Which countries can convert a licence without sitting the written test, which cannot, and the IDP rules that get people turned away at the counter.
Korea has mutual recognition agreements with more than 30 countries. Holders from around 20 of those can exchange their licence without taking the written test — only the aptitude test is required. Other agreement countries can exchange but must pass the written test. If you are visiting short term, an International Driving Permit issued under the 1949 Geneva or 1968 Vienna Convention is valid for one year from issuance.
| Option | Best for | Validity | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licence exchange | Long-term residents with an ARC | 10 years, Korean licence | Valid foreign licence plus verified documents |
| International Driving Permit | Short-term visitors | 1 year from issuance | IDP, original licence and passport carried together |
Swipe the table sideways to see every column.
The short version. Exchange gives you a Korean licence valid for ten years. An IDP only lets you drive temporarily without converting anything. If you are staying long term, exchange — or take the Korean test — rather than renewing an IDP.
Mutual recognition agreement countries. Holders can exchange after the aptitude test alone — no written exam.
Documents are the bottleneck, not eligibility. Even exempted applicants need proper verification — embassy confirmation or an Apostille, often issued within the past year. This is the single most common source of delay.
These countries can exchange, but holders must pass the Korean written test in addition to the aptitude test.
The written test is offered in several languages at most testing centres, including English, Chinese and Vietnamese.
Six days of training at our Anyang campus, with the theory class and written exam in English.
Korea accepts permits issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention and the 1968 Vienna Convention, normally through a national automobile association.
Fake permits. Online "international driving licence" sellers are frequently scams. Obtain your permit only from your country's official automobile association or government authority — a fake is invalid and illegal in Korea.
What Saturday's three hours cover, if you end up taking the Korean test route.
Exchange without the written test. The US Embassy in Seoul requires a certified copy of your state licence, and an Apostille issued within the past year may be needed. Some states require extra verification. IDPs from AAA are valid.
A full UK driving licence is accepted for exchange without the written test. Embassy confirmation may be requested. IDPs from the Post Office or the AA are valid.
Strong mutual recognition between Korea and Japan. A translation of the Japanese licence may be required. IDPs from JAF are valid.
Exchange is possible but the Korean written test must be passed; it is available in Chinese. Licence verification from the Chinese authorities is required. China is not party to the Geneva or Vienna conventions, so a Chinese licence alone is not valid for driving in Korea.
Exchange is possible with the Korean written test, available in Vietnamese. Embassy verification may be needed. Vietnam joined the Vienna Convention in 2014, so a Vietnamese IDP is valid in Korea.
Not on either list? You can still take a new Korean licence through the full route — written test, course test and road test. That is exactly what our English programme is built for.
Unedited reviews, pulled live from our Google Business Profile.
Countries with a mutual recognition agreement with Korea are exempt. Agreements change, so confirm with your Korean embassy or the Korea Road Traffic Authority before relying on the list.
No. An International Driving Permit is for temporary visitors. Once you hold an Alien Registration Card you are a resident and should exchange your licence or take the Korean test. Continuous IDP use by residents can be treated as illegal.
You may still be able to exchange with a written test, or you can take a new Korean licence through the full route of written test, course test and road test.
No. Korea requires an International Driving Permit. Documents sold online as an International Driving Licence are frequently unofficial and are not valid in Korea.
Probably not. An IDP is invalid if the name or signature differs from your passport. Get a corrected permit issued before travelling.
No. You need either a Korean licence obtained by exchange or testing, or a valid IDP carried together with your original licence.
Tell us your licence type and visa status. We reply in English, usually the same day, with the next available Saturday, your total cost and exactly what to bring.
We'll reply in English with the total cost, the next start date and what to bring.
