1️⃣ License Exchange

• ✅ You already have a valid home-country driver's license
• ✅ Your home-country driver's license can be exchanged in Korea

⚠️ Temporary, learner, provisional, and expired licenses cannot be exchanged.

2️⃣ Through Testing

• ✅ You do not have a driver's license
• ✅ Your home-country driver's license is not eligible for exchange in Korea
• ✅ Your home-country driver's license has expired

If your foreign license cannot be exchanged, you may need to obtain a Korean driver's license through the standard testing process.

⚠️ Short-term visitors are generally not eligible for this process.

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‍License Exchange

Depending on your country, you may not need to take the written test.

👉 Check the country list at the bottom of this guide.

🗣️ Requirements

• ✅ Original home-country driver's license (full license)
• ✅ Original passport and proof of your entry and exit history
• ✅ Original ARC (Alien Registration Card) or Korean Resident Registration Card‍
• ✅ Apostille certificate or embassy confirmation letter (to verify your driver's license)
• ✅ Entry and Exit Record Certificate (from your birth year to the present)
• ✅ Three photos (3.5 cm × 4.5 cm), taken within the last 6 months

⚠️ Expired licenses cannot be exchanged.

⚠️ Requirements for U.S. military personnel stationed in Korea may differ. Please refer to the official KoROAD website.

🗣️ Can You Get an Easier License Exchange?

Depending on the country that issued your home-country driver's license, you may be able to exchange your license without taking a written test.

Standard Exchange Countries

• 1️⃣ Physical Examination → 2️⃣ Written Test → ✔️ License Exchange

Easier Exchange Countries

• 1️⃣ Physical Examination → ✔️ License Exchange

👉 Check the country list at the bottom of this guide.

⚠️ Foreign driver's license exchange processing can take longer than expected. Arriving before 5:00 PM is recommended, or before 4:00 PM if a written test is required.

🗣️ Fees

• Physical Examination Fee: KRW 6,000 (most license types)
• Written Test Fee: KRW 10,000 (if required)
• Driver's License Fee: KRW 10,000 (physical card)

⚠️ Physical Examination Fee for Class 1 Large and Special Licenses: KRW 7,000

⚠️ Optional Mobile Driver's License: KRW 15,000

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Getting a Korean Driver's License Through Testing

If your license cannot be exchanged, you must pass the Korean driver's license tests.

The process consists of several steps from education to the final road test.

🗣️ Basic Requirements

• ✅ Valid ARC (Alien Registration Card) or Korean Resident Registration Card
• ✅ Valid passport

⚠️ Expired documents are not accepted.

⚠️ Required documents may vary by test stage. Check the official KoROAD website for details.

🗣️ Test Process :

• 1️⃣ Traffic Safety Education
• 2️⃣ Physical Examination
• 3️⃣ Written Test
• 4️⃣ Practical Test
• ✔️ Learner's Permit
• 5️⃣ On-Road Test
• ✔️ Driver's License

⚠️ The process described above is the official testing process conducted at driver's license examination centers, not driving schools.

⚠️ Driving lessons are not included. If you need driving training, you must arrange lessons separately through a driving school or private instructor.

🗣️ Where Can I Take the Tests?

Driver's license tests are administered by KoROAD Driver's License Examination Centers throughout Korea.

👉 Visit the official KoROAD website to find your nearest test center.

🗣️ Language Support

You can take the Korean driver's license tests at any official driver's license examination center in Korea.

• Written Test: Korean, English, Chinese, or Vietnamese
• Practical Test: Korean or English audio instructions
• On-Road Test: Korean or English audio instructions

🗣️ Fees

• Physical Examination Fee: KRW 6,000 (most license types)
• Written Test Fee: KRW 10,000 (if required)
• Practical Test Fee: KRW 25,000
• Learner's Permit Fee: KRW 4,000
• On-Road Test Fee: KRW 30,000
• Driver's License Fee: KRW 10,000 (physical card)

⚠️ Physical Examination Fee for Class 1 Large and Special Licenses: KRW 7,000

⚠️ Optional Mobile Driver's License: KRW 15,000

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License Exchange Countries — No Written or Practical Tests Required

Drivers from the countries and regions below may be eligible to exchange their driver's license without taking Korean written or practical driving tests.

⚠️ Some countries and regions are only partially recognized. Always verify the latest requirements before applying.

The Mutual Recognition Countries List

Source: Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, effective Apr. 6, 2026.

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