.

Once the police arrive, they will ask for your information, and they will also take pictures of the car and any injuries to you. If you need an ambulance, they will likely call one right away; if not, request that they call one for you. Give the police your insurance information, and they will often call the insurance company on your behalf. It is important that you do not leave the hospital until someone from the insurance company contacts you. If you do, you forfeit any money that would be paid towards your treatment. Often, an insurance representative will come in person, and they will try to offer a settlement amount to you. Keep in mind that you are being paid not only for the physical damage of the accident, but also for lost work, physical therapy, and mental stress. Be patient and request a larger settlement. You can often come to a compromise with the insurance representative that is much larger than the initial offer.

Parking

Ahh, parking in Korea… Street parking can be confusing, and public parking lots can be claustrophobic.

When street parking, check thoroughly for any no-parking zone barricades, poles with yellow striping or no-parking signs, and CCTV cameras.

Rather than circling endlessly for free parking, it might be easier to use a parking lot instead. Some parking lots have automated gates which will calculate the amount due when you leave, and some will have attendants that will hand you a paper slip which you return to them upon exit. The fees can often be a mystery, so you can check signs or ask the attendant what the rates are. Some downtown areas have a mandated “first hour / two hours free” policy on all public parking lots, which is nice. Another benefit of owning a small car: parking is half price, and you can park in certain parking spaces designated for small cars only (the space will be marked “경차”).

Some big marts and shopping malls have free parking only if you purchased something, or stayed less than thirty minutes. Some parking garages also have free parking on weekends, Sundays, or other specified days.

When visiting some beaches and public mountainous areas (think places that attract camping enthusiasts), it is possible that someone will come around and ask that you pay a certain amount in cash. This is not a scam; it’s the owner of the land charging an amount to visitors. Often, if you specify to them that you’re just parking – not setting up a fire pit or tent – they’ll waive the fee.

Warning About Tow Trucks

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.

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.

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

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/

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

Resources

• Base Access for Vehicles
• KoROAD Traffice Authority Locations of Driver's License Examination Offices
• KoROAD Traffic Authority Drivers License Home
• Seoul Global Center