Use a navigation app

The easiest way: Naver Map, Kakao Navi, or TMAP.

Two ways to search:

• Tap the gas station icon on the map
• Search directly: 주유소 (ju-yu-so), LPG, or gas station

You can also see gas stations along your route while driving.

[See our navigation app guide]

What you can check

• Distance
• Price 👉 Korea has no fixed gas price — every station sets its own. Don't be surprised if the same fuel costs different amounts at different stations.
• Self-service or full-service
• Extra services: car wash, 24/7, repair shop, etc.

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)

[See our WOW PASS guide]

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.

Self-service stations

Find a station first

• Before leaving, OR
• While driving (use navigation)

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

Kiosk steps (typical)

1. Start (시작 / si-jak)

2. Choose payment: credit card or cash

3. Choose fuel type: 휘발유 (Gasoline) / 경유 (Diesel)

4. Set the amount you want to pay  
⚠️ If you fuel less than your prepaid amount, the difference is refunded to your card.

5. Start fueling — pick the correct nozzle ⚠️

6. Done — take your card and receipt

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.

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.