Why airports are easier:

• Staff usually speak basic English,sometimes Chinese or Japanese.
• Desks are open early to late, some 24/7.
• Signs and directions are in Korean + English.

Use airport pickup if:

• This is your first time in Korea.
• You arrive with family or large luggage.
• You want the simplest option.

1.2 City branches

Popular areas:

• Seoul (Gangnam, City Hall, Yeouido, etc.)
• Busan, Daegu, Gwangju and other big cities

Good points:

• Often 10–20% cheaper than airport rentals.
• Good if you stay in the city first andrent a car only for a few days later.

Weak points:

• English support can be weaker than at airports.
• You must travel to the branch by subway, bus, or taxi.

Use city pickup if:

• You are comfortable with public transport in Korea.
• You want to save money on rental days.

2. At the Rental Counter: Step by Step

Here is what usually happens at the counter.

You can keep this as a simple checklist.

Step 1 – Show your documents

Hand over:

• Your home-country driver’s license
• Your IDP (International Driving Permit)
• Your passport
• Your credit card (in your name)

Step 2 – Staff checks your details

The staff will:

• Check that your name matches on all documents
• Check that your license and IDP are valid
• Check that your entry stamp is within 1 year
• Check that you meet the age and experience rules

Step 3 – Confirm car and insurance

The staff will show:

• Your car type (model or similar)
• Your insurance level (basic, full CDW, extras)
• Any extra options (child seat, extra driver, etc.)

If something is different from your booking,

ask them to explain why.

Step 4 – Credit card deposit hold

The company will:

• Place a deposit hold on your card(often ₩300,000–₩1,000,000).
• The money is blocked, not taken,and is released after you return the car(often 7–14 days, if there is no damage or fine).

Step 5 – Sign the rental agreement

Before you sign, check:

• Pickup and return dates and times
• Location (airport vs city branch)
• Car type and fuel type
• Insurance type and deductible
• Fuel policy (usually full‑to‑full)

If you do not understand a word,

ask staff to write it in simple English,

or use a translation app.

Step 6 – Get your keys and car location

The staff will:

• Give you the keys (or key card)
• Explain where the car is parked
• Sometimes walk you to the car,sometimes give you a parking spot number

3. Language Tips at the Counter

Even at airports, staff English may be basic.

These tips can help:

3.1 Show, do not only speak

• Show your booking email or app screen.
• Point to your name, dates, and car type.
• Have your documents ready in one place.

3.2 Use simple English sentences

You can show these sentences on your phone:

• “Can you confirm my booking details?”
• “What insurance is included in this price?”
• “What is my deductible if there is damage?”
• “Are there any extra fees I must pay?”
• “Can you write the total amount here?”

Keep sentences short and clear.

Speak slowly and avoid slang.

3.3 Use translation apps

If you feel stuck:

• Use Papago (very good for Korean)or Google Translate.
• Ask the staff to type in Korean,then show the English translation.

If, after translation, you still do not understand:

• Do not sign yet.
• Ask them to explain again, or choose a simpler option.

4. Before You Drive: Car Inspection Checklist

Spend 5–10 minutes checking the car before you leave.

Take your time.

This can save you a lot of money later.

4.1 Exterior (outside)

• Walk around the car slowly.
• Look for scratches, dents, cracks.
• Check front, back, left, right, and roof.
• Take photos of all sides.
• Take close‑up photos of any damage you see.

If the staff is with you,

show them the damage and make sure they note it.

4.2 Interior (inside)

• Check seats, dashboard, and doors.
• Test seat belts for all seats.
• Check air conditioning and heater.
• Test windows, mirrors, and door locks.
• Make sure the lights and wipers work.

4.3 Fuel

• Look at the fuel gauge.
• It should be full if the policy is full‑to‑full.
• Take a photo of the fuel gauge.

If the tank is not full,

tell the staff before you leave.

4.4 Hi‑Pass device

Most cars in Korea have a Hi‑Pass device

(a small box near the windshield).

• Check that it is installed.
• Ask how tolls will be charged(usually to your credit card after return).

4.5 Emergency equipment

Korean law requires:

• Warning triangle
• Fire extinguisher
• Often a spare tire and jack(or a repair kit in some cars)

Ask the staff where these are,

so you know in case of an emergency.

4.6 Short test drive

If possible:

• Drive slowly in the parking lot.
• Test the brakes.
• Check steering and any warning lights.
• Listen for strange sounds.

If something feels wrong,

go back to the counter immediately

and ask for a different car.

5. Fuel Policy and Tolls (Hi‑Pass)

5.1 Fuel policy (usually full‑to‑full)

Most rentals in Korea use full‑to‑full:

• You pick up the car with a full tank.
• You must return it with a full tank.

If you return with less fuel:

• The company will add a refueling fee(often ₩30,000–₩50,000),plus the fuel cost.

To avoid this:

• Fill up at a gas station near the branchbefore you return the car.
• Major brands: GS Caltex, SK Energy, S‑Oil, Hyundai Oilbank.
• Keep the receipt until after return.

5.2 Tolls and Hi‑Pass

On most highways in Korea:

• You do not pay with cash.
• Tolls are charged through Hi‑Pass.

How it works:

• Your car has a Hi‑Pass device on the windshield.
• You drive through lanes with blue Hi‑Pass signs.
• Tolls are recorded and latercharged to your credit card or added to your bill.

Example tolls (one way):

• Seoul → Busan: about ₩30,000–₩40,000
• Seoul → Gangneung: about ₩15,000–₩20,000
• Incheon Airport → Seoul: about ₩5,000–₩8,000

Jeju Island:

There are no toll roads.

You do not pay highway tolls there.

6. Returning the Car

6.1 Before you return

• Refuel to a full tank (take a photo and keep the receipt).
• Remove trash and personal items.
• Check the glove box, trunk, and under seats.
• Take photos of:
  • Exterior (all sides)
  • Fuel gauge
  • Odometer (distance)

These photos are useful

if there is a later question about damage or fuel.

6.2 At the return location

• Park in the return area (follow “Rent-a-car Return” signs).
• Wait for staff to inspect the car.
• Give back the keys and any devices (Hi‑Pass, GPS).
• Ask for a return receipt or confirmation.

6.3 Late return

Every company has its own late fee rules,

but common patterns are:

• Grace period: about 1 hour (no extra charge)
• 1–2 hours late: small fee (around ₩10,000–₩20,000)
• 2–6 hours late: larger fee (around ₩30,000–₩50,000)
• Over 6 hours late: often charged as one extra day

If you know you will be late:

• Call the company before the return time.
• Extending your rental is usually cheaperthan paying late fees.

7. Pickup and Return Checklist

You can use this as a quick checklist on the day.

At the counter

• [ ]  Show license, IDP, passport, credit card
• [ ]  Confirm car type and insurance
• [ ]  Check total price and deposit hold
• [ ]  Check dates, times, and locations
• [ ]  Sign only if you understand the main points

At the car (before driving)

• [ ]  Take photos of outside and inside
• [ ]  Check fuel level and take a photo
• [ ]  Find Hi‑Pass device and emergency tools
• [ ]  Do a short test drive in the parking area
• [ ]  Go back to the counter if anything is wrong

Before return

• [ ]  Fill fuel to full (near the branch)
• [ ]  Remove trash and personal items
• [ ]  Take photos (fuel gauge, odometer, exterior)

At return

• [ ]  Park in the correct return area
• [ ]  Wait for inspection
• [ ]  Return keys and devices
• [ ]  Get return confirmation

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Important note about updates

Rental processes, fees, and policies can change at any time.

This article was written in February 2026.

Before you travel:

• Check the latest rules on your rental company’s website.
• If something feels unclear,ask the staff in English or use a trusted travel agency.