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Car Hire in South Korea: What to Know Before You Drive

Once you have collected your car, use this guide for Korean speed limits, expressway tolls, Hi-Pass, International Driving Permit requirements, parking, Seoul traffic, winter roads and the rules that matter on a trip through South Korea.

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Before you leave the rental car park

South Korea has a modern road network, but driving ranges from congested city expressways to mountain roads, narrow neighbourhood streets and winter conditions. Take a few minutes to understand the vehicle before departure.

  • Confirm the fuel type: check whether the vehicle uses petrol, diesel, LPG, electricity or another fuel.
  • Find the controls: locate the lights, indicators, wipers, hazard lights, demister and parking brake.
  • Check existing damage: make sure visible damage is recorded and consider taking your own photographs.
  • Ask about Hi-Pass: confirm whether the car has a Hi-Pass unit and whether a compatible toll card is supplied.
  • Check your documents: carry your passport, International Driving Permit and national driving licence where required by the provider.
  • Check the navigation system: ask whether an English-language interface is available.
  • Save roadside-assistance details: keep the rental provider's assistance number accessible.

Drive on the right

Traffic drives on the right in South Korea and vehicles normally overtake on the left.

  • Keep right: return to the right after overtaking where appropriate.
  • Visitors used to left-hand traffic: take particular care after turns and when leaving car parks.
  • Urban roads: watch for buses, motorcycles and frequent lane changes.
  • Junctions: follow signals and lane arrows carefully.
  • Pedestrians: take extra care at crossings and when turning through pedestrian routes.

Speed limits in South Korea

Speed limits depend on the road type and any posted restriction.

  • Urban general roads: commonly 50 km/h unless another limit is posted.
  • School zones: commonly 30 km/h.
  • National and other major roads: higher limits apply according to the road and number of lanes.
  • Expressways: signed limits vary by route and road design.

Always follow the displayed road sign rather than relying on a general national figure or navigation application.

School zones require particular care

South Korea has strict child-protection zones around schools and other facilities used by children.

  • The speed limit is commonly 30 km/h.
  • Automated enforcement is widely used.
  • Watch closely for children entering the road unexpectedly.
  • Do not stop or park where restrictions apply.
  • Follow any lower temporary or local restriction shown on the road.

Automated traffic enforcement is common

  • Fixed and mobile cameras can enforce speed limits.
  • Red-light enforcement is also widely used.
  • School-zone offences can attract particularly serious penalties.
  • Do not rely on other drivers' speed as an indication of the legal limit.
  • A traffic fine involving a rental vehicle may later be passed through the rental company.

South Korean expressways charge tolls

South Korea has an extensive expressway network linking Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Daejeon, Gwangju and many other areas.

  • Most expressway journeys require a toll payment.
  • On routes using conventional collection, collect a ticket where required and pay when leaving.
  • General toll lanes allow payment without using Hi-Pass.
  • Hi-Pass lanes allow compatible vehicles to pay electronically.
  • Follow the signs and lane markings as you approach the toll plaza.

Hi-Pass electronic toll collection

Hi-Pass is South Korea's electronic expressway toll-payment system.

  • Ask whether the rental vehicle has a Hi-Pass onboard unit.
  • Confirm whether a Hi-Pass card is supplied with the car.
  • Check how the accumulated toll charges will be settled.
  • Hi-Pass lanes are identified separately from normal payment lanes, commonly using blue guidance markings.
  • Do not deliberately use a Hi-Pass lane if the rental car does not have a working Hi-Pass arrangement.

If you accidentally enter a Hi-Pass lane

Do not stop suddenly or reverse at the toll gate.

  • Continue safely through the toll area.
  • Note the name of the entry toll gate if possible.
  • At the exit, use a normal staffed or payment lane.
  • Explain where you entered the expressway so the toll can be calculated.
  • If necessary, contact the rental company for assistance.

Navigation in South Korea can differ from what visitors are used to in Europe.

  • Many rental cars have built-in Korean navigation.
  • Naver Map provides multilingual navigation features.
  • KakaoMap is another widely used local navigation service.
  • Check the route before moving rather than changing settings in traffic.
  • Road signs should always take priority over navigation guidance.

Driving in Seoul

  • Expect heavy congestion during commuter periods.
  • Major junctions can have many lanes and complex turning arrangements.
  • Move into the correct lane early.
  • Watch for buses entering and leaving dedicated lanes.
  • Public transport may be easier than driving for central sightseeing.

Parking

  • Use marked public or private parking areas.
  • Street parking can be restricted or unavailable in busy areas.
  • Many car parks use automated entry and payment systems.
  • Reverse parking is very common.
  • Most modern rental cars have reversing sensors or cameras.

Watch bus-lane restrictions

Seoul and other major cities use dedicated bus lanes to improve public-transport flow.

  • Do not enter a restricted bus lane unless your vehicle is permitted to use it.
  • Some restrictions apply only at particular times.
  • Expressways can also have designated bus lanes.
  • Follow the lane signs and road markings carefully.

Give pedestrians priority where required

  • Approach pedestrian crossings at a speed that allows you to stop.
  • Stop where pedestrians are crossing or have priority.
  • Check for pedestrians when turning at junctions.
  • Watch for cyclists and electric mobility devices in urban areas.

Mountain roads require extra care

Much of South Korea is mountainous, and regional journeys can include steep or winding sections.

  • Reduce speed before blind bends.
  • Use an appropriate gear on long descents.
  • Be prepared for fog at higher elevations.
  • Check weather conditions before winter mountain journeys.
  • Do not rely solely on navigation software if a road is closed.

Winter driving

Snow and ice can affect Seoul, inland provinces and mountain areas during winter.

  • Ask the rental company whether winter tyres are fitted when conditions are likely to require them.
  • Roads can become icy even when snowfall is light.
  • Increase braking distance substantially.
  • Reduce speed before bridges and shaded bends.
  • Temporary restrictions can apply during severe snow.

Monsoon rain and typhoons can disrupt travel

South Korea can experience intense summer rainfall and tropical storms.

  • Heavy rainfall can cause flooding.
  • Mountain roads can be affected by landslides.
  • Reduce speed and increase following distance.
  • Do not drive through deep or fast-moving flood water.
  • Follow emergency alerts and road-closure instructions.

Fuel and charging

  • Confirm whether the rental car uses petrol, diesel, LPG or electricity.
  • South Korea has an extensive network of fuel stations.
  • Electric charging infrastructure is also widespread.
  • Ask the rental company how charging cards or apps work if hiring an electric vehicle.
  • Follow the return fuel or battery policy in the rental agreement.

Drink-driving is strictly enforced

South Korea has strict alcohol-driving laws and roadside enforcement.

  • Do not use a legal alcohol threshold as a drinking target.
  • Penalties increase according to the alcohol level and circumstances.
  • Refusing an alcohol test can itself have serious consequences.
  • Alcohol consumed the night before can remain in the body the next morning.
  • The simplest approach with a rental car is zero alcohol before driving.

Mobile phones and distractions

  • Do not hold or operate a mobile phone while driving.
  • Set navigation before moving.
  • Mount the device securely if it is being used for directions.
  • Stop somewhere legal and safe if you need to make substantial route changes.

Seat belts and child restraints

  • Seat belts should be used in all fitted seating positions.
  • Children must use an appropriate restraint where required.
  • Arrange a suitable child seat when booking the rental vehicle.
  • Check that the restraint is correctly fitted before departure.

Visitors generally need an International Driving Permit

For short-term visitors renting a car, a valid International Driving Permit is normally required unless the driver holds a Korean licence.

  • The IDP must be issued in the same country as your national driving licence.
  • Korea recognises IDPs issued under the Geneva or Vienna conventions.
  • The IDP can generally be used for up to one year after entry, provided the permit itself remains valid.
  • Carry your passport.
  • Rental providers may also require the original national driving licence.
  • An "International Driving Licence" sold by a private company is not the same as an official International Driving Permit.

Irish licence holders should obtain an IDP before travel

An Irish driving licence alone should not be relied on for renting a car in South Korea.

  • Obtain an International Driving Permit before travelling.
  • Carry your current full Irish driving licence as well.
  • Carry your passport.
  • Make sure the name on the IDP matches the passport.
  • Check the rental company's age and licence-holding requirements before booking.

Jeju is particularly well suited to car hire

Jeju Island is one of South Korea's most popular self-drive destinations.

  • Attractions are spread around the island rather than concentrated in one city.
  • Roads are generally straightforward, but traffic can build around Jeju City and popular attractions.
  • Allow extra time when returning the vehicle near the airport.
  • Check the fuel-return policy before leaving the rental branch.
  • Coastal weather can change quickly.

South Korean trips where a hire car can be particularly useful

Jeju Island

A car offers flexibility for beaches, volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, hiking areas and attractions spread around the island.

Gangwon Province

Driving can make it easier to combine mountain areas, national parks, ski resorts and east-coast destinations.

Southern coast

A rental car gives flexibility for coastal towns, islands, viewpoints and destinations between Busan and the southwest.

Gyeongju and the southeast

Driving makes it easier to combine historic sites with destinations outside the central urban areas.

Rural Korea

A car can be useful for mountain valleys, smaller towns and countryside destinations where public transport is less frequent.

If you are involved in an accident

  • Stop safely and switch on the hazard warning lights.
  • Check whether anyone needs medical assistance.
  • Call 112 for police where necessary.
  • Call 119 for ambulance or fire assistance.
  • Contact the rental provider promptly.
  • Record relevant driver, vehicle and insurance information.
  • Photograph the scene where it is safe to do so.

Emergency numbers in South Korea

  • Police: 112
  • Fire and ambulance: 119
  • Korea Travel Hotline: 1330

Emergency services can arrange interpretation support. For an ordinary rental-car breakdown, use the roadside-assistance service specified in the rental agreement.

Before returning the hire car

  • Confirm the exact branch or airport return location.
  • Refuel or recharge according to the rental agreement.
  • Keep the final fuel receipt if required.
  • Allow extra time for congestion around Seoul, Busan and Jeju Airport.
  • Confirm how outstanding Hi-Pass toll charges will be settled.
  • Return any Hi-Pass card supplied by the rental company.
  • Remove personal belongings and check the glovebox, door pockets and luggage area.
  • Consider photographing the vehicle, mileage and fuel or battery level at return.
  • Keep the rental paperwork until the deposit or card pre-authorisation has been released.

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Frequently asked questions about driving a hire car in South Korea

Which side of the road do you drive on in South Korea?

Traffic drives on the right and vehicles normally overtake on the left.

What are the speed limits in South Korea?

Limits depend on the road. Urban general roads are commonly limited to 50 km/h unless otherwise signed, while school zones commonly use 30 km/h. National roads and expressways use higher limits according to the road and posted signs.

Are South Korean expressways tolled?

Yes. Expressways generally charge tolls. Payment can be made in a general toll lane or electronically with Hi-Pass where the rental car has the correct equipment and card.

What is Hi-Pass?

Hi-Pass is South Korea's electronic expressway toll-payment system. A compatible device and card allow the car to pass through designated toll lanes without stopping.

Can I drive in South Korea with an Irish driving licence?

Do not rely on the Irish licence alone. Visitors renting a car generally need a valid International Driving Permit issued in the same country as the national licence. Carry the Irish licence and passport as well.

What emergency numbers should I use in South Korea?

Call 112 for police and 119 for fire or ambulance emergencies. The Korea Travel Hotline is available on 1330.

Official and reliable driving information for South Korea

Speed limits, expressway arrangements and rental requirements can change. The links below were checked when this page was reviewed.

Last reviewed: 28 September 2026.