Korean License Conversion FAQ
Frequently asked questions about converting a foreign driver's license to a Korean license.
Which countries have a bilateral driver's license agreement with Korea?▼
You can check any country using the checker on our home page. Currently, 27+ countries including the US, Japan, Germany, Canada, Australia, UK, and France have full bilateral agreements — both written and practical tests are waived.
What conditions are needed for full test exemption?▼
You must hold a valid license from a fully-recognized country, and the license must have been obtained while you were actually residing in that country (not as a tourist). You also need a valid alien registration card, an official Korean translation, and a passed vision test at the examination office.
Where do I get an apostille for my driver's license?▼
An apostille is issued by a designated authority in the country that issued your license. In the US, this is typically the Secretary of State office in your state. In EU countries, it's usually the Ministry of Justice or Foreign Affairs. You must obtain it before arriving at the Korean examination office — it cannot be obtained in Korea.
Can I convert a Chinese driver's license to Korean without tests?▼
No. China and Korea do not have a mutual license exchange agreement. You must pass both the written and practical driving tests. The written test is available in Chinese at some examination offices. An official Korean translation plus apostille or consular certification of your Chinese license are required as supporting documents.
Where do I apply for the foreign license conversion?▼
At any KOROAD Driver's License Examination Office (운전면허시험장). Walk-in is generally accepted, but it's wise to confirm in advance at koroad.or.kr or by calling 1577-1120, especially for peak times.
Who can provide an official Korean translation?▼
A certified Korean translation can be obtained from a notarized translation agency, a court-certified interpreter, or in many cases from your country's embassy in Seoul. Some embassies (Japan, Germany, France) offer a license confirmation letter that serves as the official translation. The translation must be in Korean and signed/stamped by the translator.
How long can I drive in Korea with a foreign license?▼
With an International Driving Permit (IDP), you can drive in Korea for up to one year from the date of entry. Once you convert to a Korean license, you may no longer use your foreign license or IDP for driving in Korea.
Is a vision test required? Where is it done?▼
Yes. A basic vision test is conducted on-site at the examination office. No separate medical documents are needed. The minimum corrected vision requirement is 0.5 (0.8 for Class 1 licenses).
How much does the conversion cost?▼
For fully-recognized countries, the fee is typically KRW 8,000–12,000. If written or practical tests are required, additional fees apply (written: ~KRW 6,000; practical: ~KRW 25,000). Check KOROAD's official website for the latest figures.
What if my foreign license has already expired?▼
An expired license is generally not eligible for conversion. Contact the examination office to ask whether a driving record from your home country or a license renewal can be used instead.
This FAQ is for reference only. Always confirm actual eligibility, documents, and procedures at the official Korean Driver's License Examination Office (KOROAD).