🇰🇷 Do you need an IDP to drive in South Korea?

Yes — to drive in South Korea you generally need an International Driving Permit (IDP), carried together with your original national driving licence. South Korea recognises IDPs issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention, so yours must come from your own country's authorised issuer under that convention. A certified translation of your licence smooths rental-desk and police checks, but it does not replace the IDP where one is required. South Korea requires a 1949-convention IDP for tourist driving. Some licenses (e.g. UK) have bilateral recognition — check before travel.

A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in South Korea read your licence, but where South Korea requires an IDP it must be one issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. Always carry your original national licence with it.

Korean rental companies require the physical IDP plus passport and home license.

South Korea recognises IDPs issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. Make sure your IDP is issued by your own country's authorised issuer under the matching convention.

Because South Korea follows the 1949 Geneva Convention, an IDP is valid for one year from its date of issue. The permit is only valid alongside your original national licence, and it cannot be renewed — you apply for a new one from your home country's authorised issuer when it lapses.

Visitors generally need to be at least 18 to drive in South Korea; car-rental companies often set a higher minimum age and add a young-driver surcharge. Always confirm the age terms with your specific rental provider.