So, you’re thinking about driving in Korea. While traveling within cities like Seoul or Busan usually doesn’t require you to drive – the public transport system is usually efficient enough to get you to most places quickly – those who are looking for alternative ways to explore the country should definitely consider driving.
As well as letting you discover wonderful new cities off the beaten track, far from the usual tourist attractions, it also gives you the freedom to move around places you never thought you’d be, thanks in part to the shorter travel times And the greater convenience of lugging luggage from one place to another.
We recently took a week-long road trip in South Korea, and to help first-timers fully prepare for their road adventure, we’ve put together this guide with everything you need to know.
What you need to rent a car and how to rent a car
As a tourist, you will most likely rent a car for your road trip (more on that later). Even so, there are certain requirements you must check before entering.
- You must obtain an international driver’s license. Apply online or at the office – we prefer to apply in person as queues are short during off-peak times and you can do it the same day. It costs S$20 and is valid for one year from the date of issue.
- A valid local driver’s license.
- You must be at least 21 years old and have held a local driver’s license for one year. Drivers under the age of 25 may be subject to a surcharge.
- Passport for identification.
- A credit card in the driver’s name.
Rent a car in South Korea
Now, move on to renting a car. Some form of travel planning is important, no matter how free-spirited your itinerary will be. It’s especially important that you can reserve a car online in advance so you can be sure there’s one waiting for you – cars tend to run out during the holidays in popular areas like Jeju.
English-language navigation systems are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you haven’t, don’t worry. Just plug your phone into your car while using the Naver Maps app, and you’re good to go. It’s a must-have app when you’re there, as Google Maps doesn’t work as well as Naver Maps in Korea.
Collision Damage Waiver (aka car rental insurance) has different coverage options available, but trust us when we say you’re going to get comprehensive coverage. We have experienced firsthand how useful this is when driving abroad and it really takes the stress out of driving in case of potential damage.
Most booking sites are in English and include a very comprehensive FAQ section on their site in case you need it.
driving on the road
Unlike Singapore, where the driver sits on the left side of the car, this means you have to mirror everything you know about driving on the right: your controls are (usually) switched and the fastest lane on the right is now the far left lane. If you are not an experienced driver, we recommend that you exercise caution and pause when weaving in and out of lanes, speeding and rear-ending.
Right turns on red lights are usually permitted, but only if no traffic is coming from the left and no pedestrians are crossing the road. If you see a sign with an arrow pointing right and a cross offsetting it, you should not turn.
Cars here will usually give way once you signal at the light, so make sure to get in the habit of signaling if you haven’t already.
through the toll booth
Going through toll booths is something you might not be used to, especially since the drive from Jurong to Pasir Ris required us to do nothing but sit behind the wheel.
To drive in South Korea, you need to go through toll booths. There are two types of toll booths. Express lanes and normal lanes. Express lanes are reserved for local cars and drivers with Hi-Pass devices and Hi-Pass cards – your rental car is unlikely to have both, so avoid these lanes.
Instead, look out for signs that say 현금, which translates to cash in English. If you come across a toll booth with a red cross under the sign, just go to another 현금 toll booth indicated by a green arrow at the bottom. If you can’t tell the gate apart or can’t find the 현금 sign, don’t feel stressed—Hi-Pass lanes have electronic arches looming over them, with clear blue lines drawn on the road ahead of you approaching, so be careful to avoid them.
What if I don’t pay at the toll booth, or forget to pick up the ticket at the previous toll booth? What if you find yourself accidentally crossing a Hi-Pass lane and the alarm goes off? Don’t panic; there won’t be a police car coming after you, and you won’t get caught, so keep going – it’s a freeway after all.
All you have to do is simply tell the booth lady Next Toll booth which door you accidentally pass, she will let you pay there without additional fines. Your navigation system will also let you know how much you should pay depending on your route, so just have your money ready in advance and go.
How to Pump Oil at a Gas Station
How much is gasoline in South Korea? We spent an average of about KRW 30,000-35,000 (S$30-S$35) to fill up a half tank of a Hyundai Avante at regular gas stations and rest stop stations. Prices vary slightly by supplier, but are generally around this price (accurate as of this writing).
Now, keep going. Since most sites are unattended (safe for someone sitting next to you in an office), you’ll have to do most of the legwork yourself. Thankfully, it’s easy. There are only two pumps to choose from: petrol and diesel.
After selecting Gasoline (휘발유) on the screen, it will ask you to select the amount you want to add before asking for payment. If you want to fill up, be prepared to pay at least KRW60,000 (SGD60). They also refund the difference when you’re done if your tank doesn’t need that much.
If you want to pay by cash, please choose 현금, if you want to pay by card, please choose 신용카드.
