How do I exchange my foreign driver's license for a Korean license?

You can exchange a foreign driver's license for a Korean license at a Korea Road Traffic Authority (한국도로교통공단) driver's license testing center. The steps are document review → medical (aptitude) test → written test (if needed). You cannot drive in Korea with only a foreign license. If your license is from a country that Korea recognizes, you do not have to take the written test.

Prepare these documents (for foreigners)

• Original foreign driver's license: Only a valid, full license is accepted. Temporary, learner's, and permit licenses are not accepted.
• Original passport: It must show your entry and exit records from departure to arrival.
• Original Alien Registration Card
• 3 color passport photos: Taken within the last 6 months, 3.5cm×4.5cm
• Embassy confirmation letter or Apostille: This document proves your license is genuine. It must be issued within 1 year of your application date, and it must be in Korean or English.
• Certificate of Entry and Exit Records (출입국사실증명서): It must cover your records from your birth year to today. You can get it at an immigration office (출입국관리사무소) or Government24 (정부24).
• If your country's license is not recognized: written test fee of 10,000 KRW

Steps

1. Gather the documents above and go to a nearby driver's license testing center.
2. Have your documents reviewed. They may ask you to submit more documents if something is missing.
3. Take the medical test (aptitude test).
4. Take the written test if your country is not a recognized country. If it is a recognized country, you are exempt.
5. Pay the fee and receive your license. A regular license costs 10,000 KRW. A mobile license costs 15,000 KRW.

⚠️ Things to watch out for

• Your Certificate of Entry and Exit Records and passport must show that you stayed more than 90 days in the country that issued your license. If this cannot be confirmed, you cannot exchange your license.
• Your application may be rejected if your Apostille or confirmation letter has marks from a staple that was removed. Do not separate the pages.
• The exchange takes a long time. Apply by 17:00, which is 1 hour before closing. If you need to take the written test, arrive before 16:00.
• Required documents and written test exemptions differ by country. First check whether your country is a recognized country.
• A-3 US Forces Korea personnel have separate document requirements.

Check whether your country's license is recognized at the Road Traffic Authority's Safe Driving Integrated Civil Service (safedriving.or.kr). Before you visit, call the Customer Support Center at 1577-1120 to double-check your documents.