1. Mandatory Legal Requirements for Renting a Car
To rent and drive a passenger car in South Korea as a foreign national:
- Valid Passport.
- Original International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention (strictly required; Vienna Convention permits or local foreign licenses are not accepted).
- Physical Credit Card under the primary driver's legal name.
- Minimum age requirement is typically 21 years old with at least 1 year of licensed driving experience.
2. Major Car Rental Agencies
Reputable nationwide chains with English booking portals and airport counters (Incheon, Gimpo, Jeju):
- Lotte Rent-a-Car (lotterentacar.net)
- SK Rent-a-Car (homepage.skcarrental.com)
3. Highway Tolls & Hi-Pass System
Korean expressways utilize the Hi-Pass electronic toll collection system:
- Rental cars are equipped with a Hi-Pass dashboard transponder unit.
- When passing through highway toll plazas, drive smoothly through the Blue-lined Hi-Pass lanes at the posted advisory speed (30-50 km/h) without stopping. The rental agency will automatically calculate and charge toll fees to your credit card upon vehicle return.
4. Traffic Laws & Speed Cameras
- Drive on the RIGHT side of the road.
- Speed enforcement is 100% automated via overhead speed camera gantries paired with section control sensors. Always keep your English NAVER Map or rental GPS active, as it chimes warnings 500 meters before any camera.