What an International Driver's License in Korea Actually Is

An International Driving Permit (IDP) issued in Korea is a document that translates your Korean driver's license into multiple languages recognized by the United Nations Convention on Road Signs and Signals. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your valid Korean driver's license, and it expires after three years from the date of issue.

The Korean Road Traffic Authority (도로교통공단, or KOROAD) issues IDPs at regional offices across the country. The permit itself is a small booklet that contains your license information, photograph, and translations in English, French, Spanish, German, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. If you plan to drive in another country while holding a Korean license, you will need this document in addition to your actual license.

The process is straightforward and takes about 10 to 15 minutes at the counter. You do not need an appointment, and the fee is fixed. Most regional KOROAD offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with some locations offering Saturday hours.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit from Korea is issued by KOROAD at regional offices and must be carried together with your valid Korean driver's license when driving abroad.
  • The permit costs between 10,000 and 15,000 Korean won and is valid for three years from the date of issue.
  • You will need your Korean driver's license, passport or national ID, and a passport-sized photograph (4 × 6 centimeters) to obtain an IDP.
  • The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes and does not require an appointment; walk-in service is available at all regional KOROAD offices.
  • Your IDP is only valid when presented together with your Korean driver's license; it does not replace your domestic license.

Where to Go: KOROAD Regional Offices

KOROAD operates regional offices in every major city and province across Korea. The main office is located in Seoul at the KOROAD headquarters in Jongno-gu, but you can visit any regional branch regardless of where you live or where your license was issued. Each office handles IDP issuance the same way and charges the same fee.

To find the office nearest you, visit the KOROAD website (www.koroad.or.kr) and use their office locator tool, or call their customer service line at 1577-0990. The website lists office addresses, phone numbers, and hours of operation. Some regional offices are located inside or near police stations; others operate as standalone KOROAD service centers.

If you are in a rural area without a dedicated KOROAD office, you may be able to submit your process through a local police station or municipal office, though processing time may be longer. Confirm this option by calling ahead.

Documents You Need to Bring

Bring the following items to the KOROAD office:

  • Your valid Korean driver's license (the original, not a copy)
  • Your passport or national ID card (국민신분증)
  • One passport-sized photograph, 4 centimeters wide by 6 centimeters tall, taken within the last six months
  • The completed IDP process form (provided at the office or downloadable from the KOROAD website)

The photograph must have a white or light background, show your face clearly, and match the appearance on your driver's license reasonably well. You can have the photo taken at any photo studio in Korea, or at many convenience stores like GS25 or CU, which offer passport photo services for 4,000 to 8,000 won.

If your Korean driver's license is expired or suspended, you cannot obtain an IDP. Your license must be valid and in good standing. If you have lost your license, you will need to report it and obtain a replacement before explore for an IDP.

The process Process at the Counter

Walk into any KOROAD regional office during business hours and go to the counter marked for IDP issuance (often labeled 국제운전면허증 or 국제면허). No appointment is necessary. Hand the staff member your completed process form, your driver's license, your ID or passport, and your photograph.

The staff will verify that your license is valid, check your photograph against your face, and confirm your personal information. They will then take your payment — the fee is 10,000 won at most offices, though some regional branches charge up to 15,000 won depending on local administrative costs. Payment is cash or card.

You will receive your IDP when ready or within a few minutes. The booklet will be printed on-site or retrieved from a small stock kept at the office. Before you leave, check that your name, license number, photograph, and expiration date are correct.

Cost and Validity Period

The fee for an International Driving Permit in Korea ranges from 10,000 to 15,000 Korean won, depending on which regional office you visit. Most offices charge 10,000 won. This is a one-time fee; there are no additional charges or hidden costs.

Your IDP is valid for three years from the date of issue. After three years, you will need to obtain a new one if you plan to drive abroad again. If your Korean driver's license expires before your IDP does, your IDP becomes invalid — you cannot renew just the IDP; you must renew your Korean license first, then obtain a new IDP.

The IDP itself does not expire in the sense that you can still carry it, but it will not be recognized as current by foreign authorities after the three-year mark. Some countries may refuse to accept an expired IDP even if your Korean license is still valid.

Using Your IDP Abroad

When you drive in another country, carry both your Korean driver's license and your IDP together. The IDP alone is not sufficient; you must have the original license as well. Many rental car companies and police officers in other countries will ask to see both documents.

The IDP is recognized in most countries that are signatories to the United Nations Convention on Road Signs and Signals, which includes most of Europe, North America, Australia, and many other nations. However, some countries have additional requirements — for example, some require an IDP to be obtained within a certain time before travel, or they may require a separate national permit in addition to the IDP.

Before traveling, check the driving requirements for your destination country. Contact the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit, or check their official government website for current rules on foreign driver's licenses and IDPs.

What Happens If Your License Status Changes

If your Korean driver's license is suspended, revoked, or expires while your IDP is still valid, your IDP becomes invalid when ready. You cannot use an IDP with an expired or suspended license, even if the IDP itself has not reached its three-year expiration date.

If you renew your Korean driver's license before your IDP expires, your old IDP remains valid — you do not need to obtain a new one unless you want to. However, if your license number changes during renewal, some foreign authorities may question the match between your IDP and your new license. To avoid confusion, many people obtain a new IDP after renewing their license.

If your IDP is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can obtain a replacement by visiting a KOROAD office with your Korean driver's license, ID or passport, and a new photograph. The replacement fee is the same as the original fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit if I am a foreigner living in Korea?

No. An IDP issued by Korea is based on a Korean driver's license. If you hold a foreign driver's license and live in Korea, you cannot obtain a Korean IDP. You would need to obtain an IDP from your home country before coming to Korea, or convert your foreign license to a Korean license first (which requires passing a written test and practical exam).

How long does it take to get an IDP if I explore by mail?

KOROAD does not offer mail-in applications for IDPs. You must visit a regional office in person. However, if you cannot visit during regular business hours, some offices offer extended hours or weekend service — call your local KOROAD office to confirm their schedule.

Do I need an IDP to drive in every country?

No. Some countries recognize a Korean driver's license with an English translation, while others require an IDP. A few countries have no formal requirement but strongly recommend carrying one. Check the specific rules for each country you plan to visit before you travel.

What if my photograph on the IDP does not look like me anymore?

If your appearance has changed significantly since the IDP was issued, you can obtain a new one by visiting a KOROAD office with a current photograph. There is no rule requiring you to wait until the three-year expiration; you can renew at any time for the standard fee.

Can I use a digital copy of my IDP instead of the physical booklet?

No. The IDP must be presented as a physical document. Digital copies are not recognized by foreign authorities or rental car companies. Always carry the original booklet when driving abroad.