Got a Traffic Fines in Korea?

Summary :

If you got a traffic fine in Korea — or might get one — this guide explains what kind it is, who pays, and what to do.

In this guide :

The 3 fine types
Rental car vs your own car
How to check and pay
If you don't pay
Foreigner tips

Camera vs police

📷 Camera caught you = Gwataeryo (과태료)

👮 Police stopped you = Beomchikgeum (범칙금) + demerit points

The 3 fine types

Korean	Pronounced	Meaning
과태료	gwa-tae-ryo	Camera fine (administrative)
범칙금	beom-chik-geum	Police fine (driver responsibility)
벌점	beol-jeom	Demerit points

Gwataeryo (camera fine)

Caught by speed cameras, red light cameras, illegal parking cameras, bus lane enforcement, or school zone cameras.

Sent to the car owner, not necessarily the driver
No demerit points
Pay via eFine (efine.go.kr)

Beomchikgeum (police fine)

A police officer stopped you in person — for things like running a red light, speeding, phone use, no seatbelt, or crossing lanes.

Sent to the driver
Demerit points often added
You can't pass it to anyone else

Demerit points (벌점)

Separate from money — a score on your driving record.

Camera fines: usually no points
Police fines: points often added
40+ points: possible license suspension

For foreigners with an IDP: Points are tied to your Korean driving record. They may not affect your home country license, but can lead to a driving ban in Korea.

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Rental car vs your own car

Rental car

Camera fines go to the rental company first — they're thelegal owner of the car.

How it works:

Camera catches the violation
Notice sent to rental company (days to weeks later)
Company finds who rented that day
You get charged via:
- Payment link (email)
- Auto-charge to your card
- Deposit deduction
- Often plus an administrative fee

Read your rental contract — handling fees vary.

Police fines work differently — you pay directly. The rentalcompany isn't involved.

Your own car

Simpler. No middleman.

Camera caught you → Gwataeryo to you (the owner)
Police stopped you → Beomchikgeum + demerit points to you

Quick comparison

	Gwataeryo	Beomchikgeum
Caught by	Camera	Police
Based on	Vehicle	Driver
Notice goes to	Car owner	Driver
In a rental car	→ Rental company	→ You directly
Demerit points	Usually no	Often yes

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How to check and pay

eFine (efine.go.kr) is Korea's official traffic fine portal.

Check gwataeryo and beomchikgeum status
See enforcement records
Pay online

The site is mostly in Korean and often requires a Korean digital certificate. For short-term visitors, letting the rental company handle it is much easier.

If you have your own car and no Korean account, ask a localto help, or use the payment options on the paper notice.

When fines arrive

Police on-the-spot: immediate
Camera: days to several weeks later

You might already be home when the rental company gets thenotice. Don't be surprised by a charge weeks after your trip.

If you don't pay

Gwataeryo

3% surcharge if you miss the deadline
Additional surcharge every month after
Total can grow significantly

Beomchikgeum

After deadline: 1.2× the original amount
Continued non-payment can lead to formal criminal procedure

For foreigners:

Unpaid fines could affect future visits to Korea. Don't ignore them.

Police can't take cash

Korean police cannot accept cash on the spot

(Traffic Enforcement Procedures, Article 10).

All payments go through official channels. If anyone in

uniform asks for cash directly, that's a red flag.

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Foreigner tips

Watch your email and card for 1–2 months after your trip.

‍Camera fines arrive late, often after you've returned home.

Demerit points stay on your Korean driving record.

They can affect future trips even if your home license isn't affected.

Ask before flying out. When returning the rental car:

"Are there any unpaid fines on this rental? "Not all violations show up immediately, but it's still worth asking.

Keep your rental contract and any fine notices.

If a charge looks unclear, you'll need them to dispute it.

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Fines