How to Use Gas Stations in Korea

Learn how to find gas stations, choose the correct fuel, pay for fuel, use self-service pumps, and access highway service areas.

In this Guide :

1. Which fuel does my car use?
2. How to find a gas station
3. Cost & Payment tips for foreigners — kiosks
4. Self-service stations — step by step
5. On the highway?
6. Other free/cheap services

Related :

[See our EV driving guide]

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Which fuel does my car use?

Gasoline

Diesel

LPG

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In Korea, you'll mostly see 3 fuel types:

How to check your car's fuel type

• ✅ Ask at the rental car counter (easiest)
• ✅ Check the dashboard or car documents
• ✅ Look at the sticker inside the fuel cap
• ✅ Search the car model name online

⚠️ Don't guess. Putting the wrong fuel in can damage the engine and result in big repair fees from the rental company.

LPG cars

Most rental cars in Korea use gasoline or diesel — LPG rentals are uncommon.

But if your car uses LPG:

• Find an LPG station (LPG 충전소), not a regular gas station
• The procedure is slightly different
• LPG stations almost always have an attendant. First-timers should just ask for help.

How to find a gas station

Gas stations are common throughout Korea, especially in cities and along major roads.

You can simply stop at a gas station you see while driving, or use a navigation app such as NAVER Map, Kakao Navi, or TMAP to search in advance.

Navigation apps can also help you find gas stations near your current location, along your route, or near your destination.

[See Using NAVER Maps effectively]

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Payment tips for foreigners

Foreign-issued cards often fail at Korean kiosks — both at gas stations and other places.

Tips :

• ✅ Use full-service stations at first — staff can run your card manually
• ✅ Don't rely on a single foreign credit card
• ✅ Carry cash as backup
• Consider a WOW PASS prepaid card (works at most kiosks)

🗣️ How much does a full tank cost?

A rough estimate (prices change often):

• Compact car: ~₩60,000–80,000 to fill up
• Mid-size car: ~₩80,000–110,000
• SUV: ~₩100,000–140,000

If you're not sure how much to ask for, ₩50,000 is a safe round number — it's enough for a meaningful refill but not too much for a small car.

🗣️ About WOWPASS

WOWPASS is a prepaid card designed for foreigners.

• ✅ Works as a debit card + transit card in many places
• ⚠️ Some apps, auto-payment, and identity verification still require Korean cards or phone numbers
• Best as a backup card for short-term visitors

For long-term residents, a Korean bank card is still the most practical option.

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Self-service stations

1️⃣ Find a station first

• Before driving
• While driving (use navigation)

[See Using NAVER Maps effectively]

2️⃣ Basic order

1. Park so your fuel cap aligns with the pump
2. Turn off the engine and open the fuel cap
3. Start payment at the screen or kiosk
4. Choose your fuel type
5. Pick up the nozzle and fill up
6. Return the nozzle when done
7. Take your receipt or confirm payment on screen

3️⃣ Kiosk steps (typical)

Press Start (시작하기)

Choose a Payment Method

Select Gasoline or Diesel

Select an Amount

Use the Anti-Static Touch Pad & Put On Gloves

Start Refueling

⚠️ Payment can be made by card or cash.

⚠️ If you select the maximum amount, any unused balance will be refunded after refueling.

⚠️ Before refueling, use the anti-static touch pad, especially during dry winter months.

Things to remember

1. ✅ The most important thing is choosing the right fuel. Double-check before pressing.
2. ✅ Nozzle colors are NOT a reliable guide in Korea — colors don't follow the same rules as your home country. Always read the label.
3. ✅ Many kiosks are Korean-only. Solutions:
   • Use Papago (Naver's translator — best for Korean)
   • Or Google Translate with the camera feature (point your phone at the screen)
   • Or just ask a nearby driver or attendant for help — Koreans are usually happy to assist

🗣 Useful phrases

For most foreigners, full-service is much less stressful than self-service. The price is usually only slightly higher.

🗣️ Self-service feels too hard?

Choose a full-service station(not self-service). Just roll down your window and tell the attendant what you want.

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Driving on the highway?

On highways, the easiest option is to fuel up at a rest area (휴게소 / hyu-gye-so).

• Korean rest areas appear roughly every 25–40 km on most highways
• Most rest areas have a gas station (some don't — check ahead)
• Gas stations at rest areas usually offer the same extra services as regular ones

Bonus: Korean highway rest areas are famous. They have great food, clean restrooms, convenience stores, and sometimes even cafes or pet parks. They're worth a stop, not just for fuel.

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Other services at gas stations

Some gas stations in Korea offer extra services. Some are free, but availability depends on the station.

☑️ Tire air refill

• Many gas stations have an air pump for tires, but not all.
• Check your tire pressure before a long trip.
• The correct pressure is usually shown on a sticker inside the driver’s door frame or in the car manual.

☑️ Hi-Pass top-up & toll payment

• Not all gas stations offer this service.
• Some gas stations, highway rest areas, and convenience stores can top up a Hi-Pass card or help you pay unpaid tolls.

☑️ Windshield washer fluid

• Some gas stations may help refill windshield washer fluid, but this is not common everywhere.

☑️ Car wash

• Many gas stations have a car wash.
• You usually pay for it, but some stations offer a discount or free wash if you spend a certain amount on fuel.

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